MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), alongside progressive organizations and civil society groups, held a large-scale protest on Human Rights Day to amplify the call to prioritize human rights concerns over the divisive feuds of dynastic families. With the theme “Unahin ang Karapatan, Itigil ang Bangayan”, the demonstration aimed to underscore the urgency of addressing human rights issues often sidelined by political power struggles.
PAHRA Secretary-General Egay Cabalitan remarked, “This protest sends a strong message to those in power: enough with the distractions caused by dynastic conflicts. Human rights must be the top priority in governance, not an afterthought.”
The protest drew around a thousand individuals, each bringing their unique calls and advocacies to the forefront, creating a unified and powerful demand for human rights protections.
“Human Rights Day reminds us that despite our diverse advocacies, from labor rights to environmental justice, we can unite to push for one overarching agenda—the prioritization of human rights,” Cabalitan further stressed. “The quarrels of political dynasties cannot take precedence over the welfare and dignity of the Filipino people.”
“Human rights are not negotiable, nor should they be sidelined by political games. This fight is not just for today but for every Filipino, for every generation, and for the future we deserve where dignity and justice come first,” Cabalitan firmly concluded.
