Trade deal advances as 105 unionist killings go unprosecuted

20. April 2026 | Aktuelles, Human Rights Defenders, Human Rights News, Internal Affairs, International Institutions, News

The Philippines and the EU are close to finalizing a free trade agreement, but labor groups warn that violence against workers is being ignored in negotiations. Since 2016, Workers’ Rights Watch has documented 105 trade union killings in the Philippines, none of...

UN experts urge bail for journalist and church worker convicted of terrorism financing

23. March 2026 | Aktuelles, Freedom of Press, Human Rights Defenders, Human Rights News, News

Five United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteurs have urged the temporary release of journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and church worker Marielle Domequil after they were found guilty of financing terrorism in the Philippines. The call was made by UN Special Rapporteurs...

Court clears LCDE executive Jazmin Jerusalem; groups call for release of frozen funds

23. March 2026 | Aktuelles, Human Rights Defenders, Human Rights News, News

The Tacloban Regional Trial Court (RTC) has dismissed a charge of three counts of terrorism financing against Jazmin Jerusalem, executive director of the Leyte Center for Development and Empowerment (LCDE). In a decision dated February 27, 2026, Presiding Judge...

Human rights lawyer and development worker in Negros seek Supreme Court protection

23. March 2026 | Aktuelles, Human Rights Defenders, Human Rights News

A human rights lawyer and a development worker from Negros have petitioned the Supreme Court of the Philippines for protection, citing threats, harassment, and alleged so-called “red-tagging” linked to their work  for marginalized communities. “Red-tagging” means...

Philippine lawmakers, labor groups urge EU-PH FTA pause pending labor rights reforms

23. March 2026 | Aktuelles, Human Rights Defenders, Human Rights News, Indigenous People, Internal Affairs, International Institutions, News

Lawmakers in the Philippines are calling on the government to strengthen workers’ rights amid ongoing negotiations for the European Union-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (EU-PH FTA), warning that delays in passing long-pending labor reforms could jeopardize the trade...

Mariahangin residents seek Senate hearing amid eviction threats

23. March 2026 | Aktuelles, Human Rights Defenders, Human Rights News, Indigenous People, Internal Affairs

Residents of Sitio Mariahangin in Bugsuk, Palawan have appealed to the Senate to hear their side in a long-standing land dispute that has placed 282 indigenous people at risk of eviction. In a video statement released February 16, 2026, community member Amina Naseron...