HRPEC ON NINOY AQUINO DAY 2023
August 21, 2023
Forty years since Ninoy Aquino was gunned down and the
details
surrounding his
assassination remain obscured by
strong
political forces. No clarity, no mastermind behind bars, no justice. And yet, today, Marcos Jr. puts out a
statement
calling for “unity” and letting bygones be bygones.
Let this be irrefutable proof of how the state washes its hands in the killings of rights defenders. The state
would
continue to employ the same lies, the same methods, to say that it has nothing to do and it could do nothing
more
to
defend those who defend our rights. Forty years since the killing of Ninoy, and there are now hundreds more like
him—rights defenders whose deaths remain unclear, unsolved, and unjust.
Defend the defenders! Stand for our rights!
#DefendTheDefenders
Marcos Jr.’s 2nd SONA just glossed over worsening HR situation
HRPEC
July 24, 2023
As expected, we heard very little from Marcos Jr. in his SONA
today.
With not much to show for in his first year in
office, the bare minimum is at least a faint awareness of the continued suffering of Filipinos: that the prices of
food have skyrocketed, that the DOJ still pursues its flimsy prosecution of Sen. Leila, and that, despite his
claims
of a community-based drug rehab program, state-enforced killings of "drug suspects" remain unabated with more than
300
dead under his watch.
But Marcos Jr. didn’t mention anything substantial about these, not when he so proudly refuses to cooperate with
the
ICC, not when he minds more their alliance with the Dutertes.
Marcos Jr.’s administration should once and for all give serious attention to our human rights and failing quality
of
life. Not a single campaign promise has been fulfilled and really, nothing much has changed.
#SONA2023
HRPEC STATEMENT ON THE ICC'S DECISION TO PROCEED WITH INVESTIGATIONS
July 18, 2023
The Human Rights and People Empowerment Center welcomes the
International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to proceed
with its investigation into the killings under former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “War on Drugs”. At the very
least,
the ICC’s effort is a step forward from the years of deliberate inaction and silencing by the Duterte
administration.
At best, it would offer reprieve for the victims of a senseless bloodbath—those who deserve justice the most. This
is
a win for all Filipinos.
We appeal to Sec. Boying Remulla and the Department of Justice: NO MORE DELAYS and offer full cooperation with the
ICC. Let justice prevail and may our shared humanity with the aggrieved take the fore
IF THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE "DRUG WAR", LET THE ICC INVESTIGATE.
The Human Rights and People Empowerment Center (HRPEC) welcomes the International Criminal Court’s (ICC)
resumption of its investigation on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “War on Drugs.” This gives the families of
the victims renewed hope in seeking justice. This is a victory for the researchers, human rights advocates, and
people from various sectors who have kept the fire of hope burning. We salute the victims and witnesses who
continue to risk their safeties and conveniences to stand up for truth and justice.
The Philippine government should take a more positive stance and view the resumption of the ICC probe as a
challenge for it to produce more significant results in its own probe. This will not thwart the process of
investigating on the thousands killed, but especially investigating those most responsible for this murderous
policy. Efforts must be serious, resolute, and should result in successful prosecutions and time served for the
perpetrators. Lest it be forgotten, too—there are Filipinos with firm convictions, ready to cooperate with the
ICC’s investigation.
While some cases have progressed to the trial level, killings continue to be reported under the new
administration. Dahas PH notes that there have been 187 drug-related killings since Marcos Jr. took his oath as
President. We are also aware that while the “War on Drugs” persists, the questions on its constitutionality have
yet to be fully addressed by the Supreme Court.
We urge the Department of Justice and the Solicitor General's Office to fully cooperate with the ICC if it is
sincere in its promise to deliver "real justice in real time". Lost lives in the name of the “War on Drugs”
matter. In continuing anti-drug operations, lives must be protected. More lives will be lost when the truth is
obscured, and people are made to believe the lie that the government needed to kill to cleanse ourselves of the
drug menace.
