In a significant move to assess the human rights situation on the ground, the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) held a Community-Based Dialogue (CBD) session with its Luzon and National Capital Region (NCR) member organizations on June 18, 2025. The session formed part of PAHRA’s broader campaign to document local human rights concerns and push for accountability and reform under the current Marcos administration.


The CBD session provided a platform for participants to share reports and document human rights violations specific to their localities. These findings will be consolidated into a “State of Human Rights Agenda” report to be presented at PAHRA’s upcoming State of Human Rights Address (SOHRA) on July 25, shortly before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).


“This dialogue was not just a space to reflect on the past, but to shape solutions with communities and local governments,” said PAHRA Secretary General Edgar Cabalitan Jr. in his opening remarks. “We are committed to advancing our vision of establishing human rights cities and promoting rights-based governance.”


The session came amid growing criticism of the Marcos administration’s failure to make real progress on its human rights commitments. Many civil society groups remained skeptical of the newly formed “super body” on human rights, citing its lack of independence and accountability.


Participants not only reported on existing violations but also discussed anticipated threats, assessed organizational capacities for documentation, and explored possible rights-based projects in partnership with local government units. These initiatives aim to contribute to legislative advocacy and to strengthen grassroots responses to human rights challenges.


The results of the dialogue are expected to inform PAHRA’s campaign for human rights cities—localities that prioritize inclusivity, transparency, and dignity in governance. PAHRA reiterated its call for civil society, local leaders, and national officials to unite in defending human rights, particularly as disinformation and impunity continue to threaten democratic spaces in the country.