President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s tenure has seen a distressing perpetuation of human rights abuses that were prevalent during the presidency of his predecessor, Rodrigo R. Duterte. This alarming observation was voiced by a coalition comprised of various human rights organizations, who took to the streets of Manila on Sunday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The collective emphatically asserts that the current administration, referred to as the “Marcos-Duterte regime,” has faltered significantly in fulfilling its responsibility to uphold and protect human rights.
The act of marching through the bustling streets served as both a solemn remembrance of the UDHR’s establishment and a resolute call for justice. Demonstrators, unified by their unwavering commitment to safeguarding human dignity, sought to shed light on the systemic violations that have persisted under the Marcos-Duterte administration. Their impassioned voices reverberated amidst the cityscape, echoing the urgent need for accountability and an end to the relentless transgressions against humanity.
The parallels drawn between the Marcos and Duterte eras are deeply unsettling, highlighting a disturbing continuity in human rights abuses. During former President Duterte’s term, the Philippines experienced an alarming surge in extrajudicial killings, rampant disregard for due process, and an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Sadly, these reprehensible practices have found a disheartening longevity in the current administration, as President Marcos, Jr. appears to have continued down this perilous path rather than breaking away from it.
The coalition of human rights groups meticulously scrutinized the actions of the Marcos-Duterte regime, unveiling a dismal track record in addressing human rights concerns. It is with this evidence that they firmly express their unequivocal disappointment in the administration’s failure to live up to its obligations. These failures manifest in various forms, including the perpetuation of widespread impunity, the erosion of freedom of expression, and the curtailment of civil liberties.
The gravity of these transgressions cannot be understated. The UDHR, a cornerstone of international human rights law, explicitly outlines the inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms to which every individual is entitled. Yet, the Marcos-Duterte regime has demonstrated a glaring disregard for these principles, thrusting the nation into a disheartening state of affairs where basic human rights are compromised and justice remains elusive.
As the marchers moved through the city streets, their solemn determination resonated with onlookers and passersby. They carried with them placards bearing powerful messages of defiance, demanding an end to the culture of impunity that has permeated Philippine society. These resolute voices stand as a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice.
The 75th anniversary of the UDHR serves as a critical juncture for reflection and action. It challenges us, as a society, to confront the grave realities of human rights abuses persisting under the Marcos-Duterte regime. It compels us to hold our leaders accountable, demanding that they honor their commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of every Filipino citizen.
In the face of adversity, hope flickers like a beacon. The courageous individuals who took part in this march, resolutely advancing the cause of human rights, embody that flicker of hope. Their unified voices carry the weight of the oppressed, urging authorities to heed their call for change. Only through collective action and unyielding determination can we strive towards a future that embraces justice, equality, and respect for human rights.
