Source: Amnesty International –
Ahead of planned demonstrations marking one year since mass anti-corruption protests took place in the Philippines on 21 September 2025, Ritz Lee Santos III, Executive Director of Amnesty International Philippines, said:
“As people prepare to take to the streets once more to demand accountability for corruption, Philippine authorities must ensure the right to peaceful assembly is protected and refrain from using excessive force. The authorities must not repeat the mistakes of last year’s violent response to peaceful protest.
“One year on, protesters arrested during the 2025 demonstrations continue to face charges, while authorities have failed to thoroughly, independently and impartially investigate allegations of police violence.
“Charges against those who exercised their right to peaceful assembly should be immediately dropped. Any use of force by police must be strictly necessary, proportionate and in line with international human rights standards.
“Instead of arresting activists and criminalizing dissent, the authorities must address the reason people are returning to the streets: they must act decisively and transparently on the country’s corruption scandal. Filipinos should not have to choose between demanding accountability and protecting themselves from state violence.”