Releases

SONA 2026 disappointing for labor, human rights

July 27, 2026

We note that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, in his penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA), focused on his government’s efforts to provide relief to workers and the poor amidst the economic crisis worsened by the attacks of US-Israel on Iran. We also note that for workers and all Filipinos, he emphasized job creation by […]

Marcos Jr told: talk about political prisoners, rights situation in SONA

July 26, 2026

One day before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s second to the last State of the Nation Address (SONA), a labor rights NGO called on the chief executive to address the issue of political prisoners and the country’s human rights situation in his speech. The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) said that as the […]

Marcos Jr warned: ‘accomplishments’ not felt by workers

July 25, 2026

Responding to Communications Secretary Dave Gomez’ statement that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday will highlight government “accomplishments,” a labor NGO warned that these achievements are not felt by workers and majority of Filipinos. The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) said that the government’s achievements in […]

Cadiz hacienda workers’ wages need to be probed

July 20, 2026

Responding to social media posts about hacienda farm workers who were appealing for their rightful wages at a conference with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on July 18, a labor NGO said that the government should investigate the hacienda’s wage scheme. The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) said that the […]

UN expert’s report prods reopening case of labor organizer’s murder

July 17, 2026

A labor NGO welcomed today the release of a United Nations (UN) expert’s report that calls for reopening the investigation into the murder of a veteran labor organizer in light of new evidence and called on the government to heed the recommendation. “Chasing Shadows,” the final report of Mary Lawlor, former UN Special Rapporteur on […]

Cash aid for poor will provide little relief, not solution

July 16, 2026

A labor NGO welcomed today President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s announcement of another package of financial assistance for the poorest families amidst the recent round of oil price increases, but cautioned that the aid will only provide little relief, and not a solution to the cost of living crisis. The Center for Trade Union and Human […]

Panay migrant advocate’s release, prelude to other charges’ junking

July 16, 2026

A labor NGO praised today a court ruling that led to the release from prison of a veteran migrant advocate in Panay in July 7, three months after being arrested last Maundy Thursday, saying the junking of other trumped-up charges against her should immediately follow. The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) welcomed […]

Ramon Ang firm’s mass layoff indicates union busting

July 7, 2026

A labor NGO condemned today the mass layoff carried out by one of billionaire Ramon Ang’s companies for denying the affected workers and their families a stable source of income amidst the soaring cost of living and busting the workers’ union. The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) said that the government should […]

Acquittal of urban poor organizer in fake ID raps, a step closer to freedom

July 6, 2026

A labor NGO praised a Batangas court’s acquittal today of an urban poor organizer over four charges of falsification of public documents and said that the ruling means a step closer to freedom for the accused. The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) said that the ruling of Batangas Municipal Trial Court that […]

Anti-terror law, part of Duterte legacy of repression

July 3, 2026

Joining today’s Day of Action Against Terror Laws in front of the Justice Department building in Padre Faura, Manila, a labor NGO said that the country’s anti-terror law is part of the Duterte administration’s legacy of repression that should be repealed immediately. The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) said that the Anti-Terrorism […]