The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) welcomes the acquittal of labor organizer Juan Alexander “Bob” Reyes in his final remaining case after more than eight years of detention. His acquittal underscores the injustice suffered by labor organizers who are arrested and imprisoned on trumped-up charges because of their work in advancing workers’ rights. 

CTUHR calls for accountability for his prolonged detention and urges the government to uphold freedom of association, particularly the rights of public sector workers to organize and collectively fight for their interests.

Bob, convenor of Defend Jobs Philippines and coordinator of Sandigan ng Manggagawa sa Quezon City (SMQC), was arrested on June 2, 2018. Before his arrest, he had reportedly faced harassment, threats, and red-tagging because of his involvement in labor organizing. He faced 14 cases, including charges of arson, murder, and illegal possession of explosives. 

On October 20, 2026, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 97 acquitted him in his final remaining case after finding that the prosecution failed to establish the existence of the alleged evidence against him. He had already been acquitted in 13 other cases.

Bob’s case shows how the filing of criminal charges and prolonged detention can be used to suppress labor organizing and silence those who defend workers’ rights. He spent more than eight years in prison before being cleared of all 14 cases. The years taken from him cannot be returned, and his acquittal must not end the demand for justice and accountability for the violations he suffered.

As a labor organizer who advocates for workers’ rights, including those in the public sector, Bob’s case also highlights the need to protect freedom of association. Workers have the right to form and join organizations, participate in union activities, and collectively advance their interests without fear of harassment, intimidation, or arrest. 

Organizing workers is not a crime. Yet, the persecution of labor organizers creates fear among workers and undermines their ability to defend their rights and demand better working conditions.

The acquittal of Bob Reyes is a victory for freedom of association and all those who continue to defend workers’ rights. However, justice remains incomplete while those responsible for his arrest and prolonged detention have yet to be held accountable. The government must ensure accountability for violations committed in his case and stop the use of criminal charges to silence labor organizers and human rights defenders.

CTUHR calls on the Marcos Jr administration to uphold the rights of public sector workers to organize and collectively assert their interests. We also reiterate our call for the release of all political prisoners from the labor movement who continue to suffer in prison on charges they and their supporters have challenged as fabricated or politically motivated. The acquittal of Reyes must be followed by concrete action to end the persecution of labor organizers and respect workers’ fundamental rights.

#FreeOurUnionists 

#FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners