On November 30 in Luneta: From the ICI to the ICC, continue to fight corruption and demand accountability of the Marcoses and the Dutertes
KARAPATAN Public Information
PRESS RELEASE
November 29, 2025
Reference: Cristina Palabay, KARAPATAN secretary general, 09173162831
KARAPATAN Public Information Desk, 09189790580
On November 30 in Luneta: From the ICI to the ICC, continue to fight corruption and demand accountability of the Marcoses and the Dutertes
KARAPATAN called on the Filipino people to join the Baha sa Luneta 2.0 on November 30 in Luneta, saying “we have more reasons to believe in the power of the people, express our anger and disgust, and resist against massive corruption and vicious attacks against the people, all through the reign of the Marcoses and Dutertes.”
The call comes after the International Criminal Court Appeals Chamber upheld the denial of Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, a decision welcomed by victims, families, and human rights advocates as a crucial step toward long-delayed justice. “This is the people’s victory, a breakthrough for thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings and abuses under the so-called ‘war on drugs,’” said Cristina Palabay, KARAPATAN Secretary General. “But this victory must fuel even stronger action. The fight for justice does not end with one ruling.”
KARAPATAN stressed that even as communities struggle with rising prices, lack of social services, and experience threats and harassment when they speak out, billions in public funds remain unaccounted for, misused, or diverted through agencies notorious for corruption and patronage. “Substandard flood control and infrastructure projects, budget insertions and kickbacks here and there, are too many reasons that demonstrate how we are made to suffer by a whole rotten system. We are told that 500 pesos is enough for a noche buena meal, while they steal billions of people’s money. The current government had to form a whole agency to investigate corruption cases, and yet, no high official has been made accountable and justice is still denied to the people. They have only arrested the small fry, and it’s already Christmastime.”
"Again and again, we say that despite glaring corruption scandals, no high official has been held accountable from Congress to Malacañang," Palabay said. "State forces harass and imprison ordinary citizens and activists, yet those responsible for stealing billions, ordering killings, or abusing power remain untouched. This double standard is the hallmark of authoritarian rule” Palabay said. From the ICI to the ICC, the message is clear: all those who have wronged the people, whether through stolen funds, state repression, or human rights violations, must finally be held accountable.
KARAPATAN also reiterated the call to arrest former Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, noting his repeated claims that he is willing to face charges. “If he says he is ready to face the cases, then he should be arrested and held accountable like any ordinary citizen,” she said.
The November 30 mobilization will bring together workers, youth, farmers, church groups, cultural workers, human rights defenders, and martial law survivors in a united assertion that no one should be exempt and no one should be spared.
“This systemic impunity is why the people must rise and act. This is Baha sa Luneta, Part 2, a surge of people’s outrage and hope. We call on the public to stand with us as we demand truth, justice, and accountability for all victims of state violence and corruption,” Palabay 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. It was established in 1995.