In the 5th SONA on July 27, 2020, President Duterte announced the reintroduction of the death penalty by lethal injection in connection with drug-related offences. Since August 5, 2020, the issue has thus been back on the House of Representatives’ agenda. The reintroduction of the death penalty would be a breach of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which the Philippines is a signatory
Killing of Negros Occidental journalist Julito Calo sparks press freedom concerns
Radio broadcaster Julito “Jaz” Calo was fatally shot on March 20, 2026, outside his residence in La Castellana, a municipality...