Ched Rick Gatchalian

Activist groups hold a protest at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila as they mark International Human Rights Day on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

They call out alleged human rights violations and other societal issues, including corruption. Michael Delizo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Activists mark Human Rights Day with protest march, highlight corruption issues

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765348723974597795100_1364027529105833_7026047936325751559_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Activist groups hold a protest at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila as they mark International Human Rights Day on Wednesday, Dec. 10. They call out alleged human rights violations and other societal issues, including corruption. Michael Delizo, ABS-CBN News </div>MANILA — Activist groups on Wednesday staged a series of protests in Manila to mark International Human Rights Day, highlighting calls for accountability amid the corruption scandals hounding the government.The activities, which included cultural performances and speeches, began at Liwasang Bonifacio before marchers moved through the streets toward Mendiola, where they destroyed and burned effigies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.“Wasakin ang upuan ng mga pasistang kawatan,” they chanted while singing Gloc-9’s socially-charged song “Upuan.”<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/28/-marcos-jr-says-ph-now-more-peaceful-safer-for-human-rights-1835">Marcos Jr. says PH now more peaceful, safer for human rights</a></div>A drag performance, staged despite the scorching heat, became one of the highlights of the program.Karapatan Secretary-General Cristina Palabay urged the government to hold accountable those allegedly involved in the flood-control infrastructure corruption schemes.“Ang corruption ay isang human rights issue dahil precisely ‘yong karapatan ng mamamayan sa isang buhay na may dignidad ang nilalabag ng korapsyon — pinagkakaitan nito ng vital social services ‘yong mga tao,” Palabay told ABS-CBN News.Former lawmaker and Makabayan co-chair France Castro also urged the public to stay vigilant over alleged threats of budget insertions.“Magkakaroon na naman ng Bicameral Conference Committee na kung saan dito nagaganap ang manipulasyon sa budget, mga insertions,” she said.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/9/sotto-hopes-to-finish-bicam-on-proposed-2026-budget-on-dec-14-or-15-2127">Sotto hopes to finish bicam on proposed 2026 budget on Dec 14 or 15</a></div>Castro added, “Ngayon, mukhang hindi nagkakasundo pa ang dalawang kapulungan ng Kongreso — in fact, ie-extend pa nga, baka hindi pa tapos ‘yong reconciliation ng mga items. Kaya magbabantay tayo.”The demonstrators dispersed peacefully in Mendiola as police maintained heightened security during the protest actions.

Activist groups on Wednesday staged a series of protests in Manila to mark International Human Rights Day, highlighting calls for accountability amid the corruption scandals hounding the government.

Activist groups on Wednesday staged a series of protests in Manila to mark International Human Rights Day, highlighting calls for accountability amid the corruption scandals hounding the government.