News
ICC appeals chamber rejects Duterte bid for release as victims press for justice
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s bid for interim release, ordering that he remain in detention in The Hague as proceedings in his crimes against humanity case continue. In its...
UN experts urge bail for journalist and church worker convicted of terrorism financing
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
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
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...
Police arrests human rights defenders during 40th EDSA anniversary rally
Two human rights defenders were arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the 40th anniversary commemoration of the People Power Revolution at the EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong City on February 25, 2026. Edel Parducho, a development and human rights worker...
Philippine lawmakers, labor groups urge EU-PH FTA pause pending labor rights reforms
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
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...
IFI deacon Aldeem Yañez should be moved to Taguig jail as supporters renew calls for release
The terrorism financing case against development and church worker Aldeem Yañez has been transferred from the Lanao del Norte Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Iligan City to Taguig RTC Branch 266. On February 9, 2026, the Taguig court also approved the State’s motion to...
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,...