The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) continues to note and express concern over the ongoing threats to the country’s civic space, particularly the recent red tagging and threat to sue journalist Tetch Torres-Tupas over a report on an alleged torture of Aetas who were said to be members of the New People’s Army and a possible overreach of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

We reiterate that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2020 has stressed concerns over “what appears to be ‘a pattern of intimidation’ of independent news sources,” further aggravated by practices of red tagging and filing of legal cases against journalists. Since then, the Philippine Government has committed to improve the human rights situation on the ground, yet such practices continue to persist. It is even more concerning that similar pronouncements come from government officials and representatives—further aggravating the compounding human rights challenges on the ground.

CHR reminds the Philippine Government of its human rights commitments and inherent obligations. We continue to extend partnership and offer guidance to government towards ensuring that human rights concerns in communities are addressed. More than reiteration of promises, government must put words into action.

At the same time, in the face of the continuing challenges to free speech and expression, we also stress the importance of discourse and guarantee of protected rights. CHR condemns any attempt to use laws to curtail rights, as we are equally vigilant against assertions of freedoms that infringe upon the rights of others.

CHR as an independent national human rights institution shall remain vigilant against possible abuse and violations of human dignity and rights. We will continue to reach out to the government until the unqualified protection and promotion of human rights become central to the Philippine Government’s agenda.