Statement in Support of the Global Campaign Against Child Labor June 7, 2023
Human Rights Online Philippines (HROnlinePH), a network of human rights defenders working online for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines, joins hands with human rights organizations, social activists, and child rights advocates around the world to express our unwavering support for the global campaign against child labor.
Child labor is a grave violation of human rights that affects millions of children worldwide. It denies children their right to a childhood, to education, to play, and to grow into healthy, well-rounded individuals. Instead, they are subjected to hazardous working conditions, exploitation, and a loss of opportunities that hinder their overall development.
Groups Urge Philippines to Ratify Agreement vs. Toxic Waste Trade following Thailand’s Ratification
Environmental health and justice groups lauded the Government of Thailand for joining the global efforts to control unwanted imports of hazardous waste and other wastes by ratifying the Basel Convention Ban Amendment.
Thailand accepted the amendment in March 2023, becoming the 102nd party to ratify the agreement. ASEAN member states Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia ratified the agreement in 2001, 2002 and 2005, respectively. The Philippines and other countries in the region have yet to ratify the agreement, which already entered into force in 2019.
Thailand’s acceptance of the amendment banning the export of hazardous waste and other wastes from developed to developing countries drew cheers from public interest groups and rekindled calls for the Philippines and other countries to ratify the agreement and not to fall behind.
Statement in Advancing Digital Rights June 7. 2023
Human Rights Online Philippines (HROnlinePH) is a network of human rights defenders dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in the digital age.
We recognize that as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the advancement of digital rights is crucial in ensuring the dignity, privacy, and freedom of individuals in online spaces. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the rights of individuals in the digital realm.
The digital landscape presents both opportunities and challenges to all of us. While technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and participate in public discourse, it has also given rise to new forms of surveillance, censorship, violations of privacy, and even the proliferation of troll farms.
Exactly 5 years ago, PMPI led and launched the 1st ever SALAKYAG: PARA SA SANGNILIKHA last 2018, together with CBCP NASSA-CARITAS.
With the theme “Protect Mother Earth! Defend inter-generational people’s rights to a balanced and healthful ecology,” the historical SALAKYAG 2018 was attended by thousands of people to declare their unity in conserving nature and calling the government and business institutions to prioritize protecting our environment. The Salakyag started in Zamboanga City to Manila last May 28, 2018. It traveled to Sindangan and Dipolog, Cagayan De Oro, and Butuan, then the group sailed to Leyte and Northern Samar, Legazpi City, Albay, then in Quezon and Laguna. SALAKYAG which means sakay, lakbay and layag – is part of PMPI’s national campaign that called for the protection and conservation of our environment. This also jumpstarted the campaign for the Rights of Nature (RON) to raise public awareness of the negative impacts of mining and climate change, highlighted human rights violations in mining communities, called for the passage of green bills pending in the legislative branches of government, and demanded accountability from these mining companies.
“Get solutions to beat plastic pollution,” says BAN Toxics
Environment watchdog group BAN Toxics held a symbolic “walk for creation” on June 5 to emphasize the urgency of people’s actions on plastic pollution in time for World Environment Day.
The walk started from Barasoain Church to La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP) in Malolos, Bulacan, in partnership with the Diocese of Malolos – Commission on Social Action, Diocesan Ecological and Environmental Program, Knights of Columbus, Diocesan Commission on Youth, Catholic Women’s League, Commission on Evangelization, Basic Ecclesial Community, teachers and students of LCUP and Bulacan State University.
The group also conducted an awareness raising hyflex conference to discuss among the participants the problems and solutions to end plastic pollution. These include the needed support for a global plastics treaty and to encourage the public to reduce plastic waste generation.
Greetings from Vienna. We hope this mail finds you well! I´m happy to invite you to join our campaign…find all infos below.
As in the previous years, DKA Austria has launched the campaign “Stop Child Labour” in an alliance with different NGOs in the run-up to June 12, the International Day against Child Labour. Through various activities, we are calling on European politicians to pass a strong European Supply Chain Act that effectively combats child labour and other human rights violations.
Under the title “Code Word Stop Child Labour” we ask our supporters to make so-called reverse graffiti in public spaces. They are created by partially cleaning a dirty surface with the help of a stencil. You can see how this works in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6yq_pMmL7A
MAG STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW HEALTH SECRETARY June 6, 2023
“It’s Time for Immediate Action: A Challenge to the New Health Secretary on Tackling the Persistent Health Crisis”
The Medical Action Group (MAG) welcomes the appointment of Dr. Ted Herbosa, a renowned expert on emergency medicine and public-private partnership in health, as the new Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH). After a year of the Marcos administration, healthcare has seemingly taken a backseat to other government priorities. But with the appointment of a health professional with DOH experience at the helm of the national health agency, expectations are high that he will translate his experience to doing what is best for the health system of the country – which is to work comprehensively to deliver on the promise of the universal health care – that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need without financial hardship.”
