Human rights advocates seek UN support for abolition of NTF-ELCAC, anti-terror law
In a press release, the Philippine Universal Periodic Watch Review said that the delegation will be attending a session to testify on the “continuing human rights violations” under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. .....»»
UN expert calls for abolition of NTF-ELCAC, tolerance of PH gov’t to dissent
“The whole concept of freedom of expression is to be able to say what you want even if it offends the other side. The government should encourage a greater culture of tolerance.” -- Special Rapporteur on Free Expression and Opinion Irene Khan The post UN expert calls for abolition of NTF-ELCAC, tolerance of PH gov’t to dissent appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Statement | For exposing NTF-ELCAC’s lies, Bicol journo red-tagged anew
Bulatlat condemns the latest red-tagging of Albay-based journalist Reynard Magtoto who wrote an in-depth report about the lies and deceptive activities of the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in the region. The post Statement | For exposing NTF-ELCAC’s lies, Bicol journo red-tagged anew appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
United Nations rapporteur urges NTF-ELCAC abolition; government says no
Following her 10-day official visit to the Philippines, United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan on Friday urged the government to abolish the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which she said will address red-tagging and allow for more inclusive peace-making platforms in the country......»»
‘Abolish NTF-ELCAC’: Altermidya welcomes UNSR Khan’s initial findings after 10-day visit
This is the second time a Special Rapporteur has recommended the abolition of NTF-ELCAC. However, we stress that Executive Order No. 70 passed in 2018, which created the said task force, should also be junked......»»
CHR urges review of NTF-ELCAC’s mandate
The CHR expressed readiness to provide policy advisories and training to equip NTF-ELCAC in fulfilling its mandate with a human rights-based approach. .....»»
Clergy woman tells UN how Anti-Terror Act is used vs rights defenders
Human rights group Karapatan, said there are at least 91 individuals who have been charged with violations of the ATA and Republic Act No. 10168 or the law on the prevention and suppression of terrorist financing. There are also at least 27 political prisoners charged under both laws. The post Clergy woman tells UN how Anti-Terror Act is used vs rights defenders appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
NTF-Elcac seeks more funds for former ‘rebel-infested’ brgys
THE National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) is seeking more funding support for barangays that were formerly infiltrated or influenced by communist rebels......»»
Group hits Imee reaction on NTF-ELCAC
The progressive group Karapatan criticized the reactions of Sen. Imee Marcos and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict to the call of UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan to have the NTF-ELCAC abolished......»»
UN’s Khan urges Philippine gov’t to abolish NTF-ELCAC | The wRap
The wRap highlights: UN & NTF-ELCAC, F1 racing, Tiktok.....»»
Rights group calls for deeper look into military’s reprisals vs. rights defenders
As the motion of reconsideration for the terror charges against Ken Rementilla and Jasmin Rubia was denied by an Antipolo prosecutor, human rights alliance Defend Southern Tagalog calls for accountability of notorious rights violators. The post Rights group calls for deeper look into military’s reprisals vs. rights defenders appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Free expression under attack, artist groups urge UN to probe PH laws
“Our gravest concern now is the new policies which attack freedom of expression: specifically the Anti-Terror Law and Executive Order 70 which created the NTF-ELCAC. This emboldened state actors, such as the police and military to commit abuses on a scale last seen during the first Marcos administration.” The post Free expression under attack, artist groups urge UN to probe PH laws appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Groups to UN rapporteur: Urge PH gov’t to stop censorship, repeal terror law
“What we do is amplify the voices of the Filipino people. We are defending the truth and the rights yet we are the one being oppressed of these rights." The post Groups to UN rapporteur: Urge PH gov’t to stop censorship, repeal terror law appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
EDITORIAL - NTF-ELCAC abolition
The government believes “total victory” over communist rebels is possible this year, according to Jonathan Malaya, the assistant director general for strategic communications of the National Security Council......»»
UK Government Severely Eroded Human Rights in 2023
(London, January 11, 2024) - The United Kingdom government's policies and practices both severely eroded domestic human rights protections and undermined its efforts to promote human rights globally in 2023, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2024."T.....»»
Brazil: Mixed Rights Record for Lula s First Year
(Sao Paulo) - The administration led by Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made important progress in the protection of the Amazon, women's rights, and other rights during 2023, but has failed to tackle the chronic problem of police abuse or defend human rights consistently abroad, Human Rights Watch said today in releasing its&.....»»
Charter change could bring back dictatorship, intensify rights abuses — survivor
For Medy De Jesus, 74, a martial law survivor and member of human rights group Hustisya, the impending charter change could bring back another dictatorship and more human rights violations. The post Charter change could bring back dictatorship, intensify rights abuses — survivor appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Japan Again Calls Out Chinese Government s Rights Abuses
Last week, during China's fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Japan expressed "concern about the human rights situation in China" and recommended that Beijing "protect the rights of the minorities, including Tibetans and Uyghurs ... guarantee the fundamental rights and freedom under the Hong Kong basic la.....»»
Pakistan: New Government Should Protect Rights
(New York) - Pakistan's newly elected prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, should make human rights a key focus of his government, Human Rights Watch said in a letter today to the prime minister. The new Pakistani government should adopt an agenda that actively promotes and protects human rights,.....»»
PRO-7: Rules on anti-terror law to boost efforts against terrorism in CV
CEBU CITY, Philippines — An official of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) said that they were preparing to make the necessary adjustments in line with the newly-implemented rules on anti-terrorism cases. On January 15, 2024, the “Rules on the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020 and Related Laws” officially took effect. This.....»»
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......»»