STATEMENT ON THE DENIAL OF SEN. LEILA'S BAIL
HRPEC
June 8, 2023
The prosecution has presented nine witnesses in the third and
last case of Sen. Leila. The court, in its denial of
Sen. Leila’s bail, cites the testimonies of these inmates to say that the evidence of guilt against Sen. Leila is
strong.
Absurd. Unconscionable. Inhuman.
It's as if the hours and hours of cross-examinations—where the "witnesses" were unmasked—never happened.
Six years and four months in jail and the court still thinks it should keep Sen. Leila in prison for the words of
a
few men without honor.
#FreeLeilaNow
The Human Rights and People Empowerment Center welcomes and applauds the court’s acquittal of Sen. Leila de Lima.
May 12, 2023
While the case had taken more than six years to resolve, the
uphold of a fair trial and the practice of the Rule of
Law are worth celebrating.
We admire Sen. De Lima’s dedication to the truth and her relentlessness in the upkeep of our rights. She has won
two
acquittals with integrity and without compromise. Her acquittal on her third and final case should see no more
delay.
We congratulate the persons who worked towards Sen. Leila’s freedom, those who continue to believe in Sen. Leila’s
innocence, and Sen. Leila herself. In the fight for our rights, we prevail.
#FreeLeilaNow
The Human Rights and People Empowerment Center (HRPEC) acknowledges the need to modernize the public transport system.
March 7, 2023
All things being equal, the Jeepney Modernization Program as a
concept could be viewed as positive. However, the
program in its current form does not provide any protection for jeepney drivers.
We submit that while this initiative is, on its face, advantageous to commuters and operators, the program is
limited
only to those who have easy access to capital. It is inconsiderate of the vast majority of jeepney drivers who not
only work in subhuman conditions but receive so little pay.
The DOTr and other lead agencies should have taken this crucial reality into consideration. To proceed with the
implementation of this program solely on the basis of its viability as an investment leaves jeepney drivers at the
mercy of market forces. In effect, the government would be responsible for, if not complicit, depriving jeepney
drivers of their livelihood.
The on-going nationwide strike against jeepney phaseout should be understood as the drivers themselves practicing
their rights to free expression, their rights to assemble, and ultimately, their rights to a decent living.
As the primary duty bearer, the government must ensure that the human rights of our jeepney drivers are protected.
It
can start by putting the program on hold—as suggested by the transport groups holding the strike—then act with
dispatch to integrate into the program mechanisms that would guarantee that the jeepney drivers are not left
behind.
We stand in solidarity with the aggrieved drivers. No to jeepney phaseout.
#NoToJeepneyPhaseout
IF THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE "DRUG WAR", LET THE ICC INVESTIGATE.
February 2, 2023
The Human Rights and People Empowerment Center (HRPEC)
welcomes the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) resumption of
its investigation on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “War on Drugs.” This gives the families of the victims
renewed
hope in seeking justice. This is a victory for the researchers, human rights advocates, and people from various
sectors who have kept the fire of hope burning. We salute the victims and witnesses who continue to risk their
safeties and conveniences to stand up for truth and justice.
The Philippine government should take a more positive stance and view the resumption of the ICC probe as a
challenge
for it to produce more significant results in its own probe. This will not thwart the process of investigating on
the
thousands killed, but especially investigating those most responsible for this murderous policy. Efforts must be
serious, resolute, and should result in successful prosecutions and time served for the perpetrators. Lest it be
forgotten, too—there are Filipinos with firm convictions, ready to cooperate with the ICC’s investigation.
While some cases have progressed to the trial level, killings continue to be reported under the new
administration.
Dahas PH notes that there have been 187 drug-related killings since Marcos Jr. took his oath as President. We are
also
aware that while the “War on Drugs” persists, the questions on its constitutionality have yet to be fully
addressed by
the Supreme Court.
