Global civil society alliance CIVICUS has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to end what it described as a continuing crackdown on civic freedoms, warning that the space for activists by, journalists and civil society groups in the Philippines, “is worsening”.
In a report released Wednesday, October 1, CIVICUS said the Philippines remains “repressed” under its Civic Space Monitor, citing alleged violations of rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
The group said the Philippine government has yet to fully meet its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which the Philippines ratified in 2007.
CIVICUS Asia researcher Josef Benedict virtually accused the Marcos Jr. administration of sustaining a “systematic pattern of repression” against activists through arrests, harassment and the use of criminal and anti-terrorism laws. The group said human rights defenders, Indigenous activists, labor organizers and students have faced charges ranging from murder and rebellion to terrorism and firearms possession.
The group also flagged alleged red-tagging, saying activists and civil society organizations have been branded as “terrorists” or “communist fronts,” while some activists and their families were allegedly subjected to pressure by law enforcement officials. CIVICUS warned that “such labeling could expose targeted individuals to further threats and attacks”.
CIVICUS likewise criticized restrictions on protests, citing the use of the Public Assembly Act of 1985 and the arrest of demonstrators—including children—during anti-corruption protests in September 2025. It also raised concerns over threats against journalists and a proposed law targeting “false information,” which it said contains overly broad provisions that could be used to stifle criticism.
“The crackdown on freedoms must stop,” Benedict said, calling on authorities to protect protesters and journalists, investigate arbitrary arrests and excessive force, and withdraw the proposed Digital Media Anti-False Information Act.
CIVICUS said its “repressed” rating is based on its assessment of civic freedoms using multiple sources covering 198 countries and territories.
