News
Frenchie Mae Cumpio, first Philippine journalist convicted of terrorism financing
Journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio was convicted of “financing terrorism” on January 22, 2026, alongside her co-accused Marielle Domequil, a lay worker for a church-based organization, in a ruling that could send both women to prison for 12 to 18 years and impose fines of...
Negros journalist’s arrest raises alarm over press freedom in the Philippines
Erwin “Ambo” Delilan, a journalist based in Negros Occidental, was arrested at his home in EB Magalona town on January 19, 2026, by members of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG). He was charged with unjust vexation, a...
ICC judges reject Duterte defense claims of incapacity, set hearing for Feb. 23
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will face the International Criminal Court (ICC) on February 23 for the confirmation of charges hearing, after judges ruled he is medically and cognitively fit to participate. Duterte faces three counts of crimes against...
House dismisses Marcos Jr. impeachment; VP Sara Duterte faces new complaints
The House of Representatives’ Committee on Justice dismissed two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (BBM) on February 4, 2026, for lack of substance. Unless the entire assembly overturns the committee’s ruling with a one-third...
Amanda Echanis freed after five years; James Jazmines declared victim of enforced disappearance
Student leader and peasant organizer Amanda Echanis has been released from detention after five years following her acquittal by the Tuguegarao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 10 on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. In a decision dated...
ICC: Rodrigo Duterte “fit for trial,” confirmation hearing scheduled for February 23, 2026
After months of debate over his mental fitness, an independent panel of medical experts appointed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has unanimously concluded on December 18, 2025, that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is “capable of standing trial,”...
Sara Duterte maintains lead over Marcos Jr. in trust and approval as corruption scandals deepen
Vice President Sara Duterte continues to outpace President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in public approval and trust ratings, according to recent surveys. A Pulse Asia survey conducted in December 2025 found that Marcos Jr. received a 34% approval rating and 32% trust rating,...
Supreme Court upholds drug war conviction in Kian delos Santos killing
The Supreme Court has affirmed the murder conviction of three police officers for the 2017 killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos during an anti-drug operation in Caloocan, ruling that the teenager was defenseless and unlawfully killed. In a decision, published on...
Nearly 300 of Palawan’s Mariahangin residents face eviction; Senate urged to act on indigenous land rights
Calls for stronger protection of indigenous and community land rights have emerged after nearly 300 residents of Sitio Mariahangin in Bugsuk, Palawan, were sued by nine alleged landowners claiming ownership of their ancestral lands. The residents, mostly Molbog...
Activists arrested in Bohol and Baguio under Anti-Terrorism Financing Law
Two activists were arrested in separate operations in Bohol and Baguio last December 2025 under the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10168). On December 20, 2025, Carmilo Tabada, 56, a former staff member of the Central...
We mourn the loss of Dr. Jochen Motte
Dr. Jochen Motte was a representative of the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) and co-founder of the Action Network Human Rights – Philippines (AMP) in 2007, as well as a long-standing and valued colleague. He passed away on January 8 after a long illness. With his...
Filipin@s rally against corruption; Amnesty International demands probe into police conduct
Thousands took to the streets across the Philippines on November 30, 2025, to protest against corruption. Following a similar protest on September 21, the demonstrations focused on alleged irregularities in flood-control projects involving high-ranking lawmakers,...
Philippines and EU aim to seal Free Trade Deal by 2027
The European Union (EU) is stepping up efforts to finalize a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Philippines by the end of 2027, coinciding with the expiration of the country’s preferential trade access under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). Under...
ICC arrest warrant allegedly issued against former PNP chief dela Rosa
Philippine Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on November 8, 2025 that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald de la Rosa in connection with former President Rodrigo Duterte’s so called “war on drugs.” Remulla,...
Families and journalists still call for justice at 16th Maguindanao Massacre commemoration
Sixteen years after the Maguindanao massacre, families of the victims, media groups and human rights advocates marked the tragedy’s anniversary with renewed demands for justice, stronger safeguards for press freedom, and full recognition of every person who was...
Court dismisses murder charges against journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio
A Philippine regional court has dismissed the murder charges against community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio. The Laoang Regional Trial Court in Northern Samar ruled on November 6, 2025, that the complaint misidentified the accused. Cumpio, 26, executive director of...
ICC rejects Duterte’s bid for interim release, affirms jurisdiction over case
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has denied former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, ordering his continued detention in The Hague while he faces three counts of crimes against humanity linked to his so called “war on drugs.”...
Journalism in the Philippines remains dangerous
The Philippines reported no journalist killings in 2024 - the first time in more than twenty years - marking a rare improvement in press safety. However, rights groups warn that media workers continue to face intimidation, so-called “red-tagging,” and politically...
DOJ clears peasant advocate in terrorism financing case; court frees “Mabinay 6” after seven years
The Departmernt of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed terrorism financing complaints filed against church worker and farmers’ rights advocate Myrna Zapanta due to lack of credible evidence, a decision hailed by rights groups as a victory against the misuse of...
Tough struggle in protection petitions in enforced disappearance cases
Nearly a year after Cora Jazmines filed petitions for writs of amparo and habeas data* over the disappearance of her husband, labor activist James Jazmines, the Court of Appeals finally held its first summary hearing on October 2, 2025. James Jazmines was disappeared...