The Philippine Government Under Marcos: A Failing Stance on Human Rights

Philippine President Marcos Failing on Rights A Year On, Course Correction Needed

June 28, 2023 9:30PM EDT

According to a report by Human Rights Watch, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has failed to improve human rights protections in the Philippines during his first year in office. Taking over from Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration was marked by attacks on activists, a crackdown on the media, and thousands of extrajudicial killings, Marcos has done little to address these ongoing human rights issues. The report highlights the continued killings in the government’s “drug war,” extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, baseless prosecutions, and harassment of activists and critics.

Drug War Killings and Accountability

While the rate of killings in the drug war has decreased compared to the previous administration, the Philippine National Police and their agents continue to be responsible for “drug war” killings. Since Marcos took office, there have been 336 “drug-related” killings, with only three resulting in the conviction of police officers. Marcos needs to formally announce an end to the “drug war,” order investigations into officials involved in illegal killings, and fulfill his promise to address illegal drugs through nonviolent means. Additionally, the government should provide consistent support to the families of victims, particularly children.

Political Repression and Red-Tagging

The report also highlights the increase in “red-tagging” by the Marcos administration, targeting activists believed to be supporting the communist New People’s Army. Officials, including Vice President Sara Duterte and Education Secretary, have red-tagged journalists, social media users, and teachers. To address this issue, Marcos should put a stop to red-tagging, order the locating of missing activists, and ensure the authorities cease arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances. There also needs to be accountability for credible allegations of torture, mistreatment, and sexual violence.

Media Freedom and Criminal Charges

The Philippines has a history of violence against journalists, with four journalists killed in the past year and a total of 179 since the restoration of democratic government in 1986. The government has not intervened in the criminal case against Maria Ressa and her team at news outlet Rappler. Another journalist, Frenchie Mae Cumpio, remains in jail, facing criminal charges for reporting on rights abuses. The government should prioritize media freedom and take action to ensure the safety and protection of journalists.

International Pressure and Accountability

The European Union’s trade benefits for the Philippines depend on the government’s compliance with international human rights, labor rights, and environmental standards. The EU, as well as the US government, should explicitly link future economic and security ties to demonstrable progress on human rights. The UN Human Rights Council should continue to press the Philippines government to carry out the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Office reports and consider launching an investigation into human rights abuses. Marcos, in particular, should cooperate with a possible investigation by the International Criminal Court and consider rejoining the Rome Statute.

The Need for Concrete Action

The report concludes that President Marcos needs to demonstrate a genuine commitment to human rights through concrete action. Merely issuing statements about democracy and the rule of law is insufficient. The Philippines’ international partners should demand real change and not settle for empty rhetoric. In order to address the human rights violations occurring under his administration, Marcos must break from the past and show measurable progress. Only through accountability, investigation, and an end to repression can the Philippines begin to improve its human rights record.