It is a matter of fact that the Philippine public health system is in dire need of improvement. Limited access to healthcare has resulted in preventable illnesses and deaths of many Filipinos.
As the new health secretary, it is now his duty to address these inadequacies and decays in the public health system. MAG as a health and human rights organization, recommends that the new health secretary make a firm resolve to:
Pahayag ng TDC hinggil sa data gathering ng DEPED para sa National Learning Camp sa paparating na bakasyon
Malinaw naman na ang mga guro ay entitled sa dalawang buwang school break (summer break) at iyan ay ginagarantiyahan ng mga panuntunan at kautusan ng CSC at DepEd mula pa noong pahanong hindi pa ipinapanganak ang marami sa atin. Wala kasi tayong paid vacation at sick leave na mayroon ang ibang kawani, pampubliko man o pribado.
Ibig sabihin nito, anumang trabaho na ipagagawa sa atin sa panahon ng bakasyon ay dapat voluntary at dapat ding tumbasan ng additional compensation gaya ng service credits o overtime pay. Napakahalaga kasi ng school break. Ito nag panahon na maaaring makapagpahinga at makapaghanda para sa susunod na school year ang mga bata at ang mga guro matapos ang sampung buwan ng pagpasok sa eskwela. Kakaiba pa ngayon sapagkat nakaranas tayo ng matinding init na lalong nagbigay-pasakit sa lahat.
Ipinagbabawal ng RA 9745 o Anti-Torture Act of 2009 ang paggamit ng torture sa kahit na sinong indibidwal.
Itinuturing ito bilang isang krimen at paglabag sa karapatang pantao, hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi maging sa ibang panig ng mundo.
Upang tuluyang labanan ang torture, itinakda ng United Nations ang petsang June 26 bilang Araw ng Pandaigdigang Pagkilala at Pagsuporta sa mga Biktima ng Torture.
Press Release EcoWaste Coalition: Online Trade of Cosmetics with Mercury Endangers Health and the Environment
In time for the World Environment Day on June 5 and the mid-year online sales on June 6, the toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition urged online shopping leaders and dealers to protect human health and the ecosystems from mercury contamination.
The group specifically called for concrete measures to stop the use of e-commerce as a vehicle to flout the global ban on the manufacture, import or export of cosmetics such as skin lightening products with mercury content above one part million (ppm) as per the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
“As we urge our fellow Filipinos to say no to chemical whiteners and embrace our natural skin tone, we call on Lazada and Shopee to take effective actions to discontinue the use of their platforms by third-party sellers to promote and sell skin lightening products containing mercury, which can endanger the health of users and other household members, as well as contaminate the ecosystems as mercury from these products is discharged into waste water,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.
In celebration of World Environment Day, members of Alyansa Tigil Mina are mobilizing in different parts of the country this week to highlight the environmental destruction caused by mining and to demand a halt to destructive mining operations.
“The push for the revitalization of the mining industry by the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. imperils our natural resources and local communities,” said Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator.
“As an extractive industry, mining has irreversible environmental impacts. In many Sites of Struggles (SoS), mining destroys the biodiversity, water sources, and ecosystems of the region as well as the livelihoods of the people. Even protected areas such as Mount Guiting-guiting in Sibuyan Island, Romblon and Mount Mantalingahan in Brooke’s Point, Palawan are affected by mining operations,” Garganera said.
The US must curb rights abuse to keep the bases by Fr. Shay Cullen
It is highly unusual for the office of President Joe Biden in the White House to speak out directly and offer condolences to a victim of human rights violations in the Philippines with whom it is strengthening military cooperation by occupying nine Philippine military bases.
The recent gruesome murder of Alex Dolorosa, a young dedicated and committed Filipino labor rights worker, was brutally murdered in Bacolod, Negros Occidental. It is one of many murders of human rights workers that have continued to shock the international human rights community. Alex was a committed human rights worker, one of the young leaders that this country needs to challenge the evil exploitation and oppression of workers as guaranteed by the constitution.
