​On the Draft Substitute Bill Establishing a National Preventive Mechanism Against Torture

[KARAPATAN Public Information]

PRESS RELEASE
June 24, 2026

Reference: Cristina Palabay, KARAPATAN secretary general, 09173162831

KARAPATAN Public Information Desk, 09189790580

On the Draft Substitute Bill Establishing a National Preventive Mechanism Against Torture

KARAPATAN asserts that the enactment of a law establishing a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) against torture, in compliance with the Philippines’ obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and its Optional Protocol, is long overdue, as the House Committee on Human Rights conducts a subcommittee hearing on June 24, 2026.

Despite the Philippines’ accession to the Convention in 1986, the Optional Protocol in 2012, and the enactment of the Anti-Torture Act in 2009, torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment continue to be reported, while accountability remains elusive.

KARAPATAN has documented 233 cases of torture under the Duterte government, while there are 53 documented cases of torture under Marcos Jr.

Succeeding the previously filed House Bills 3047, 6662, and 6666, the draft substitute bill contains strong provisions that uphold the principles of independence, transparency, unrestricted access, and effective monitoring of places where persons are deprived of liberty. The bill grants the NPM essential powers to conduct unannounced visits, access information, interview detainees privately, and make recommendations that authorities are obliged to consider and act upon.

KARAPATAN particularly supports the provisions guaranteeing the independence, fiscal autonomy, and operational authority of the NPM, as well as protections against reprisals for victims, witnesses, families, and others who cooperate with investigations. These safeguards are crucial given the persistent threats, harassment, intimidation, and other forms of retaliation faced by those who seek justice and accountability for human rights violations. Such reprisals often lead to further attacks and violations, while perpetrators continue to operate with impunity and victims are left with little protection as they courageously pursue justice.

We also underscore the importance of strengthening the definition of "places of deprivation of liberty" to explicitly include houses, hotel rooms, resorts, farmhouses, and other rented, leased, or privately owned facilities used for illegal detention or confinement. It is crucial that the definition not be limited to military camps, police stations, prisons, or other government facilities. Many documented cases of abduction, torture, and enforced disappearance reveal that State security forces have utilized private and non-traditional detention sites to conceal abuses and evade scrutiny. This has been evident in cases involving farmers Raymond and Reynaldo Manalo, Jonas Burgos, union organizers April Dyan Gumanao and Armand Dayoha, and environmental activists Jonila Castro, Jhed Tamano, Eco Dangla, and Joxelle Tiong.

Furthermore, we support the bill's recognition of the important role of civil society and human rights organizations, media groups, and human rights advocates in assisting the NPM through information-sharing, monitoring, and engagement with victims and affected communities.

The establishment of an effective and independent National Preventive Mechanism is a significant step toward preventing torture, ending impunity, and strengthening the protection of human rights in the Philippines. Such a mechanism is urgently needed as torture, abductions, and other grave human rights violations continue to be reported under the Marcos Jr. administration.

However, the existence of laws upholding rights and civil liberties does not guarantee the attainment, protection, and respect of human rights. As long as the social, economic, and political conditions that breed injustice, inequality, and exploitation persist, rights violations will continue. Ultimately, a system that perpetuates these conditions must be fundamentally transformed to ensure genuine justice, freedom, and respect for human rights.

KARAPATAN will continue to oppose torture in all its forms and stand with victims and their families in their pursuit of justice. Ultimately, we will continue to demand an end to abductions, torture, enforced disappearances, and other human rights violations perpetrated against human rights defenders and the Filipino people.

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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.  It was established in 1995.