TAuMBAYAN Episode 2: Hello, Graft, Goodbye!: Usaping Karapatan at National Budget


Last February 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, PAHRA hosted the second episode of TAuMBAYAN 2025, titled "Hello, Graft, Goodbye!: Usaping Karapatan at National Budget." The event was conducted in a hybrid format, streamed live on PAHRA’s Facebook page while also gathering an onsite audience at the PAHRA Office.


The episode featured a discussion on the 2025 National Budget and its implications on human rights, exposing issues of misallocation and questionable funding. Egay Cabalitan and Fae Taroc of PAHRA served as the hosts for the event.


The program began with an introduction, where the hosts welcomed the audience and encouraged them to share the live stream. They highlighted the theme of the episode, emphasizing how the 2025 National Budget had disappointed and failed the people.


The discussion featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Nymia Simbulan, Chairperson of PAHRA and Executive Director of PhilRights; Joseph Michael "Jhay" de Jesus, National Coordinator of iDefend; Dr. Jeepy Perez, a public health advocate; and Ellen Sana, Executive Director of the Center for Migrant Advocacy. They shared their insights on how the national budget affected different sectors and the broader human rights landscape.


An interactive icebreaker game engaged both onsite and online participants. The game involved answering questions about the national budget using emojis, with winners receiving PAHRA merchandise and GCash prizes. The questions covered budget increases, allocations for confidential funds, and subsidies for essential services.


During the main discussion, the speakers delved into two key issues: human rights and the national budget. They examined the significance of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and how the Philippine government had been assessed by the UN Committee on ESCR. They also discussed the joint ESCR report submitted by PAHRA and iDefend, highlighting key concerns regarding human rights and economic policies.


The conversation then shifted to the 2025 National Budget, which had increased but was criticized for its inequitable allocations. The panelists debated its impact on various sectors and how it violated fundamental human rights. Participants, both onsite and online, shared their thoughts through comments and live questions.


The episode concluded with a discussion on possible actions to address budget injustices. Speakers emphasized the need for continued advocacy, public pressure, and participation in human rights initiatives to prevent similar budgetary issues in the future. The hosts thanked the speakers and audience and invited everyone to the next TAuMBAYAN episode on February 28, 2025.