Amnesty International Urges Philippines to Protect Protest

Amnesty International has called on Philippine authorities to ensure the right to peaceful assembly ahead of fresh anti-corruption demonstrations planned for September 21. The human rights organization warns against a repeat of last year's violent police response to protests.

Ritz Lee Santos III, Executive Director of Amnesty International Philippines, issued the statement. He urged authorities to protect the right to protest and refrain from using excessive force. "The authorities must not repeat the mistakes of last year’s violent response to peaceful protest," Santos said.

Unresolved Violence and Ongoing Charges

One year after mass protests erupted over a nationwide corruption scandal involving flood-control infrastructure projects, allegations of police violence remain uninvestigated. Amnesty International documented physical abuse by state forces during the 2025 demonstrations, including violations that may amount to torture.

Over 100 people arrested during those protests continue to face a range of criminal charges. Lawyers' groups in the Philippines provided this figure to Amnesty International. The organization demands these charges be dropped immediately.

A Call for Accountability on Corruption

The planned demonstrations coincide with the commemoration of the 1972 declaration of Martial Law, a date long used for public mobilization. Protesters are returning to the streets to demand decisive and transparent action on the corruption scandal.

Santos emphasized that addressing the root cause of the protests is essential. "Instead of arresting activists and criminalizing dissent, the authorities must address the reason people are returning to the streets," he stated. Filipinos should not have to risk state violence to demand accountability, he argued.

Stalled Investigations and Piecemeal Reforms

Broader efforts to establish transparency and accountability for the corruption scandal have remained elusive. While some cases have been filed against government officials, senior politicians, and contractors, progress is slow.

A Senate inquiry into the allegedly corrupt flood-control projects has yet to release a draft report. This delay is reportedly due to a lack of signatures from senators. Some findings were later disclosed by Senator Panfilo Lacson, with documents turned over to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Also, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, established to examine flood-control projects, concluded its six-month mandate without publishing its full report. This lack of public disclosure fuels continued public discontent and calls for protest.

Amnesty International insists that any police use of force must be strictly necessary, proportionate, and in line with international human rights standards. The organization's appeal highlights the unresolved tensions between public dissent and state response in the Philippines.