Many international and Philippine human rights organizations are one in condemning the brutal murder of Alex Dolorosa and of hundreds of others that have happened in recent years. The United States spokesperson at the office of President Joe Biden at the White House issued a message, “We extend our condolences to Dolorosa’s family and friends, as well as the greater international labor union and LGBTQI+ communities who loved him.” This following an official visit by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The Philippines, once known as a truly Christian country for its gentle, kind-hearted, and welcoming people, has become known in recent years as a killing field for extra-judicial murders. Once a beacon of hope for the rule of law in a democratic society, it is now a country that has one of the worst records of human rights violations in Asia because of a small group of killers operating with impunity.
Labor and Environmental Groups Demand Listing of Chrysotile Asbestos in Rotterdam Convention
As the 2023 meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions get underway in Geneva, Switzerland, Filipino groups championing labor and chemical safety rights appealed to governments to include chrysotile asbestos among the hazardous chemicals that can only be traded with prior informed consent (PIC) of the importing country.
In a joint press release, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and the EcoWaste Coalition urged the few countries blocking the listing of chrysotile asbestos under Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention to join the majority of countries seeking global consensus to control the international trade in chrysotile asbestos.
BAN Toxics calls for the protection of workers from hazardous chemicals in time for Labor Day
Environmental justice group BAN Toxics highlights workers’ occupational exposure to toxic chemicals and calls for the protection and advancement of the people’s right to chemical safety as the world celebrates International Labor Day.
As the production and use of chemicals increase yearly, the impacts of hazardous chemicals on workers especially in low- and middle-income countries is a growing concern as the risks of significant health effects increase.
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), over a billion workers globally are exposed to hazardous substances in the world of work, with an estimated of almost one million workers losing their lives each year. Health effects include cardiovascular disease, cancers, and respiratory diseases among others.
His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Malacanang Palace
Through Honorable Jesus Crispin Remulla Secretary of Justice Padre Faura, Manila
Dear Mr. President:
Peace Be With You!
It has been six years since former Senator Leila de Lima was arrested and detained for trumped up drug charges. Separated from family and friends, she has suffered from loneliness, depression and anxiety. Prevented from discharging her duties as a duly elected Senator of the Republic, her constituents were deprived of her service. The latest hostage taking revealed her exposure to risks and vulnerability to attacks inside the Camp Crame Detention Center.
Mr. President while you have repeatedly said to let the courts decide, we are all witness to how the judicial process is painfully slow. In the two cases filed against her, five judges have inhibited, two opted for early retirement, and two acted as temporary/acting judges. For Criminal Case 165, the current judge is the fifth assigned judge. For Criminal Case 167, the current judge is the sixth judge.
EcoWaste Coalition Appeals to Government of Pakistan to Stop Export of Banned Cosmetics with Mercury
(Published on 16 February 2023 by EcoWaste Coalition)
In its latest bid to stop the proliferation of banned mercury-added cosmetics in the local market, including e-commerce sites, the toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition has sought the help of the Government of Pakistan.
Through a letter sent today via e-mail, the group requested the Government of Pakistan to help solve a public health problem involving the unlawful export to the Philippines of 17 “made in Pakistan” beauty creams with high levels of mercury in violation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The letter was addressed to Federal Minister Sherry Rehman of the Ministry of Climate Change (MOCC) and Mr. Syed Mujtaba Hussain, the country’s National Focal Point for the Minamata Convention on Mercury,
The mercury treaty, which includes Pakistan and the Philippines among the state parties, has set a phase-out date for cosmetics such as skin lightening products with mercury content above one ppm. The treaty stipulated 2020 as the date after which the manufacture, import or export of such mercury-added cosmetics shall not be allowed.
In Solidarity to the Brave People of Sibuyan Island
I joined our people in condemning to the highest possible degree the extremely violent dispersal done by the powers that be recently against the brave people of Sibuyan Island who are peacefully protesting collectively and airing their disgust and rejection of the intended mining activities to their beautiful province.
Their resistance was through a human barricade was forcefully manhandled and viciously dismantled by the police which is a grave violation of the protestors constitutionally sacred rights. I cannot help but wonder, why it is that the police are trampling on the rights of the citizens, the very people that pay taxes in order for those idiots to have their salaries. Hence, I have to ask the categorical questions no matter how inconvenient and uncomfortable they may be: who are they serving and who are they protecting? It is clear that they are not for the people’s welfare; it is correct to inquire: are they also in the pay roll of the mining industry?
I forge my solidarity to the valiant people of Sibuyan Island and throwing my full support to their just struggle for a balance nature and ecological harmony.
I am also supporting the proposed Senate inquiry by Senator Hontiveros not only to look at the root cause of all these issues but primordially to investigate the mining activities in the area and determined who are the culprits who uses excessive force in the brief scuffle that erupted and shown all over the world, as usual to the shame of all Filipinos.
