In a concerning trend, Philippine authorities are levelling unfounded terrorism-financing charges against civil society organisations and activists. This tactic appears aimed at hastily removing the nation from the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘grey list’, which subjects countries to heightened scrutiny regarding financial crimes. Following a FATF visit in January 2025, which assessed the Philippines’ progress, the government intensified pressure on groups labelled as threats to justify its actions and court favour from international monitors.
The surge in terrorism financing cases has been characterised by flimsy evidence, often dismissed by courts, raising alarms among human rights advocates. Critics assert that these prosecutions target individuals associated with the Communist Party and various civil society initiatives rather than real threats, which undermines legitimate activism and rights. This misuse of legal mechanisms for political purposes has been a long-standing issue, with successive administrations employing ‘red-tagging’ to mark dissenters.
With a backdrop of historical repression, the Philippine government’s strategy seems focused on meeting FATF’s criteria without genuinely addressing the underlying issues of terrorism financing. Recent reports underscore that many of these charges stem from weak testimonies, adding a chilling atmosphere for civic engagement. The government’s emphasis on curbing terrorism financing has overshadowed the essential rights of individuals, leading to increased harassment of those in socially relevant roles.
International bodies like the FATF and member nations must ensure that measures aimed at curbing terrorism financing do not unfairly target the civil sector. Recommendations highlight the necessity of engaging with nonprofits to understand legitimate risks instead of imposing disproportionate measures that disrupt society. As the landscape shifts, activists stress the need for a fair legal environment that upholds human rights amidst the imperative of fighting against real threats.
Philippine authorities are filing dubious terrorism-financing charges against activists and NGOs to escape FATF scrutiny. This has caused significant disruption to civil society and raised alarms over human rights violations. International bodies must ensure that these anti-terrorism measures do not unfairly target legitimate organizations, preserving fundamental rights while addressing real threats.
Philippine authorities face scrutiny for allegedly utilising terrorism-financing charges as a means of silencing activists and civil groups while attempting to appease the FATF for eventual removal from its grey list. The trend highlights a dangerous intersection between national security and civil liberties, where the fight against terror seems to eclipse the rights of individuals and organisations. In navigating these waters, it’s vital for international entities to monitor actions taken against civil society and to uphold the principles of human rights in all contexts.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
