Human Rights Online Philippines

[Events] Activities in commemoration of the INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF THE DISAPPEARED- AFAD/FIND

INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF THE DISAPPEARED May 27 -31, 2013 Dear Friends: The Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND), the International Coalitions Against Enforced Disappearances (ICAED) and the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD are organizing two activities in commemoration of the INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF THE DISAPPEARED (May 27 -31, 2013). The May 28 Roundtable … Continue reading »

No one shall be subjected to enforced disappearance

No one shall be subjected to enforced disappearance. The arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment … Continue reading »

[Featured image] Tao at kalikasan muna, hindi kita- Tao Muna, Hindi Mina!

NAGKAISA! Labor coalition marched from España blvd to Mendiola bridge- Photo by PhilRights

[Featured Photo] NAGKAISA! Labor coalition marched from España blvd to Mendiola bridge -PhilRights

NAGKAISA! Labor coalition marched from España blvd to Mendiola bridge The workers from NAGKAISA! Labor coalition marched from España blvd to Mendiola bridge to challenge candidates for the upcoming 2013 elections and the President of the Republic of the Philippines to uphold the Worker’s Agenda. The workers demands are: 1) Regular Jobs, 2) Living Wage, … Continue reading »

[Update/Campaign] Makati Commercial Estate Association Pinababaklas ang DEU Piketlayn -DEU

Makati Commercial Estate Association Pinababaklas ang DEU Piketlayn Makati— Tuloy-tuloy ang harassment sa mapayapang picketlayn ng mga Digitel Employees Union (DEU) sa PLDT Main Office sa Makati, kung dati mula sa mga security guards ng kumpanya, ngayon nama’y mula sa MAPSA at Makati Commercial Estate Association (MACEA). Bandang alas-diyes y medya ng umaga ng April … Continue reading »

[Press Release] Groups challenge electoral candidates to heed victims’ call to stop destructive mining in PH -Tao Muna Hindi Mina

Groups challenge electoral candidates to heed victims’ call to stop destructive mining in PH Demand human rights be top priority over environmental destruction Quezon City – Today, 200-strong activists from church, human rights, and environment groups launched the campaign in celebration of Earth Day and in time for the May elections to remind the mid-term … Continue reading »

[Press Release] Climate activists expose risks of dirty coal, demand shift to clean, renewable energy -PMCJ

Climate activists expose risks of dirty coal, demand shift to clean, renewable energy 300-strong climate activists and anti-coal advocates stormed the Department of Energy to voice out their opposition to coal mines and coal-fired power plants promoted by the government and to launch the group’s Campaign Against Dirty Energy and for People’s Access to Safe, … Continue reading »

[Press Release] Labor group asks Taiwan government to ensure safety and job security of Filipino workers -PM

Labor group asks Taiwan government to ensure safety and job security of Filipino workers A Philippine labor group, on Wednesday, called on the Taiwanese government to ensure the safety and job security of thousands of Filipinos working in Taiwan. In a picket held at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Makati City, the … Continue reading »

[Statement] Reclaim Workers Dignity: Justice to DEU Workers

Reclaim Workers Dignity: Justice to DEU Workers Vigilance at Latest Tripartite Hearing Stressed Members of Digitel Employees Union (DEU) are currently engaged in a labor dispute against the telecommunication giant PLDT/DIGITEL, the outcome of which may redefine the enjoyment of labor rights of workers everywhere. It has been forty two (42) days since April 10 … Continue reading »

[Press Release] DON’T FOOL US DMCI SAID: Group Slams to Isidro Consunji’s Statement -PMCJ

DON’T FOOL US DMCI SAID: Group Slams to Isidro Consunji’s Statement Insatiable Greed Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) reacted to recent pronouncement made by DMCI Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Isidro Consunji on their plan to shift all off grid areas into coal-fired plant. National Coordinator of PMCJ, Gerry Arances, has this to … Continue reading »

