May you choose to use your skills and knowledge to uphold the mantle of justice with compassion, bravery, and a sense of duty. May this path lead you to stand in the frontlines with us, together with the Filipino people.
NUPL | Dec 13, 2024
On International Human Rights Day 2024: Onward in the fight for accountability and the triumph of justice
To Atty. Olalia, Atty. Lora, and Atty. Azarcon: your work stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when justice is pursued in service of the people. May your dedication inspire more lawyers, especially the next generation, to take up the mantle of defending the poor and the oppressed and championing justice.
Jonila and Jhed’s decision to pursue countercharges is not merely a step toward their personal vindication but a powerful statement against the forces that seek to silence dissent. It serves as a call for accountability and the protection of human rights defenders who continue to advocate for marginalized communities and environmental justice.
In the name of complying with FATF standards, the Philippine government is going after the wrong targets: it is our CSOs, human rights defenders, development workers, and grassroots communities who bear the brunt of this repression.
“The insistence on treating these deaths as operational successes is a deeply alarming signal from the State. It conveys to all members of the security forces that they can kill unarmed civilians and be rewarded. This is nothing less than State-sanctioned violence.”
The recent series of killings and arbitrary arrests of consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) reveals more than a lack of sincerity by the Philippine government in pursuing peace. It betrays an outright disregard for both human...
For seventeen years, we have chosen this road, and for however long it takes, we will continue to tread it because we know, as our clients do, that to struggle for justice is never in vain.
The takedowns may seem arbitrary, but they can be seen as part of a larger pattern where activism, advocacy and dissent are disproportionately affected by social media moderation.
Soon, you will be part of a profession that plays an indispensable role in defending the truth and attaining justice. We urge you to look beyond personal ambition and financial success, and to keep in mind the ever-present need for lawyers in advancing a just and humane society.