Pakinggan ang boses ni Alvin, isang kabataang katutubong apektado ng Kaliwa Dam.
Kasama si Alvin sa paglalakad upang ipakita sa taumbayan at makuha ang kanilang suporta na ipatigil ang Kaliwa Dam na makakasira sa kanilang kinabukasan at salinlahi ng mga katutubo. Aniya, ang laban na ito ay hindi lamang laban nilang mga katutubo kundi laban ng lahat na maapektuhan ng pagtatayo ng Kaliwa Dam.
MAKIISA SA LAKAD. MAKIISA SA LABAN. #StopKaliwaDam #SaveSierraMadre
Pirmahan at ibahagi ang petisyon: change.org/stopkaliwadam
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(Published February 7 at ATM Social Media Accounts)
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) lauded the Sibuyan residents today for their victory over the illegal operations of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) after the DENR issued a Cease and Desist Order preventing the mining firm from the construction and operation of its causeway and stopping its transportation of nickel ore.
“The DENR Order suspending the current operations of APMC is a clear victory for the people of Sibuyan. Without the firm resistance of the Sibuyan residents and environmental defenders, we doubt if the DENR will lift a finger on the violations of the APMC,” said Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of ATM. “However, the struggle of the Sibuyanons is far from over as they are strongly demanding the revocation of APMC’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA),”
This is an excerpt from the article “Rose” by Jan Joy Louise Crismo, published in the The Voice, December 2019 issue (an AFAD publication). Rose is the sister of the Acebedo Brothers who were forcibly disappeared during the dark times of Philippine Martial Law of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos (1972-1981).
“Rose is the third and only girl among the four Acebedo siblings. She used to be an organizer in the anti-martial law movement along with her older brothers, Roy and Nolito, and their youngest brother, Boyet.”
Ang International Criminal Court ay magpapatuloy na sa pag-imbestiga ng alegasyon ng patayan sa ilalim ng gera kontra-droga ng dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.
Inaprubahan ng ICC Pre-Trial chamber ang request ni prosecutor Karim Khan para sa pagsulong ng imbestigasyon.
Dapat ba o hindi mangbusisi ang ICC sa alegasyon ng paglabag ng karapatang pantao sa bansa sa ilalim ng war on drugs ni dating pangulong Duterte?
OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE MASS DISPLACEMENT AND FILING OF CRIMINAL CASES AGAINST FARMER-MEMBERS OF SANAMABASU February 7, 2023
The Kilusan para sa Repormang Agraryo at Katarungang Panlipunan (KATARUNGAN) strongly condemns the man-made humanitarian crisis affecting more than 70 farming families in Brgy. Sumalo, Hermosa, Bataan. These farmers organized under the Samahan ng mga Nagkakaisang Mamamayan sa Brgy. Sumalo (SANAMABASU) are literally under siege from relentless attacks on their right to land, housing, and basic freedoms through the criminalization of their land rights movements. Their situation highlights the cavalier treatment and continuing marginalization of farmers in the country. Many small farmers and producers who are reeling from the negative impact of trade liberalization and smuggling are also being driven forcibly from their land and livelihoods and are deprived of their right to live peacefully and with dignity.
The members of SANAMABASU have been tilling the land for many years before the Litton family acquired the area through a Sales Patent in 1979. The 214-hectare land was subsequently transferred to Riverforest Development Corporation (RDC) owned by the Litton family. RDC successfully applied for conversion despite the petition of farmers for land redistribution under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the RDC in 2007, the land remained eligible for acquisition and redistribution under the CARP due to the RDC’s non-compliance with the reglementary period for conversion. Hence, in 2019, the Office of the President ordered that the property be taken over and given to qualified beneficiaries. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) later covered 155.6 hectares of the property under the CARP.
Since the farmers petitioned for land rights, the RDC has used various tactics to evict the farmers from their homes and land, including conflict-stirring among residents, hiring armed security guards, and filing of criminal and civil cases against them. The Barangay Captain, who has been leading the petition for land reform, has also been targeted with sustained administrative complaints and suspended from office, hindering his ability to serve his constituents. As of last count, farmers and their leaders already faced more than 50 criminal and civil cases. And cases against them are counting.
