Overview of Human Rights in the Philippines
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the human rights situation in the Philippines has slightly improved, though challenges remain. Although the notorious “drug war” killings are less frequent, they persist with little accountability. The Marcos administration continues to resist the International Criminal Court’s inquiries into potential crimes against humanity, despite claims of prioritizing human rights.
Extrajudicial Killings Persist
Extrajudicial killings, particularly during police drug raids, continue unabated. From January to mid-November 2024, Dahas reported 332 killings, with security forces involved in over half. Since Marcos’s inauguration, 841 people have been killed in drug-related incidents. With upcoming elections, political violence against local leaders has escalated as past administrations’ ties to these killings are investigated.
Enforced Disappearances
Karapatan reported 14 instances of enforced disappearances since Marcos took office, with four occurring in 2024 alone. Notably, James Jimenez and Felix Salaveria Jr. were abducted in August. Victims are often activists advocating for land and environmental rights. Despite a 2012 anti-disappearance law, the Philippine government lacks enforcement and funding.
The Threat of Red-Tagging
Red-tagging—the act of labeling individuals as communists—remains a pressing issue in the Philippines, impacting freedom of expression and association. This tactic, often implemented by government officials, escalates intimidation and can lead to violence. The National Task Force on Ending the Local Armed Conflict has been pivotal in this practice, with critics now encompassing a wider array of activists and leaders across various sectors.
Attacks on Journalists and Expression
The Philippines remains perilous for journalists, evidenced by ongoing attacks and murders. Notable cases include the surrender of former governor Joel Reyes regarding the 2011 killing of a journalist and the conviction of gunmen in other murders. In contrast, Nobel laureate Maria Ressa seeks justice, having recently been cleared of tax evasion accusations linked to past administrations.
Political Persecution of Critics
Former Senator Leila de Lima, a prominent critic of Duterte’s drug war, was released on bail after nearly seven years in detention. Nonetheless, politically motivated arrests continue, including recent convictions of leftist legislators accused of child abuse for aiding Indigenous children. Activists face severe charges, often without fair trials, highlighting ongoing repression.
Accountability for Human Rights Violations
Accountability for the drug war killings is minimal, with only a handful of police convictions. The ongoing ICC investigation highlights the government’s noncompliance. Although the United Nations Program on Human Rights concluded, criticisms arose regarding the lack of accountability for rights abuses, prompting Congress to begin hearings on extrajudicial killings.
Reforming Drug Policy
In a recent government summit, officials and activists discussed necessary reforms to drug policy. While President Marcos announced a “paradigm shift,” it remains unclear how systemic changes will materialize. The ongoing discussions indicate an awareness of the dire need for reform stemming from the brutal anti-drug campaign.
Legislation Challenges
Progress on civil rights legislation has stalled. Congress has yet to pass laws banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or establish civil partnerships. However, a bill to legalize divorce gained traction in May, hinting at potential advancements in recognizing diverse family structures in the future.
Under President Marcos Jr., human rights in the Philippines show slight improvement but face significant issues. Key concerns include ongoing extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and red-tagging of critics. Notable political convictions reflect ongoing repression, while recent reforms hint at possible changes in drug policy and civil rights. Accountability for past abuses remains lacking.
The human rights landscape in the Philippines under President Marcos Jr. is fraught with challenges, despite claims of improvement. Key issues such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and political repression continue to occur, drawing attention from international bodies and civil rights groups. Efforts to hold perpetrators accountable remain inadequate, and while discussions around reform are underway, systematic changes still face significant hurdles.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