[Statement] Reclaim Dignity of Workers.. Justice for the Braves! -DEU

Reclaim Dignity of Workers.. Justice for the Braves! Members of Digitel Employees Union (DEU) are currently engaged in a labor dispute against the telecommunication giant PLDT/DIGITEL, the outcome of which may redefine the satisfaction of labor rights to workers everywhere. Forty two (42) days ago, last April 10, 93 members of DEU launched a peaceful … Continue reading »

[Blog] Japan’s Historical Idiocy and Moral Depravity by Jose Mario De Vega

Japan’s Historical Idiocy and Moral Depravity by Jose Mario De Vega I refer to the utterly controversial and extremely immoral remarks reportedly made by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto with regard to the comfort women. I overwhelmingly concur with the statement of Attorney Harry L. Roque, Jr. that: “The Philippine government should formally lodge a diplomatic … Continue reading »

[Petition] Free All Political Prisoners and Detainees! Proclaim December 7 as Political Prisoners Day!

Petition for the release of Political Prisoners and Detainees and for Proclaiming December 7 as Political Prisoners Day Dear President Benigno Simeon Aquino We are writing to Your Excellency, the President of the Republic of the Philippines to appeal in behalf of the 328 political prisoners and detainees nationwide. Our appeal is based on Section … Continue reading »

[Resources] Debt Snapshot by FDC

Debt Snapshot by FDC Click to read more Debt Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Statement] Aquino Admin, Solve the Ph-Taiwan Dispute & Protect the Rights and Welfare of Fil Migrant Workers -KAAGAPAY OFW

Demanding and Calling for Urgent Action of the Aquino Administration in Solving the Philippine-Taiwan Dispute and Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Filipino Migrant Workers in Taiwan This is in relation to the current face-off of the Philippine and Taiwanese Government which have put the welfare of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan at … Continue reading »

[Press Release] Teachers to P-noy: Sufficient funds for K-12 -TDC

Teachers to P-noy: Sufficient funds for K-12 Amidst the signing into law of Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum of 2013 or the K-12 Education Program (RA 10533), the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) once again expressed its apprehension on program. “K-12 is the flagship program of this administration and therefore education sector should be given the funds … Continue reading »

[People] The fishing wars by Fr. Shay Cullen

The fishing wars by Fr. Shay Cullen Last week, a Taiwanese fisherman died when a Philippine Coast Guard patrol boat open-fired after one of the four Taiwanese fishing vessels reportedly tried to ram the coast guard vessel. The incident occurred 43 nautical miles east of Balintang Island, in the West Philippine Sea well inside the … Continue reading »

[From the web] Inter-Agency Com on ELK & Enforced Disappearance Guidelines for Investigation & Prosecution

Inter-Agency Committee on Extra-Legal Killings and Enforced Disappearance Meet to Adopt Guidelines for Investigation and Prosecution Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph On April 18, 2013, the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) on Extra-Legal Killings, Enforced Disappearances, Torture and Other Grave Violations of the Right to Life, Liberty and Security of Persons, chaired by the Department of Justice (DOJ), held its … Continue reading »

[Featured Video] APECO: Progress for Whom? by Ditsi Carolino

Simbahang Lingkod Ng Bayan APECO: Progress for Whom? An updated documentary by Ditsi Carolino on the fight of the farmers, fisherfolks and Indigenous People of Casiguran in their struggle against APECO! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=600173876661802 Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained … Continue reading »

[From the web] DND-DILG hit list legitimizes rights violation vs 60-year old peasant organizer -KARAPATAN

DND-DILG hit list legitimizes rights violation vs 60-year old peasant organizer May 11, 2013 Karapatan deplored the enforced disappearance, illegal arrest and detention of Estelita T. Tacalan, a 60-year old peasant organizer and rural health worker in Misamis Oriental, as a “recent case of rights violation legitimized by the Joint Order No. 14-2012 of the … Continue reading »

[Information] Sabah Chronology of Evacuee Map as of 1200HH, 13 May 2013 -RHRC, ARMM

