Both the FATF and the Philippine government must not only reverse course but commit to ensuring that AML/CFT measures are never again weaponized to erode democratic space, silence dissent, or punish those who fight for justice and empowerment—whether in the Philippines or anywhere in the world.

This victory is not just for the Makabayan candidates but for all Filipinos who uphold fundamental freedoms.

“This is just one of many, but it is a reminder that we must continue resisting the criminalization of activism and standing up for the rights of the urban poor and the marginalized.”

In its ruling, the Court found that the prosecution failed to establish an unbroken chain of custody for the allegedly confiscated firearms and explosives, describing the “irregularities as clear as daylight.”

The FATF must ensure that its standards do not come at the expense of democracy, civic freedoms, and human rights. We urge you to reflect on their real-world consequences and act decisively to prevent further harm.

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.”

NUPL is proud to have joined and supported the Confederation of Lawyers of Asia and the Pacific (COLAP) Conference 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. The three-day Conference tackled common issues on peace, human rights, climate change, migrants and refugee issues, and sectoral rights.