Philippines
In early 2026, the Philippines is marked by a significant shift in its human rights landscape. While President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has attempted to distance his administration from the overt violence of the previous era, systemic issues like "red-tagging" and the continued fallout from the "War on Drugs" remain central concerns.
The following are the primary human rights issues currently facing the Philippines:
1. International Justice and the "War on Drugs"
A major turning point occurred in early 2026 regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Duterte in ICC Custody: As of early 2026, former President Rodrigo Duterte is in ICC custody in The Hague. In January 2026, judges ruled him fit to stand trial for crimes against humanity, despite his legal team's arguments regarding his age and health.+1
Ongoing Killings: Despite the shift in leadership, drug-related killings persist. Monitoring groups (like Dahas) reported over 800 deaths in 2025. While the frequency of police-led operations has fluctuated, "vigilante-style" killings by unidentified assailants remain common.
Impunity: Accountability for the thousands killed since 2016 remains nearly non-existent in domestic courts, which has been a primary justification for the ICC's continued intervention.
2. "Red-Tagging" and Terror-Tagging
The practice of "red-tagging"—labeling activists, journalists, and humanitarian workers as communist insurgents or terrorists—has intensified as a tool of state repression.
Abuse of the Anti-Terror Act: The government increasingly uses the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 to freeze the bank accounts of NGOs and file "terrorism financing" charges against critics.
Judicial Ruling: Although the Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that red-tagging constitutes a threat to the "right to life, liberty, and security," government agencies like the NTF-ELCAC continue the practice, often using social media to vilify individuals.
Forced Disappearances: Activists continue to go missing. In 2025, several high-profile abductions were linked to security forces, including the case of environmental defenders who were later presented as "surrendered rebels."
3. Freedom of Expression and the Press
The Philippines remains one of the world's most dangerous places for journalists, characterized by both physical violence and "lawfare."
Cyber-Libel: The use of criminal libel and cyber-libel laws to silence investigative reporting is a major concern. Journalists frequently face expensive and lengthy legal battles for reporting on government corruption.
Media Harassment: While the high-profile "killings" of journalists decreased slightly in 2024, harassment of community radio broadcasters and digital news outlets remains high.
State-Sponsored Disinformation: Massive "troll farms" are used to drown out dissent and harass human rights defenders online, often coinciding with red-tagging campaigns.
4. Anti-Corruption Protests (2025–2026)
Large-scale civil unrest has defined the start of 2026, driven by a series of corruption scandals.
Flood Control Scandal: Mass protests broke out in late 2025 over allegations of "ghost projects" and the mismanagement of billions in flood control funds.
Repression of Protesters: In January 2026, protests in Manila led to over 200 arrests. Human rights groups have documented instances of police brutality and the use of excessive force during these demonstrations.
5. LGBTQI+ and Reproductive Rights
Progress on civil rights legislation has largely stalled in the current Congress.
SOGIE Equality Bill: Despite years of advocacy and reaching plenary discussions in 2025, the SOGIE Equality Bill—which would protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity—remains excluded from the executive's list of priority legislation.
Reproductive Health: Access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare is inconsistent, particularly in rural areas, and the country maintains one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the region.
6. Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Land Grabbing: Indigenous communities (the Lumad and Cordillera peoples) face ongoing displacement due to large-scale mining and dam projects.
Militarization of Ancestral Domains: Under the guise of counter-insurgency, the military frequently occupies Indigenous lands, leading to the closure of community schools and the displacement of entire villages.