We urge the Department of Justice and the Solicitor General's Office to fully cooperate with the ICC if it is
sincere
in its promise to deliver "real justice in real time". Lost lives in the name of the “War on Drugs” matter. In
continuing anti-drug operations, lives must be protected. More lives will be lost when the truth is obscured, and
people are made to believe the lie that the government needed to kill to cleanse ourselves of the drug menace.
The Human Rights and People Empowerment Center (HRPEC) Raises Concern Over Designation of Dr. Natividad Castro as 'Terrorist' Without Publicly Disclosed Evidence
February 2, 2023
The Human Rights and People Empowerment Center (HRPEC) views
with grave concern the move of the Anti-Terrorism Council
(ATC) to designate Dr. Natividad Castro as a “terrorist” as it noted that the while the council has accused her of
violation of certain provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act (R.A. 11479), it has not made public any of the evidence
or
information that it claims to have against the community physician.
Thus far, the only information available is the assertion made by National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)
Dir. Gen. Ricardo De Leon (ATC Secretariat head) during an interview on ANC that Dr. Castro violated certain
provisions of R.A. 11479. Dir. Gen. De Leon specifically cited section 6 (Planning, Training, Preparing and
Facilitating the Commission of Terrorism), section 10 (Recruitment to and Membership in a Terrorist Organization)
and
Section 12 (Providing Material Support to Terrorists). However, when pressed for details, he merely claimed that
the
ATC is in possession of affidavits of at least five witnesses who purportedly have “personal knowledge” regarding
the
activities of Dr. Castro and that the same were also sufficient for the Anti-Money Laundering Council to freeze
her
assets.
It also does not make sense that when asked why the ATC has not filed criminal charges against Dr. Castro if it
has
strong evidence against her, Dir. Gen. De Leon’s reply was the decision to designate her as a “terrorist” was a
“preventive” move. Whether or not it was a “preventive” action (perhaps he meant “preemptive”), the logical step
for
ATC would have been to file charges. This seems to belie its claim that there is indeed strong evidence against
Dr.
Castro.
What seems clear is that Dr. Castro’s constitutional rights may have been violated, and her designation as a
“terrorist” has placed her life in imminent danger.
#DefendTheDefenders
"HRPEC Urges Immediate In-depth Investigation into Abduction of Development Workers: Calls on Chief PNP to Take Action"
January 21, 2023
The Human Rights and People Empowerment Center (HRPEC) is
calling on Chief PNP Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. to
direct the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) to immediately deploy a team from its central headquarters in Camp
Crame
to conduct an in-depth investigation into the abduction of development workers Dyan Gumanao and Armand Gayoha last
January 10 at the Port of Cebu. Gumanao is an organizer of Community Pantry PH (which is affiliated with HRPEC) in
Cebu while Gayoha is a volunteer worker for the Alliance of Health Workers-Cebu. Gumanao’s father said they
surfaced
yesterday (January 16) after officials of UP Cebu negotiated (with their captors) for their release.
The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) should also be ordered to immediately stop its own probe
into
the incident and just turn over its findings to the PNP IAS given the possibility that police officers assigned to
PRO-7 were directly involved in the abduction. Among the indicators are the following: 1) Dyan reportedly told her
father after their release that the men who took them claimed to be police officers; 2) both Dyan and Armand had
been
subjected to harassment, including red-tagging, after her arrest in 2020 for breaking Covid 19 health protocols;
3)
the video that surfaced showing the abduction was carried out with such impunity, in broad daylight and in full
view
of a crowd, including several security personnel of the port authority; and, 4) the seeming lack of interest and
inaction on the part of the two police stations as well as the maritime police station where the parents and
colleagues of Dyan and Armand reported the abduction and sought help.
HRPEC is also urging the Department of Justice to conduct a parallel probe, through the NBI, to gather all material
facts preparatory to criminal prosecution. This is a chance for the Marcos administration to show its commitment to
the Rule of Law.