The persistence of repression has only made clearer why collective struggle is necessary—and why people’s lawyers will continue to stand with those who demand justice, dignity, and freedom.

To honor Bonifacio is to take up the courage he lived and continue the unfinished struggle he began: the fight for justice, dignity, and genuine democracy.

We therefore call on the people to treat this ruling as a mandate to insist on a press that can report and publish without fear of being taken down, and on a citizenry free to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas across all frontiers. A democracy worthy of the name rests on people who are able to think, speak, debate, and dissent—with journalists and communities prepared to resist censorship and repression whenever they appear, online or offline.

We call on the government and on all Filipinos to resist this renewed attempt to sanitize the legacy of tyranny. Honor is not conferred by burial rites; it is earned by service grounded in truth, justice, and respect for human dignity. Enrile’s record speaks for itself, and no decree, ceremony, or grave at the Libingan can rewrite it.

The recent statements from the DILG foreshadow more aggressive attempts to restrict public assembly ahead of the Baha sa Luneta 2.0 mobilization on November 30, where thousands are expected to gather once again to press for accountability. If the pattern holds, the State may again resort to brutality and violations of basic rights in an effort to suppress protected acts of discontent and dissent.

This petition tests the limits of executive discretion, the authority of the courts, and the State’s own commitment to the human rights treaties it has pledged to uphold. The writ of habeas corpus exists precisely for circumstances like this—to provide swift and effective relief to those unlawfully restrained of their liberty and to reaffirm that no person shall be deprived of liberty without due process of law.

We call on the Department of Justice to immediately review and withdraw these baseless charges and to uphold the constitutional rights of the accused. We likewise urge civil society organizations, human rights groups, and the public to monitor these cases and stand in solidarity with those being persecuted for exercising their democratic freedoms.

Justice for Atty. Ben Ramos!
Justice for all victims of extrajudicial killings!
Stop the attacks on people’s lawyers and human rights defenders!

As the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers gathers for its Seventh Congress, this work takes on a renewed urgency. From the defense of those arrested on September 21, to legal challenges against repression and corruption, to the pursuit of justice in international tribunals — the struggle continues. Seven Congresses strong, we carry forward this mandate: to use the law to challenge the status quo, confront power, and serve the people.