Filipino Rights Groups Oppose Duterte Release

By Juliane Judilla

GENEVA — Filipino human rights defenders voiced strong opposition to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s possible interim release and raised alarm over ongoing rights abuses in the Philippines before the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The delegation, under the Philippine UPR Watch banner, is participating in the 59th session of the UNHRC in Geneva from June 16 to July 9, 2025.

Their aim is to highlight the legacy of human rights violations under Duterte and the worsening rights situation under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“The UN Human Rights Council is a platform for civil society to bring international attention to the continuing fight for justice by families of drug war victims,” said Cristina Palabay, secretary general of Karapatan and co-head of Philippine UPR Watch.

“The world must know we oppose Duterte’s interim release and remain vigilant against rights violations under the Marcos administration,” Palabay added.

She warned that Duterte’s release could endanger victims’ families and intensify political repression.

Human rights groups say survivors and their lawyers continue to face online threats and harassment from Duterte’s supporters.

The recent move by Duterte allies in the Senate to return an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives is seen as an attempt to deflect scrutiny and silence dissent.

“It is clear that the Dutertes are using their influence to block justice and accountability efforts,” said Mervin Toquero, deputy general secretary of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines and UPR Watch co-head.

The delegation will participate in key sessions of the Human Rights Council, including presentations by UN Special Rapporteurs.

Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, will deliver a report on June 18 about the rights of families of unlawful killing victims.

Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, will also present her final report on the Philippines following her 2024 visit.

Philippine UPR Watch members and the #FightToExpress network will engage with permanent missions to update them on the Philippines’ compliance with recommendations from its 2022 Universal Periodic Review.

Delegation members include Josalee Deinla, secretary general of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers; Sonny Africa, executive director of IBON Foundation; Jonila Castro, spokesperson of Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment; Charm Maranan, spokesperson of Defend Southern Tagalog; and Bishop Joseph Agpaoa, acting general secretary of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

#FightToExpress Network members include Ronalyn Olea, secretary general of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, and Macel Ingles, vice chairperson of NUJP.