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Repression Increased in Asia in 2023, Human Rights Watch Says
Governments across Asia grew more repressive last year, emboldened by Western countries eager to curry favor with allies that might help check China's rise and taking increasingly brazen steps to silence their critics abroad, Human Rights Watch says in a new report.In its World Report 2024, launched Thursday morning in New York, the advocacy group takes stock of the human rights situation in more than 100 countr.....»»
Lascañas, ex-cop, claims Sara Duterte ‘invented’ Tokhang
MANILA, Philippines — A confessed Davao Death Squad (DDS) gunman claimed that “Oplan Tokhang,” the brutal “knock and plead” anti-drug operation carried out by former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration was a brainchild of then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. The confessed DDS gunman also claimed that the brother of then Mayor Sara Duterte, then Vice.....»»
Cebu pharmacist group defends pharmacist over viral prescription issue
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A group of pharmacists here came to the defense of their fellow pharmacist who got embroiled in a social media fiasco involving prescription drugs. The Cebu Pharmacists Association Inc. defended their colleague for refusing to sell prescription medications to a customer who failed to present any prescription slips, a video of.....»»
Marcos inaction emboldens local officials to justify ‘drug war’ killings — rights group
In March, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte announced his campaign against illegal drugs, the same strategy employed by his father, Rodrigo Duterte, both during his time as mayor of the southern Philippine city and later during his presidency from 2016 to 2022......»»
Karapatan condemns dismissal of grave threats case vs Duterte
Rights group Karapatan yesterday condemned the Quezon City prosecutor’s office’s decision to dismiss the grave threats complaint filed by ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro against former president Rodrigo Duterte......»»
Teachers’ group calls anew for wage hike
Ahead of Labor Day, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) renewed its calls for a wage hike, urging the government to raise to P50,000 the entry-level salary of teachers......»»
Village official found dead after ‘visit’ by soldiers – rights group
“Eddie's daughter believed it was suicide, triggered by the non-stop threats against his father. Eddie often tells his family why the soldiers are harassing him despite being a barangay official and he knows nothing about the allegations and what the soldiers are looking for in the area." The post Village official found dead after ‘visit’ by soldiers – rights group appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
53 Mindanaoan lawmakers reject Duterte’s calls for Mindanao secession
Fifty-three House lawmakers from Mindanao signed a manifesto on Wednesday that expressed opposition to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal to secede Mindanao, saying that the challenges that have beset the region can be solved through a “united and sovereign Philippines.".....»»
Youth groups condemn Marcos, Duterte ‘word war’ amid cha-cha talks
"We maintain that the two rallies are not expressions of the genuine calls and struggles of the Filipino masses" The post Youth groups condemn Marcos, Duterte ‘word war’ amid cha-cha talks appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Marcos forms human rights coordination body
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has created a body on human rights coordination to enhance mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights, a move viewed by advocates as a "desperate attempt to window-dress" the situation in the country. .....»»
Honoring a Philippine Human Rights Icon - Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image Human rights lawyer and former senator Rene Saguisag holds a copy of a book about the martial law period in the Philippines while describing his ordeal in detention, Manila, September 26, 2018. 2018 Bullit Marquez-AP Photo The Philippines on April 23 lost a human rights stalwart. Rene Saguisag, a human rights lawyer and former senator, defended victims of abuses during the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorsh.....»»
Honoring a Philippine Human Rights Icon
The Philippines on April 23 lost a human rights stalwart. Rene Saguisag, a human rights lawyer and former senator, defended victims of abuses during the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship and was an ardent human rights advocate in the ensuing years. He died of undisclosed causes at the age of 84.Saguisag, along with Jose Diokno, Lore.....»»
Australia: Spotlight Rights at Summit with ASEAN
(Sydney) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should focus on human rights concerns and democratic backsliding at the upcoming summit with Southeast Asian leaders, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Albanese will host leaders from nine of the countries making up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the ASEAN-Australia Special Sum.....»»
US: Human Rights Guide to 2024 Elections
(Washington, February 7, 2024) - Human Rights Watch on February 7, 2024, released "A Human Rights Guide to the 2024 US Elections: Vital Recommendations for Voters, Candidates, and Supporters of Democracy."This 15-page guide, aimed at the US congressional and presidential elections in 2024, addresses a wide range of domestic an.....»»
Arts and rights community in unison: Free Jade Castro
“How many more artists will continue to be vulnerable to such attacks? We denounce how these violations of our rights persist under the current administration and join our colleagues in the call to release Castro immediately." The post Arts and rights community in unison: Free Jade Castro appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Spyware Targets Human Rights Watch Staff in Jordan
(Amman) - Two Human Rights Watch staff members based in Jordan have been repeatedly targeted with advanced surveillance spyware, Human Rights Watch said today. The targeting, which violates their right to privacy, began in October 2022 and succeeded briefly in infecting one of their mobile phones.The same spyware was also used to target the devices of at least 33 Jordanian and Jordan-based journalists, act.....»»
Asia: Regional Leadership Needed on Human Rights
(Bangkok) - Increasing repression by governments in Asia is negatively affecting human rights locally and internationally, Human Rights Watch said today in releasing its World Report 2024.In 2023, the Chinese government continued to commit.....»»
Amid Marcos-Duterte infighting, transport group seeks unity vs PUVMP
Transport group PISTON warned the public against being distracted by the recent spat between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte, saying that they are equally responsible for the impending jeepney phaseout......»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
Approval of anti-online piracy bills sought
A citizens’ rights group has renewed its calls for the Senate to expedite the passage of anti-online piracy bills, saying that each day of delay translates into significant tangible and intangible losses for the creatives industry while scammers get richer with each victim......»»