Sabah Chronology of Evacuee Map as of 1200HH, 13 May 2013 Highlights: As of 13 May 2013, a total of 16,700 evacuees arrived in 190 boats since 05 March 2013. Evacuees: – 69 evacuees from Semporna arrived on 11 May to Bongao, Tawi-Tawu via M/L Jamila Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure that … Continue reading »

[People] Gutsy moms who know but don’t approve by Ma. Ceres P. Doyo

Gutsy moms who know but don’t approve Philippine Daily Inquirer/FEATURES/by Ma. Ceres P. Doyo Quoting Edna St. Vincent Millay’s poem “Dirge Without Music” was how Lydia de la Paz, mother of slain physician Dr. Remberto “Bobby” de la Paz, began her speech that became a classic during the dark days of martial rule. She was … Continue reading »

[Campaign] List of Organizations endorsing the 10 Pt. Human Rights Agenda on Mining (as of May 10, 2013)

List of Organizations endorsing the 10 Pt. Human Rights Agenda on Mining (as of May 10, 2013). AKBAYAN Partylist Anak Mindanao -AMIN Partylist Aniban ng Mangagawa sa Agrikultura (AMA) Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) BAWGBUG Coalition Against Trafficking In Women – Asia Pacific (CATW-AP) FIAN Philippines FIND … Continue reading »

[Press Release] Prosecute Mastermind of Activist’s Murder. First Conviction for EJK During Aquino Admin -HRW

Philippines: Prosecute Mastermind of Activist’s Murder First Conviction for Extrajudicial Killing During Aquino Administration (Manila, May 10, 2013) – Philippine authorities should ensure that those who planned and financed the killing of an environmental activist in 2011 are arrested and prosecuted, Human Rights Watch said today. In the first conviction for an extrajudicial killing since … Continue reading »

[Statement] on the Government of India’s act of reprisal against the Indian Social Action Forum -JSAPMDD

Statement on the Government of India’s act of reprisal against the Indian Social Action Forum Jubilee South Asia Pacific Movement on Debt and Development (JSAPMDD) In an act of outright political repression, the Government of India recently issued orders to freeze the bank account of one of the largest civil society organizations in the country, … Continue reading »

[Statement] Corporate Rights vs Labor Rights – Can we handle it with care? -DEU

Corporate Rights vs Labor Rights – Can we handle it with care? by DEU Onthe matter of Digitel/PLDT’s conduct of its corporate rights 1. On Redundacy issue Lets start on Mr. Pangan clarification where he said, “For one thing PLDT and its subsidiaries or affilliate companies have actually hired 388 employees from Digitel as regular, … Continue reading »

[People] Revenge ,forgiveness and making peace by Fr. Shay Cullen

Revenge ,forgiveness and making peaceby Fr. Shay Cullen The terrible crimes we witness against women and children, bombings against the innocent people in Boston, Iraq, Syria and elsewhere cause us to feel not only pity, but compassion with the victims and their families. Many people feel anger that cries out for revenge and vengeance. The … Continue reading »

[Urgent Appeal] Harassment of Protesting Workers of a Telecommunications Company -TFDP

Urgent Appeal May 2, 2013 (PHILIPPINES) Harassment of Protesting Workers of a Telecommunications Company ISSUES: Harassment and Intimidation; Unfair Labor Practice; Human Rights Defenders; Freedom of Expression and Right to Organize Dear friends, The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) is forwarding to you an appeal regarding the harassment and intimidation against leaders and … Continue reading »

[Statement] Pnoy and Private Capital Instituting Pauperism in the Country -Kilusan

Pnoy and Private Capital Instituting Pauperism in the Country May 1,2013 The projected economic growth of between 6.7 and 7 percent this year and the rosy international credit ratings for the Philippines do not necessarily translate into the improvement of the people’s lives. Latest figures from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) show that poverty … Continue reading »

[Press Release] Aquino ‘turning a blind eye’ to workers woes – CTUHR

Aquino ‘turning a blind eye’ to workers woes – CTUHR On the 111th International Labor Day, Center for Trade Union and Human Rights criticized the Aquino administration’s responses concerns of Filipino workers saying that the administration is “turning a blind eye” to workers issues and demands. CTUHR Executive Director Daisy Arago said, “Recent actions and … Continue reading »

