Amnesty International Philippines is one with every Filipino whose rights, dignity, and future have been undermined by corruption and impunity that has long been plaguing the country for multiple administrations now. But the level of corruption and patronage that the nation blatantly experienced during Marcos Sr.’s dictatorship has been at an all-time high again under former President Duterte and the current Marcos Jr. administration.
Responding to reports of the PNP’s violent dispersal of protesters during the anti-corruption rally in Manila on 21 September, Amnesty International Philippines Acting Director Jepie Papa said:
Today, Filipinos once again commemorate a dark time in Philippine history in honor of rights defenders and their families who endured repression, corruption, and grave human rights abuses under Marcos’ Martial Law. Their sacrifices remind us of the high cost of speaking up and standing strong against injustices of an authoritarian regime, and how the power of collective action spurs resistance towards freedom where no one gets left behind.
Bae Theresa’s Kwentong Tibak, learn the struggles of the Manobo Pulangiyon Tribe and the case of MP1490 Bukidnon.
28 June 2025
Amnesty International agrees with the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur who has called for the Philippine Government to “embark on more significant legal, policy and institutional changes to demonstrate its commitment to freedom of expression”.
This report is the result of the collective work of young Filipino human rights defenders.
Responding to the news on Frenchie Mae Cumpio’s day in court to testify on charges filed against her in 2021 under anti-terrorism legislations, Mia Tonogbanua, Board Vice-Chairperson of Amnesty International Philippines said:
Dalawang taon mula nang unang nakipag-ugnayan ang Manobo-Pulangiyon sa Amnesty International Philippines para sa kanilang pakikibaka laban sa isang malaking korporasyon ng pinya na siyang nanghimasok sa kanilang Lupaing Ninuno, at matapos ang pagtitiis sa loob ng mahigit tatlong dekada ang 1,490 pamilyang nawalan ng maayos na tahanan at kabuhayan, napag-desisyunan ng tribong bawiin na ang nararapat na sa kanila.
Philippines authorities are increasingly using Facebook in red-tagging campaigns targeting young activists, including those who investigate alleged human rights violations by the military, police and other government agencies, Amnesty International said today in a new report.
Student and youth activists are at the frontline of political and social change, gaining wins on the streets, in schools and in legislatures towards a society that respects, protects, and upholds human rights. But in recent years, young human rights defenders in the Philippines have come under intensified attacks in a coordinated state-led campaign of harassment and intimidation.
Listen to Issa’s Kwentong Tibak.