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Filipino-American activists here denounced ongoing attempts to change the Philippine Constitution as this may result in increased US military presence in the Philippines and worsen the geopolitical tension in the West Philippine Sea.
"We have a lot of platforms where we can show our defiance and our strength. The moment women chose to take the path of armed struggle, they already defied the macho-feudal imperialist system that says that only men can topple the system or become part of the revolutionary army."
“Children failed to fully realize their rights because they also bear the brunt of economic problems faced by their parents — low wages, contractualization, joblessness."
In the first six months of the Marcos Jr administration, the Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center documented 12 children killed. In 2023, 20 children died in Caloocan and Manila alone.
“Things are no better under the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. government.”
Kalikasan People’s Network for Environment said that the Marcos Jr administration still allows massive projects like Kaliwa-Kanan-Laiban Dam, Wawa Dam, Ahunan Hydropower project, Jalaur Mega-Dam, Saltan Dam, and the Pasig River Expressway, all of which endanger the affected communities.
“The amendments are unnecessary, not urgent, and could worsen the situation of the Filipino people. The process is also alarming since adding the provision ‘unless provided by law’ gives Congress the power to revise or even reverse the constitutional provisions through ordinary legislation."
Human rights group Karapatan, said there are at least 91 individuals who have been charged with violations of the ATA and Republic Act No. 10168 or the law on the prevention and suppression of terrorist financing. There are also at least 27 political prisoners charged under both laws.
Human rights group Karapatan urged the governments of Germany and the Czech Republic to raise concerns on the “dire lack of accountability and the continuing killings in the Philippines” as Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is on a state visit in the said countries.
"Such frivolous yet retaliatory charges pursued by government counsels also show how public funds are being wastefully utilized to go after those who defend and uphold human rights.”
At least 12 men, all with guns and wearing bonnets, forced their way inside the gates during the demolition. One of the men pointed a gun at Rowena “Weng” Quejada and told her to stop taking videos. The armed men proceeded to forcibly take her cellphone and bag, including all her IDs and her wallet which contained cash.
Clarkhills Properties started its forced demolition in 2023. About 2,000 individuals live in the 73 hectares of land that the corporation is trying to seize.
For Medy De Jesus, 74, a martial law survivor and member of human rights group Hustisya, the impending charter change could bring back another dictatorship and more human rights violations.
According to Migrante-Netherlands, Marikit Saturay was not allowed to talk to her lawyers and her relatives. A uniformed agent was also assigned to guard her during the entire detention period.
“The mining law liberalized the Philippine mining industry to bolster the country's economic growth. However, nearly three decades after, mountains have been flattened, rivers have become lifeless, and the well-being of the people has been severely affected."
On International Women’s Day, journalists have called for the release of detained community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio.
“There is no one to blame for the highest inflation rate but Marcos."
"Fishers also bear the brunt of the El Niño phenomenon. During drought, fish usually swim deeper than usual to seek cooler temperatures, making fishing more difficult and costly as we have to spend extra time and fuel."
Environmental group Kalikasan filed a complaint to United Nations Special Rapporteur on Environment Defenders Michel Forst which stemmed from the consecutive attacks against Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano.
“We are here today to urge and call upon President Marcos Jr.’s administration and the law enforcement agency to act upon this crucial piece of information and to immediately arrest the mastermind on Ortega’s murder. It’s time to say enough is enough."
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