“Some detention centers have clinics but have no doctors. There are only two to three doctors for the thousands of PDLs [persons deprived of liberty] in the whole capital.” By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com MANILA – While human rights lawyers and relatives of political prisoners welcomed the recent Supreme Court’s (SC) circular ordering…
“There were also no anti-government products in the food packs. There is no such thing as anti-government vegetables, anti-government condiments, or anti-government soap.”
“More and more Filipino families will be pushed into deeper poverty under the COVID-19 lockdown if government does not speed up and significantly expand socioeconomic relief and response to reach all those needing assistance.” By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com MANILA – It has been a month since Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine…
“We plead for you to spare him from a truly life-threatening possibility of a coronavirus outbreak behind bars. We appeal that your decision be on the side of just compassion.”
That is why the work of defending human rights must never flag as this crisis develops. While our programming is naturally affected by necessary constraints on travel and physical meetings, human rights work is never done in isolation. It is rooted in personal connections based on mutual understanding, respect, and trust. We will continue to find ways to nurture the connections and solidarity this work requires.
“(We) pray that they be released on humanitarian considerations through bail, recognizance or other non-custodial measures. The continued incarceration of the sick and elderly would be a virtual death sentence.” By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com MANILA – Relatives of political prisoners filed a petition with the Supreme Court today, April 8, seeking for the…
By DEE AYROSO
By DEE AYROSO
“…[w]e urgently remind States that any emergency responses to the coronavirus must be proportionate, necessary and non-discriminatory.” By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com MANILA – United Nations experts reminded States currently imposing measures to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to respect human rights at all times. They emphasized that such measures should…
“To those who are reducing this as ‘matigas ang ulo,’ kindly check not only your body temperature but also your privilege. Making people choose between ‘not spreading the virus’ and ‘magtrabaho para may makain ang pamilya’ is never fair.” By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com MANILA – Authorities ordered the public to observe social distancing…
To: Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra Bureau of Corrections Director General Gerald Bantag Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Director Allan Iral The Philippine prison system has the highest congestion rate in the world at 605%. Overcrowded cells and the direst lack of the barest essentials for health—nutritious food, clean…