Marcos Administration Falls Short on Human Rights – Amnesty Int’l

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Amnesty International Philippines (AIP) has criticized the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for falling short of human rights standards, saying persistent issues from the previous administration remain unresolved.

Jepie Papa, acting director of AIP, said the change in leadership has yet to result in meaningful reforms, especially in the government’s approach to the campaign against illegal drugs.

While the Marcos administration has shifted its messaging on the so-called war on drugs, Papa noted it has not officially declared the campaign over or conducted full and impartial investigations into past killings.

“It hasn’t stopped and it hasn’t been investigated fully and impartially, as shown by the very few cases that were resolved,” she said in a press briefing in Iloilo City last week.

“That is another indication that the root cause of such human rights violations is still not being addressed,” she added.

Papa also highlighted the continuing neglect of Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) rights, noting that long-standing issues remain unaddressed.

She criticized the reliance on existing institutions such as the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, which she said have seen no substantial reform or strengthening.

“IPs remain marginalized, and their concerns continue to be neglected despite the change in administration,” Papa said.

“Their situation hasn’t improved because the government has not paid sufficient attention to their needs,” she added.

Papa further expressed concern that other vulnerable sectors are also being left behind under the current administration.

“There is no specific sector that is in a better state, and their struggles continue because their needs aren’t being met,” she said.

“The response of the government is not centered on the people,” she added.

Amnesty International called on the Marcos administration to pursue inclusive governance and ensure that human rights protections reach all Filipinos, especially those in marginalized communities.