One month since the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) is ramping up its calls for justice and accountability through the latest episode of its civic forum series Taumbayan, titled “Die Na, Dynasty! Usapang Dinastiya at ICC Arrest Monthsary” held today at the Commission on Human Rights.


The gathering, joined by human rights defenders, families of victims of the drug war, and civil society leaders, calls on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to break away from the shadow of the Duterte dynasty and its bloody legacy of impunity, corruption, and human rights abuses.


"As we mark the first month since the arrest of former President Duterte, we underscore that President Bongbong Marcos is not exempt from the obligation to uphold human rights,” said PAHRA Secretary-General Egay Cabalitan. “We strongly challenge him to put an end to the continuing killings under the brutal war on drugs, which PAHRA and its member organizations have actively monitored. This is an opportune moment for him to walk the talk—by boldly shifting policies through both word and action—and to demonstrate genuine commitment to justice by rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC).”


PAHRA also linked the fight against impunity to its recently launched “Doseng Karapat-Dapat: Human Rights Agenda”, which calls on all candidates in the 2025 elections to reject political dynasties and stand firmly for justice, accountability, and human rights.


“Political dynasties and crimes against humanity go hand in hand,” Cabalitan added. “They cling to power to escape justice." 


The program concluded with a noise barrage and candle lighting ceremony to honor the victims of the war on drugs, reminding the public that behind every policy of impunity are real lives lost and families torn apart.