[Blog] The Rediscovery and Re-enchantment of Our Humanity: in Honor of the May Day and In Defense of the Global Occupy Movement by Jose Mario De Vega

The Rediscovery and Re-enchantment of Our Humanity: in Honor of the May Day and In Defense of the Global Occupy Movement The present times are complicatedly so fast and furious. So fast the pacing that we forget to stop and pause to enjoy the quality time with our family and savor the moment with our … Continue reading »

[Appeal] AICHR must take a stand against enforced/involuntary disappearances in the region -SAPA TFAHR

26 April 2013 H.E. Pehin Dato Dr. Awang Hj. Ahmad bin Hj. Jumat Chairperson ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Jalan Subok, Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Darussalam BD 2710 Tel: (673) 226 1177, 226 1291-5 Fax: (673) 226 1709, 2904 Email: aseanbru@mfa.gov.bn, bruneirep.aichr@gmail.com Your Excellency, Re: AICHR must take a stand against enforced/involuntary disappearances … Continue reading »

[Video] “Digitel Employees Union Hunger Strike Day 1″ on YouTube -DEU

“Digitel Employees Union Hunger Strike Day 1″ on YouTube All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material. Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these … Continue reading »

[Statement] Truth cannot be hidden forever… -AFAD

Truth cannot be hidden forever… AFAD Statement on the 6th Anniversary of Jonas Burgos’ Disappearance 28 April, 2013 Exactly six years ago, Jonas Burgos, peasant leader and son of the late press freedom icon, Joe Burgos, was allegedly seized and made to disappear by the military at the Ever Gotesco Mall in Quezon City. For … Continue reading »

[Statement] PLDT/DIGITEL Management… Untouchable? -DEU

PLDT/DIGITEL Management… Untouchable? After continuously defying and snubbing the Supreme Court’s decision (G.R.No. 184903-04, January 21, 2013) and Department of Labor and Employment’s order (Writ of Execution, March 19, 2013) to commence Collective Bargaining Agreement and Back to Work in favor of Digitel Employees Union (DEU), the PLDT/DIGITEL Management filed a case versus DEU, last … Continue reading »

[Press Release] Stand firm, repel the workers bully!!! -DEU

Stand firm, repel the workers bully!!! Behold, in front of you are the gallant men and women of Digitel Employees Union (DEU). In its fight against PLDT’s Corporate GREED. Their scheme of Closure via REDUNDANCY is a clear union busting and to promote CONTRACTUALIZATION. They are pushing their scheme even if it’s against … Continue reading »

[Press Release] CTUHR urges government to resolve joblessness, low wage to alleviate poverty

CTUHR urges government to resolve joblessness, low wage to alleviate poverty In reaction to the latest poverty statistics reported by the NSCB which showed that poverty in the country has not changed from 2009 to 2012, the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights urged the Aquino administration to resolve joblessness and low wages in … Continue reading »

[People] The horrific crime against 7 year-old Mykie Prado by Fr. Shay Cullen

The horrific crime against 7 year-old Mykie Prado by Fr. Shay Cullen We are facing a growing crises and epidemic of child sexual abuse according to the numbers that are being reported and by educated guess that thousands more go unreported. It takes much courage and bravery for a child or threatened adult to report … Continue reading »

[Blog] Criminality is the sign of society’s moral decadence, social poverty and economic inequality by Jose Mario de Vega

Criminality is the sign of society’s moral decadence, social poverty and economic inequality by Jose Mario De Vega It has been quite some time now that the prevailing issues, hot topics and shocking headlines of our newspapers and the dominant talk of the town is the apparent and seeming rise of criminal statistics and the … Continue reading »

[Press Release] PH hunger prevalence worse than global average -NFC

PH hunger prevalence worse than global average MANILA, Philippines – Politicians running for office in the mid-term elections should stop feeding the Filipino voters with propaganda trash. Rather, they should focus and debate on how they can improve the incidence of undernourishment or chronic hunger in the country, the National Food Coalition (NFC) said Wednesday. … Continue reading »

[Statement] DEU Officers and Members soon to jail…to silence them and hide the truth!

