U.S. Filipinos and Advocates Applaud Senator Ed Markey’s Letter to Blinken

While U.S. protests against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s human rights atrocities reached a height over the weekend, ten U.S. Senators joined Ed Markey in a letter expressing concern over the human rights situation in the Philippines. ICHRP-US, the Malaya Movement and Kabataan Alliance applaud Senator Markey’s letter as an important step in the campaign to support the Philippine Human Rights Act. 

The letter details the widespread attacks against Filipinos. “Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, President Duterte has continued to launch fresh attacks against civil society, human rights defenders, and the media. His government engages in the process of “red-tagging,” or blacklisting, individuals and groups falsely accused of terrorism and communism, in an effort to stifle criticism and freedom of expression. The 2020 Anti-Terrorism Act, currently under review by the Philippines Supreme Court, is then used to persecute red- tagged groups. Some of those tagged include the Alliance of Health Workers, BIEN (BPO Industry Employees’ Network), community organizers, and grassroots groups that formed food pantries to distribute supplies to their fellow citizens during the pandemic.” [Full letter can be accessed here.]

Markey’s letter, addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, asks the State Department for a written response to specific questions on the situation in the Philippines that also calls to question the U.S. response to the current crisis. “Are you considering sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act, or any other authorities, against officials implicated in drug war killings, or those responsible for serious human rights violations? Have you reviewed and confirmed if U.S. security assistance provided to the Philippine National Police is fully consistent with the limits mandated in Section 36 of the Arms Export Control Act, Section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and Section 7031(c) of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Operations Appropriations Act, 2021?” 

Markey’s letter comes just over a month after the 2021 introduction of the Philippine Human Rights Act, a House bill that seeks to suspend military aid to Philippine state forces until human basic rights standards are upheld. The bill, led by Rep Susan Wild, comes from the initiative of U.S. Filipino groups and allies concerned about the human rights situation in the country. 

Chrissi Fabro, External Vice President of Kabataan Alliance, said “we are very enthusiastic about this letter. Filipino youth all across the United States have been campaigning in support of progressive U.S. legislation on human rights in the Philippines and we look forward to the outcome of Markey’s letter, particularly on the question on military aid.” 

Drew Miller, National Coordinator for the U.S. Network of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines, noted the timeliness of Markey’s letter: “This letter is crucial with the recently approved arms sale proposals to the Philippines worth up to 2.9 billion dollars total. The State Department must account to the people of the United States the heavy investment in the arms industry while many are still suffering from the pandemic.”

The letter “is a recognition of the role that the US has played in exacerbating the violence under Duterte’s rule, and a necessary step in mitigating any further harm,” said Yves Nibungco of the Malaya Movement, a U.S. movement against dictatorship and for democracy and human rights in the Philippines. “We hope this can soon lead to a Senate companion of the Philippine Human Rights Act.”