Environmental defenders in Sibuyan, Romblon called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to issue a cease and desist order that would stop the operations of Altai Philippines Mining Company (APMC). According to the DENR findings:
APMC violated PD 1067 known as the Water Code of the Philippines- shore easement construction of structures
APMC violated DAO 2004-24 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations – no foreshore lease agreement (Sec. 2c); salvage zone construction
APMC violated Section 4 of PD 1586 – construction of causeway without Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)
APMC violated Section 77 of PD 705 – cutting/clearing of trees without permit “Hinihihingi natin ang agarang aksyon ng DENR Secretary through MGB Regional Director to issue a cease and desist order. Ang mabagal na aksyon ng DENR ay magdudulot ng malawak na pinsala sa Isla ng Sibuyan at kapahamakan sa mga mamamayan, “ said Elizabeth Ibañez, Coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM).
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Rights groups see new light towards justice in ICC drug war probe resumption
Human rights groups on Friday, January 27, welcomed the “much awaited” decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to resume the investigation into the violent war on drugs under former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court (PCICC) said that the move “brings light amid darkness” as justice continues to be out of reach for thousands of victims and their families. It called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to also hold the Duterte government accountable for its human rights abuses.
Sibuyanons barricade pier due to Altai Mining Company’s illegal operation
Sibuyan residents set up a barricade in front of the pier being constructed by Altai Philippines Mining Company in Sitio Bato España, San Fernando, Romblon to oppose the illegal operations of the mining company, which have not secured the necessary permits and documents for their mining activities.
Elizabeth Ibañez, Coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM) and member of the Council of Leaders (COL) of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), said the illegal activities of the Altai Mining must be immediately investigated. “We demand swift action from the local governments of the province and municipalities, and the pertinent government agencies such as the DENR and BFAR to stop the mining operations of the company and hold them accountable for their illegal activities,” she said.
According to Ibañez, the protesters are demanding that the mining company produce the following documents: barangay clearance, municipal business permit, DENR foreshore lease contract, and PPA permit to construct a private port.
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EcoWaste Coalition Pushes for Safe Management of Mercury-Containing Lamp Waste
As the Zero Waste Month is observed, the toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition called for better enforcement of existing regulations aimed at protecting citizens, including waste workers, against harmful exposure from spent mercury-containing lamps.
The group drew attention to Quezon City Ordinance No. 1483, series of 2005 and Quezon City Ordinance No. 2350, series of 2014 after stumbling on several broken fluorescent lamps last Friday, January 20, which were found abandoned at a sidewalk along Aurora Boulevard near corner Doña Hemady Street.
“There is an apparent need to remind the public about the provisions of these two important ordinances in relation to the disposal of busted lamps containing mercury,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “Improved enforcement of current regulations will prevent the breakage of such lamps and the vaporization of their mercury content, which can endanger human health.”
Health Complaints Mar LNG (Fossil Gas) Operations in Batangas City, Philippines
BATANGAS CITY, PHILIPPINES – The country’s foremost LNG capital province is now at the hot seat as petitions are filed by communities in the five barangays of the city Monday morning.
Citing “abnormally high levels of respiratory infections and cardiovascular diseases” in barangays Dela Paz proper, Ilijan, Malitam, Sta. Rita Karsada, Tabangao Ambulong, and Tabangao Aplaya in Batangas City, the affected communities, and civil society organizations have filed petitions before different government offices including the local government unit of said city.
The barangays mentioned host five operating liquified natural power plants, also known as fossil gas plants with a combined 3,45 GW LNG capacity.
Pahayag ng Suporta at pakikiisa sa Manggagawa ng ACCEs
Sumusuporta at nakiki-isa ang Alyansa ng Manggagawa sa Bataan (AMBA-BALA) sa mga manggagawa ng Association of Concerned CDC Employees (ACCes) sa kanilang pakikipaglaban upang igiiit ang kanilang karapatan sa matagal na tinatamasang benepisyo.
Bawas sa sahod/ benepisyo ang sumalubong sa mga manggagawa ng Clark Development Corporation sa kanilang Payroll ngayong buwan ng Enero. Ayon sa Unyon humigit kumulang limang libong piso (P5,000) ang nabawas sa kanilang buwanang sahod bilang mga rank and file na manggagawa ng CDC. Batay daw ito sa pagpapatupad ng Compensation and Position Classification System (CPCS) mula sa Governance Commission on GOCCs (GCG).
Bagamat umaapela ang unyon ukol sa bagong sistema ng pasahod, kinaltasan parin ang mga manggagawa ng CDC. Bukod sa paglabag ito article 100 ng ating labor code ( Prohibition against Elimination or Dimunition of benefits) tahasan ding nilabag ng pamunuan ng CDC ang Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) ng matagal ng umiiral sa pagitan ng unyon at pamunuan.
THE BIGGEST labor Coalition in the country calls on the government to release former Sen. Leila De Lima, a long time political prisoner.
