#TheWeekOnRightsPH: Congress Probes 'Drug War' Killings as Duterte Son Seeks Wider EJK Inquiry. ALSO: News on Terrorist Financing, the Divorce Bill, Deaths in Detention
In the first issue of this newsletter, RightsReportPH highlights the separate moves in the Philippine Congress relating to extrajudicial killings. One editorial describes these efforts as farcical.
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TOP OF THE (PAST) WEEK
Philippine Congress probes “drug war” deaths as Duterte son, in a ‘farcical’ move, calls for wider inquiry into killings
Following the Philippine House of Representatives’ move to launch its first investigation into the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) under Rodrigo Duterte's “drug war,” the former president’s son, Rep. Paolo Duterte of Davao City, has called for his own investigation into EJKs spanning the past 25 years. In his bill, the younger Duterte stated that the inquiry aims to address historical injustices and promote accountability within law enforcement.
Duterte’s move came days after the House Committee on Human Rights announced its own probe into the “drug war” deaths. This development occurs amidst ongoing ICC investigations into potential crimes against humanity by the elder Duterte and other officials. The House committee, however, stated it will not cooperate with the ICC.
During last week’s House hearing, officials from the Duterte administration acknowledged human rights violations committed during the “war on drugs.” Former Justice Secretary and current Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra confirmed these violations. The House inquiry into the “drug war” highlights instances where police failed to act on EJKs, emphasizing systemic issues within law enforcement. Reports by various human rights organizations have documented systematic killings, falsification of evidence, and other abuses linked to the campaign.
📌 Why This Matters 📌
Human rights advocates criticized the motives behind the House probe and Duterte’s suggestion for a wider investigation. They argue that these steps are politically motivated rather than genuine attempts to secure accountability for the thousands of EJKs in recent years. Congress, they note, was silent during the Duterte era and even enabled the violent environment that normalized the killings.
An editorial by the Philippine Daily Inquirer suggests that Duterte’s probe is an attempt by the Duterte clan to control the human rights agenda in the Philippines and influence narratives about the “drug war.” The editorial argues that Duterte’s allies aim to deflect criticism and spread the blame for EJKs, potentially undermining genuine efforts to address systemic rights violations.
The Philippine Star, in its own editorial, echoed this sentiment, stating that the ongoing House inquiry “could prove to be as much of a farce” as Rep. Duterte’s proposed investigation.
These congressional moves underscore the reality that, in the Philippines, human rights is often reduced to mere political leverage, with politicians invoking accountability and redress only when these suit their political agenda.
IN OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS NEWS…
👉🏾 Eleven civil society organizations criticized the composition of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s new "super body" on human rights, saying it includes agencies that contributed to human rights abuses during Duterte's administration. They argue that these agencies have poor records on addressing drug war violence and suppressing freedoms. The groups suggest concrete actions such as cooperating with the ICC and ending the drug war to improve human rights. They claim the committee lacks credibility and will be ineffective in addressing human rights issues
👉🏾 Maria Salome Crisostomo Ujano, a prominent child rights advocate, was convicted of rebellion by a Taguig court, receiving a sentence of up to 17 years. The court ruled against her alibi, citing positive identification by witnesses. Despite acknowledging insufficient evidence of her leadership in the New People's Army, the court upheld her conviction. Ujano's supporters, including the Salinlahi Alliance, condemned the verdict as an attack on child rights advocacy, calling for its reversal and for greater respect for human rights. Justice Secretary Remulla praised the prosecution's success in this case.
👉🏾 Rappler reports about the deaths of people in Philippine jails. Its story discusses overcrowding, lack of medical care, and inadequate food. The number of deaths in custody has been higher than the national death rate since 2019. Causes of death are often attributed to vague causes like cardiopulmonary arrest. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology is understaffed with doctors and nurses. Jails are also congested, with some facilities holding triple their intended capacity.
👉🏾 Labor leaders in the Philippines have been accused of terrorism financing, but the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights believes labor activism is being equated with terrorism. They report that labor leaders have been accused of terrorism financing with little evidence. Workers have expressed alarm over the increasing cases of terrorist financing. In a related news, activists are opposing the promotion of a judge who they say issued warrants that led to their arrests. The judge is accused of being a "warrant factory" and activists want her disqualified. They argue that the judge's warrants violated human rights.
👉🏾 The passage in the House of Representatives of the divorce bill is celebrated by women's rights groups as a significant step toward gender equality and empowerment. However, conservative factions vow to oppose the bill, signaling potential challenges ahead as it moves through the legislative process.
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