“We expect a concrete policy that will tend to curb human rights violations in the Philippines and ease the climate of impunity, not some motherhood statements praising its own human rights initiative like the human rights super body.”
NUPL | Jul 22, 2024
His statements only reinforce the reasonable belief that he is most responsible for crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines in the context of the “war on drugs”. And that in effect, he intends to deprive victims of their chance at accountability for thousands of killings.
UPLM remains committed to defending the rights of the marginalized and oppressed. This victory is not just for Datu Bay-ao, but for all those who strive for justice against wrongful accusations and systemic injustice.
Let us set the record straight: the conviction of the four Caloocan City police officers is the culmination of a long and arduous struggle for justice within an entrenched architecture of impunity in the Philippines.
Today’s triumph is a comfort to the family of Luis and Gabriel Lois and a sigh of relief for us, the private prosecutors, our clients and friends in Rise Up for Life and for Rights, and others who supported this quest for justice. However, in terms of scale, today’s legal victory is just a footnote in a bloody chapter that has yet to end as bodies continue to pile up until today.
Thank you and we will not fail you as the poor, oppressed and exploited in our society and even in the world need us to be on their side.
The blindfolded Lady Justice, which symbolizes our justice system, aptly describes our predicament and the inadequacy of the legal and judicial system in our country. Because of her blindfold, Lady Justice is unable to see the exploitation, repression, and injustices around her.
The 12-member independent international delegation known as the “Caravana Filipina”* concluded its ten-day mission investigating the numerous attacks on Philippine lawyers, prosecutors, and judges since 2016. Representing 10 lawyers’ and human rights organizations...
On this Fair Trial Day, we warmly welcome and embrace you in solidarity and hope that you come back not for the reasons you are here now and not under circumstances of lawyering dangerously. We look forward to that day when things would become better even before they get worse.
"[W]e refuse to live in fear and demand that our safety and security be ensured, knowing that the independent exercise of our profession is crucial for maintaining the rule of law and upholding justice."