We agree with Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla’s opinion that the Supreme Court’s decision on Reyes’ habeas corpus petition, which questioned the length of her detention in relation to the pork barrel scam, should be applied to the case of Sen. Leila De Lima and other high-profile criminal cases involving political detainees. The First Division of the Supreme Court in a resolution dated January 17, 2023 granted Reyes’ petition for a writ of habeas corpus.
TDC statement on senate BRC findings and recommendations re DEPED purchase of overpriced purchase
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committees finding that the laptops purchased by DepEd and PS-DBM were overpriced was expected. We were all witnesses to the panels series of investigations made public last year. The recommendation to file legal actions against some DepEd and DBM officials and even private personalities will bring this P2.4B deal to the proper forum and the officials will have a chance to prove their innocence.
At almost ₱60,000 each, it should prove impossible to justify the purchase of these laptops, as prices online hover at only 20K to 25K, roughly a third of the winning bid. Recipients of these controversial laptops concluded that the units are not fit for the demands of our work- these are outdated. Some teachers rejected it when they read the specifications on the property acknowledgment receipt (PAR), while others returned the units to their property custodians when they found out that these laptops performed terribly. And there are also those who did not use the laptops and just bought new ones with their own money.
At least 6 teachers executed their affidavits and submitted those to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Why not? Most of us continue to make painful sacrifices to find ways to purchase essential laptops, typically by borrowing money at usurious interest rates that we have to bear for several years. This makes this scandalous purchase of ₱2.4 billion all the more abhorrent.
DepEd Head Teachers Worried for Possible Loss of Position
The National Head Teachers Association of the Philippines (NaHTAP), an organization of DepEd employees with Head Teachers (HTs) positions in the national plantilla reiterated its call on the DepEd not to dissolve their positions under the E0 174 or the policy to create expanded career progression system for public school teachers.
This is according to Dino Busilig, the groups lead convenor and a head teacher from Batangas province as the proposed implementing rules drafted by DepEd would result in mass demoralization.
Based on recent information, the IRR will be released this January, but the DepEd has not initiated a consultation with the stakeholders, especially the Head Teachers who will be affected by this policy change. We have been patient and we continue to wait for the DepEds call for consultation but it seems that we are waiting for nothing, Busilig exclaimed.
Warning Out on Toxic Cadmium and Lead in Lucky Charms and Amulets (Group tells manufacturers to label their products and provide hazard warnings)
As the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, the toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition cautioned luck seekers from purchasing charms and amulets containing highly hazardous chemicals cadmium and lead.
“Some amulets and charms that claim to attract or boost ‘Sheng Chi’ (good energy) and counter ‘Sha Chi’ (bad energy) are unluckily laden with high levels of cadmium and lead,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.
“These chemicals are highly hazardous and are known to negatively affect human health and the environment,” she said, “We therefore question their presence in charms and amulets that are marketed to enhance good health, happiness, long life, and prosperity.”
Morality is not properly the doctrine of how we may make ourselves happy, but how we may make ourselves worthy of happiness. – Immanuel Kant
We must win freedom by deserving it, by improving the mind and enhancing the dignity of the individual, loving what is just, good and great, to the point of dying for it. When a people reach these heights . . . the idols and tyrants fall like a house of cards and freedom shines in the first dawn. – Jose Rizal
Itinuturo ng katuwiran na wala tayong iba pang maa-antay kundi lalo’t lalong ka-alipinan. Itinuturo ng katuwiran, lalo’t lalong ka-alipustaan. Itinuturo ng katuwiran na huwag nating sayangin ang panahon sa pag-asa sa ipinangakong kaginhawahan na hindi darating at hindi mangyayari. Itinuturo ng katuwiran na tayo’y umasa sa ating sarili at huwag antayin sa iba ang ating kabuhayan. Itinuturo ng katuwiran na tayo’y magka-isang luob, magka-isang isip at akala, at tayo’y magkaisa na maihanap ng lunas ang nagha-haring kasamaan sa ating Bayan. – Andres Bonifacio
Birdtalk is a biannual forum where IBON Foundation presents its analysis of the country’s most urgent socioeconomic and political issues. Various sectors, including government office representatives, the religious, educators and students, entrepreneurs, and organizations are invited.
Birdtalk will be on Wednesday, January 25, 1PM and LIVESTREAMED here on our FB page. We’re also working to bring Birdtalk to a much wider audience!
Like us here on FB and follow us on Twitter for updates!
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[Statement] A win for journalists and the rule of law
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines welcomes the acquittal of Maria Ressa and Rappler Holdings Corp. at the Court of Tax Appeals.
