Karapatan condemns subpoena vs. Jonila Castro for protest against corruption
KARAPATAN Public Information
PRESS RELEASE
September 19, 2025
References: Maria SolTaule, KARAPATAN Deputy Secretary General, 09452966916
KARAPATAN Public Information Desk, 0918-9790580
Karapatan condemns subpoena vs. Jonila Castro for protest against corruption
Human rights alliance Karapatan denounces the subpoena issued by the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office against environmental activist and Karapatan national council member Jonila Castro, in connection with the September 4 protest action at the Discaya compound to denounce corruption and anomalous flood control projects.
The subpoena, dated September 15, 2025, directs Castro to submit her counter-affidavit and appear before the prosecutor’s office on September 25, 2025 for alleged violation of Batas Pambansa 880 or the “Public Assembly Act of 1985.” Karapatan stressed that BP 880 is a Marcosian law designed to restrict people’s right to protest — a law that has long been opposed and called for scrapping by human rights defenders.
“This case is absurd and malicious. The September 4 protest action did not destroy lives or property — it was a symbolic act of defiance against corruption and anomalous flood control projects that have gravely impacted communities. If there is destruction, it is the corrupt officials and their projects that are guilty of destroying the lives, homes, and livelihoods of the people,” said Atty. Maria Sol Taule, deputy secretary general of Karapatan.
The September 4 protest further highlighted how corruption remains rampant in government, with billions of pesos lost to anomalous infrastructure projects, including overpriced and substandard flood control programs that fail to protect and even worsen the conditions of affected communities.
Atty. Taule added: “Instead of prosecuting ordinary citizens who express justified rage against corruption, the government should first hold accountable those who have stolen billions in public funds and continue to profit from anomalous projects. This subpoena is nothing more than an attempt to criminalize protest and shield the real plunderers from scrutiny.”
“It’s ironic that we are being asked to secure permission for redress of our legitimate grievances in the midst of these unimaginable and systemic corruption. Nagpaalam ba sila atin nung nilustay ang pera ng bayan? Bakit kailangan namin ng permiso ngayon para magalit at pagprotesta?” (Did they ask our permission when they plundered the people’s money? Why should we need permission now to be angry and to protest?),” said Taule.
Karapatan stressed that the filing of charges against Castro is a deliberate attempt to cover up and divert attention from the real issue of corruption, while persecuting activists, human rights defenders, and communities who continue to expose and resist systemic corruption in government.
“To protest is justified, especially in the face of brazen corruption and fascist attacks by the State. It is a fundamental right of a people who have long been robbed, maimed and exploited. Let us resist these maneuvers to silence protest, confront corruption head-on, and join the mass protests this September 21 to demand justice, accountability, and genuine change,” Taule concluded. #
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KARAPATAN is an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, human rights desks and committees of people’s organizations, and individual advocates committed to the defense and promotion of people’s rights and civil liberties. It monitors and documents cases of human rights violations, assists and defends victims and conducts education, training and campaign.