Reports

The year 2007 is a dangerous time for the Filipino people as state terror, impunity in human rights violations and general lawlessness grip the nation. The government of Gloria Macapagal-arroyo has done little to stop the political killings and disappearances except take token steps to assuage local and internationale outcry. On the other hand, the year also signals victories in the people's relentless struggle against political repression and state terrorism as the victim's clamor for justice and democracy is echoed here and abroad.

KARAPATAN Monitor is a ­quarterly update of facts and figures covering human rights violations. It aims to provide the public timely national data from reports gathered by the Karapatan national network.

THE YEAR 2006 IS THE WORST FOR HUMAN RIGHTS SINCE
THE TOPPLING OF THE MARCOS FASCIST DICTATORSHIP IN
1986.

The Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regime ran roughshod on the Filipino people’s
civil liberties and human rights as it imposed a state of martial rule and
launched a campaign of terror in an effort to desperately cling to power.
Propped up by the United States government, the Arroyo regime was able to
muster enough political, military, and economic resources to launch a counteroffensive
against those seeking to oust her from power.

The Philippine human rights situation in 2005 can be characterized by the wanton use of repression and state terror by a scandal-rocked President desperately clinging to power in the face of the people’s rejection.

The Arroyo regime suffered its worst political crisis this year as evidence of cheating and electoral fraud began to surface in May, putting Pres. Arroyo’s legitimacy on the line. While attempts to impeach the President were thwarted in the administration-dominated Congress, the charges of electoral fraud, corruption and massive human rights violations stuck, haunting Arroyo for the rest of the year.