Submission to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights 77th Session, 2025 Philippines
In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND), a coalition of over 66 grassroots organizations and advocates from across the Philippines and abroad, welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (the Committee) as it reviews the Philippines’ Seventh Periodic Report under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
This submission draws upon the inputs from grassroots organizations advocating for the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights, with a particular focus on marginalized populations. It critically analyzes the Philippine government’s performance in fulfilling its ICESCR obligations, including adherence to core principles such as ensuring Minimum Essential Levels of rights, preventing retrogressive measures, and addressing discrimination. The State’s obligation to prioritize those at greatest risk remains paramount, even in the context of resource constraints.

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Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan 2025
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Sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan, nakikiisa ang iDEFEND sa lahat ng kababaihang lumalaban para sa dignidad, katarungan, at pagkakapantay-pantay. Sa mga pagawaan man, tahanan, at komunidad patuloy na nararanasan ng kababaihan ang diskriminasyon, karahasan, at pag-apak sa kanilang mga karapatan—ngunit sila rin ang nangunguna sa laban para sa pantay at makatarungang lipunan.

More decisive action needed to guarantee ESCR and protect HRDs in the Philippines
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iDEFEND’s Statement on the 7th periodic review of the Philippines at the 77th Session of the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.

Ang Ating Karapatan, Ang Ating Kinabukasan ay Ating Laban
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Pahayag para sa ika-76 Anibersaryo ng Pandaigdigang Pahayag ng Karapatang Pantao (UDHR)

House hearings must lead to Accountability
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The long overdue hearing by the House of Representatives’ “Quadcom” revealed powerful evidences of corruption, heinous crimes and human rights violations linked to POGOs, international syndicates, and the war on drugs particularly during the past Duterte administration. Shocking revelations coming from personalities directly involved in these crimes have surfaced, finally shedding light on the truth.