The cases against Maria and Rappler illustrate the increasing use of the law for reprisal against and for intimidation against journalists and civil society.
We, the participants of the 6th Freedom of Expression Conference or the FreeXP.Con, organized by the Human Rights Online Philippines (HRonlinePH) and the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), stand to affirm that:
WE RECOGNIZE that freedom of expression is a fundamental right of everyone to be heard and to take part in public affairs that have an impact on our lives. The voices of youth matter as they amplify the voices to defend the ideals of democracy, human rights, peace, and social justice.
WE ARE DEEPLY DISTURBED that fake news, historical distortions, and online disinformation on various social media platforms as well as in mainstream media, are now engendering distrust in reliable sources of information that are making us turn against each other with hate and intolerance. These distortive narratives are clouding our perception of the real social reality and robbing our youth of their national identity.
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT to defend the truth by engaging the public in in-depth discussions thru social media or other arenas of public discourse. We must educate not derogate. This will ensure that more people especially the youths are better informed, united, and inspired to take meaningful action.
WE ENJOIN others to be vigilant by taking the frontlines of the campaign against online disinformation and historical distortions. We should fact-check, think before we click, and share reliable information that everyone deserves to know.
WE ARE GRAVELY ALARMED by the continuing criminalization of freedom of expression and opinion in the guise of combating disinformation and fake news but really intended to stifle dissent and silence critics. Legal measures to address and expose lies, must not make a legitimate free speech, as well as personal privacy, become casualties in the fight against falsehoods.
WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE NEED TO FIGHT BACK by bringing to the fore a stronger and wider collaboration with our youth considering they’re a force to contend with to constantly produce online content that can counter the spread of lies, twisted truths, and distorted realities.
WE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGE the different initiatives and efforts to protect freedom of expression and to counter disinformation by putting forward the following RECOMMENDATIONS for the youth:
1. To encounter human rights every day – to learn to respect, learn to care for, and live and claim our rights;
2. To find their passion to do good and advocate for them;
3. To help generate awareness of climate change and demand action for climate justice;
4. To create platforms for online and offline connections among the youth where they can share information and positive change stories; and
5. To focus on our spheres of influence and thrive to occupy online spaces for narrative change.
WE ARE ONE in principle, as we join the global commemoration of International Human Rights Day on December 10, with the FreeXP.CON 6 underscores the crucial role of the youth in bringing about positive change in society and globally by being aware of and willing to claim their rights for a better future.
Adopted on December 2, 2022, at Cocoon Hotel, Quezon City Philippines.
STATEMENT: 10 years of the Reproductive Health Law in the Philippines: A victory?
Getting the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (RH) enacted in the Philippines a decade ago was a hard-won battle.
The passage of the RH bill faced gargantuan opposition from powerful sectors and getting it passed seemed all but impossible. But realizing the law’s implementation has been tougher.
Maternal mortality has decreased slightly, but it’s still far above the Sustainable Development Goals target. It took ten years, but the Department of Education has finally disseminated a Comprehensive Sexuality Education curriculum. They are now training teachers to implement it. We are working with local schools to do just that.
Environmental group to President-elect Marcos: Prioritize environmental issues
BAN Toxics urged President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize ratification of the Basel Ban Amendment and take action for proper chemicals and wastes management in time for his upcoming inauguration.
“We call on President-elect Marcos to prioritize the ratification of the Basel Ban Amendment, implement measures for sound chemicals and wastes management, and the total ban of waste importation to protect our nation from becoming the world’s dump site again,” says Reynaldo San Juan Jr., executive director of BAN Toxics.
The Basel Convention on Hazardous Wastes Management and Disposal was established to protect human health as well as the environment from the harmful effects of improper hazardous waste management worldwide.
PUTTING TORTURE PREVENTION ON THE PHILIPPINES’ NATIONAL AGENDA
In commemoration of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) and Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) in cooperation with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the United Against Torture Coalition (UATC)-Philippines today launched a public forum on the prevention of torture.
The event is supported by the European Union through the project “Reducing risky practices leading to torture and ill-treatment in Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand” (#SafeInCustody).
Groups Call for Ban on Toxic Thermal Paper Receipts with BPA/BPS
Three civil society groups are calling on the government and business sectors to protect workers and the general public from the adverse effects of exposure to endocrine disrupting and cancer-linked chemicals present in thermal transaction receipts.
At the “Kapehan sa Dabaw” and the “Forum on Hazardous Chemicals in Thermal Paper Receipts” held last June 20, representatives of the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), EcoWaste Coalition and the Wonjin Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health (WIOEH) exposed the hidden hazards in such receipts.