DEU Officers and Members soon to jail…to silence them and hide the truth! Some officers and members of the Digitel Employees Union (DEU) received summons from Makati RTC wherein they were each filed cases of illegal occupancy or trespassing. The said subpoenas were sent to their respective homes and received by their families. Is this … Continue reading »

[In the news] Saudi Arabia signs accord to protect PHL domestic workers -GMA News

Saudi Arabia signs accord to protect PHL domestic workers May 20, 2013 MANILA – The Philippines said Monday it had signed a historic agreement with Saudi Arabia that would protect thousands of Filipina maids from being exploited in the Middle Eastern kingdom. The agreement guarantees Filipina maids benefits like a day off each week while … Continue reading »

[In the news] Peasants ask: Why are ‘opposition’ provinces Quezon, Laguna not on list of coco-levy funded areas? -InterAksyon.com

Peasants ask: Why are ‘opposition’ provinces Quezon, Laguna not on list of coco-levy funded areas? By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com May 20, 2013 MANILA, Philippines — A militant peasant group on Monday questioned the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for leaving out Quezon and Laguna in the priority provinces to be funded by the coco … Continue reading »

[In the news] Audit of Hacienda Luisita firm runs late -INQUIRER.net

Audit of Hacienda Luisita firm runs late Philippine Daily Inquirer May 20, 2013 CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—A leader of a farmers’ group has accused the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of sabotaging the audit ordered by the Supreme Court (SC) on the financial status of Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) after the process was delayed by … Continue reading »

[In the news] ARMM’s Hataman vows to lower poverty incidence to “single-digit during our term” -Mindanews

ARMM’s Hataman vows to lower poverty incidence to “single-digit during our term” By Carolyn O. Arguillas May 20 2013 COTABATO CITY (MindaNews/20 May) – OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), recently proclaimed winner in the ARMM gubernatorial race, has vowed to lower the double-digit poverty incidence in the country’s … Continue reading »

[in the news] Attacks on OFWs in Taiwan isolated – MECO chief -InterAksyon.com

Attacks on OFWs in Taiwan isolated – MECO chief By InterAksyon.com May 20, 2013 MANILA, Philippines – Chairman Amadeo Perez of the Taipei-based Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) on Monday said that the two incidents of attacks on Filipino workers in Taiwan were “isolated cases involving gangsters.” In a radio interview, the country’s de … Continue reading »

[In the news] Buhay, A Teacher, Bayan Muna lead party-list race -INQUIRER.net

Buhay, A Teacher, Bayan Muna lead party-list race By Jerome Aning Philippine Daily Inquirer May 21, 2013 As the canvassing of votes for the party-list groups resumed, a poll watchdog on Monday called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to account for the 23.67 percent of election returns (ERs) that had not been electronically tabulated … Continue reading »

[In the news] Endorsement for Tampakan project under new SouthCot execs unlikely -MindaNews

Endorsement for Tampakan project under new SouthCot execs unlikely By Bong S. Sarmiento May 20 2013 KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/20 May)— The ban on open pit mining in South Cotabato will remain a major stumbling block to the effort of foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) to operate the Tampakan project with the election of the new … Continue reading »

[In the news] Another OFW injured in attack on dorm in Taiwan -GMA News

Another OFW injured in attack on dorm in Taiwan May 19, 2013 At least one more overseas Filipino worker in Taiwan was injured in an attack on a dormitory for Filipinos Saturday night. One of the OFWs, Marissa de Guzman, said the incident occurred Saturday night when a group of Taiwanese suddenly broke into their … Continue reading »

[In the news] Team formed for ‘harassed’ Filipinos in Taiwan -SunStar.com.ph

Team formed for ‘harassed’ Filipinos in Taiwan May 18, 2013 MANILA — The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (Meco) has formed a team that will handle reported cases of harassment against overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan, Malacañang said Saturday. In an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte reiterated the … Continue reading »