Environmental group spotlights mercury-free alternatives in a new study
In line with the celebration of National Poison Prevention Week, environmental watchdog group BAN Toxics launches alternatives study titled “Mercury-Free Alternatives in the Philippines: Batteries, lamps, and medical measuring devices” in a press briefing.
The fourth week of June is celebrated as the National Poison Prevention Week as declared by Presidential Proclamation No. 1777 s. 2009 as an effort to raise awareness on the preventive aspects of poisoning prevention at home, school, work and the general environment.[1]
The study aimed to assess the availability of mercury-free alternatives in the Philippine market in view of the country’s commitments of phasing out mercury-containing products under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.[2]
Government must stop judicial harassment against human rights groups
CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, is alarmed by the ongoing judicial harassment against members of three human rights groups, that have been accused of perjury for seeking legal protection from the Supreme Court against government harassment and intimidation. Around court hearings this week – where National Council members from Karapatan will deliver their testimonies – our organisation calls on the government of the Philippines to immediately drop all charges against them and to halt all forms of reprisals against human rights defenders.
The perjury case stems from a petition for protection, through the writs of amparo and habeas data, submitted in May 2019 by the National Council members of Karapatan, national officers of women alliance, GABRIELA and religious group – the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP). The organisations were tagged by the government as alleged fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). The petition was initially granted but later denied by the Court of Appeal in June 2019. A petition for review of the decision is still pending.
The Philippines and Russia: On Independent Foreign Policy
A per report of Yahoo! News, “During the presidential election campaign, Marcos initially maintained a neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine war. However, he later issued a statement that he is united with the rest of world in calling for Russia “to respect Ukraine’s freedom and its citizens’ democratic way of life.” (Russia ready to help Philippines with oil, gas needs: Russian envoy, Nicholas Young, Jun 14).
It was at this period also that the Philippine government during the UN General Assembly voted together with 141 out of 193 member countries to denounced Russia’s aggression against Ukraine (U.N. General Assembly in historic vote denounces Russia over Ukraine invasion, Reuters, March 3rd).
Though, the said Resolution is non-binding, it is my firm view that the decision undertaken by Malacanan and DFA on this critical world issue is undeniably wrong. The Russian Federation may consider that idiotic decision as an act of an unfriendly country. (Putin issues decree requesting ‘unfriendly’ countries pay for gas in roubles, The Financial Times, April 1st).
Philippines: Drop perjury charges against Philippines Civil Society Organisations
FORUM-ASIA is deeply concerned by the ongoing court trial on perjury charges filed by Hermogenes Esperon Jr., the former National Security Adviser in the Cabinet of Rodrigo Duterte, against civil societies, Karapatan the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) and GABRIELA as well as the systematic vilification and smear campaigns against them.
In July 2019, Hermogenes Esperon Jr. filed a Complaint-Affidavit for perjury with the Quezon City Office of the city prosecutor (QC OCP) against Karapatan National Council members, GABRIELA Chairperson and Secretary-General, and RMP National Coordinator and Northern Mindanao Region Coordinator. The former National Security Adviser claimed that the respondents committed perjury when they petitioned the Supreme Court for the Writ of Amparo and the Writ of Habeas Data.
Increase in salaries, first agenda of teachers to incoming VP and DEPED Secertary Inday Sara Duterte
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) hopes to engage the incoming Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Vice President-elect Sara Duterte in a discussion to tackle the teachers’ long overdue demand for salary increase.
“What we ask is beyond increase in our salaries, it’s about rectifying the decades-old mistake of the government,” said Benjo Basas, a Caloocan City teacher and the group’s national chairperson.
Basas argued that teachers’ salaries should be based on the recommendations of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (RA 4670), a 1966 vintage law created to institutionalize and further protect the rights and welfare of teachers. However, the law that currently governs the salaries of teachers is the salary standardization law (SSL) of 1989 and its latest version, RA 11466 or the SSL-5 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in January 2020.
Youth group takes their part to protect the environment
As part of Environment Month celebration, the Environment Stewards Organization (ESO), a youth organization from T’boli National High School South Cotabato City spearheaded an environmental awareness-raising campaign, tree planting activities, and leadership development training that aims to advocate for environmental sustainability and preservation.
With the goal to involve the youth in nature preservation, ESO was founded in October 2014 through the efforts of then principal of T’Boli National High School, Mrs. Mila A. De Leon, T’Boli Mayor Dibu Tuan, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 Director, Datu Tungko Saikul, and four other officers.
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