Country Assessment Report

The Philippines

2007

developed by

© International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)

Borgergade 13
P.O. Box 9049
DK-1222 Copenhagen K
DENMARK
 Map of the Philippines

Note: The present report has been prepared by the IRCT on the basis of information compiled
from relevant national and international organisations and associations, including Human
Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines and various
other sources. Additional information has been drawn from the Home Foreign &
Commonwealth Office, the CIA World Factbook and US State Department’s annual human
rights reports. The generally used sources will not be referenced in the document but full credit
should be given to above mentioned contributors.

These sources tend to focus more broadly on human rights rather than specifically on torture.
Moreover, it is difficult to obtain accurate and objective figures on the number of torture
survivors and related information due to the clandestine nature of the act itself that largely
forces survivors to remain in the shadows. Therefore, the present report does not necessarily
provide a comprehensive picture of the real dimension of the problem of torture in the
Philippines.
Table of Contents
1. Summary ..............................................................................................................1
2. General country description ..................................................................................1
2.1 Overview............................................................................................................ 1
2.2 Brief historical background.................................................................................... 2
2.3 Political/governmental system ............................................................................... 2
2.4 Internal conflict................................................................................................... 3
2.5 Civil society ........................................................................................................ 4
3. General human rights situation .............................................................................4
3.1 Role of the police and security apparatus ................................................................ 5
3.2 Arbitrary arrest and detention ............................................................................... 5
3.3 Prison conditions ................................................................................................. 6
3.4 Trials ................................................................................................................. 7
3.5 Increased killings of leftist activists ........................................................................ 8
3.6 Treatment of refugees and minority groups ............................................................. 8
4. Human rights situation relating to torture .............................................................9
5. Status on international framework and national policy and legislation
with respect to torture ............................................................................................10
5.1 Ratifications...................................................................................................... 10
5.2 Incorporation and status of international law into national law ................................. 10
6. International mechanisms...................................................................................11
6.1 Possible comments/recommendations from CAT and other relevant bodies ................ 11
6.2 Possible comments/recommendations from Special Rapporteurs .............................. 11
7. National mechanisms ..........................................................................................11
7.1 Ombudsman ..................................................................................................... 11
7.2 The Philippine Commission on Human Rights ......................................................... 11
8. Overview of judicial/legal system .......................................................................12
Administration of justice ....................................................................................... 12
Special methods applied to juvenile delinquency ...................................................... 12
Legal education on human rights ........................................................................... 13
The role of lawyers in gathering evidence................................................................ 13
Legal process for seeking redress........................................................................... 13
Possibility of attaining state sponsored legal aid for victims of torture ......................... 14
Legal and judicial reform ...................................................................................... 14
9. Medical documentation concerning torture ..........................................................15
10. The Istanbul Protocol (IP).................................................................................15
11. Civil society .......................................................................................................16
11.1 Media............................................................................................................. 16
The press ........................................................................................................... 16
Television ........................................................................................................... 16
Radio ................................................................................................................. 16
Journalists’ association ......................................................................................... 16
11.2 Torture rehabilitation centres ............................................................................ 16
11.3 Other relevant organisations/associations (incl. universities).................................. 17
12. International community...................................................................................19
12.1 Embassies/delegations ..................................................................................... 19
12.2 Other INGOs/donors ........................................................................................ 27
Philippines Country Assessment Report

1. Summary
A general prohibition against torture and other, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment is provided in both the Constitution of the Philippines and under international law.
Further, an anti-torture bill is currently going through lengthy negotiations in parliament and
its future remains unknown. Despite constitutional and international legal protection, however,
torture is still commonly practiced by government entities, government supported groups and
non-state actors.

The human rights situation in the Philippines remains affected by the ongoing conflicts
between the government and various rebel groups. A widespread culture of torture, enforced
disappearances and extrajudicial killings contributes to a general environment of impunity in
the Philippines. This is further exacerbated by the inability of government agencies to
effectively investigate and prosecute such human rights violations.

The Philippine Commission on Human Rights is equipped with the power to investigate
allegations of torture and give recommendations to the Ministry of Justice regarding future
penal action against the alleged perpetrator. However, the Commission does not have the
jurisdiction to prosecute the claims itself. The Commission has been criticised for its
investigation methods and the burden it places on torture victims. Very few torture cases
investigated by the Commission end up going to trial, which is another element contributing to
impunity.

In recent years the Philippines has not been scrutinised by torture related organs in the UN
human rights system. There have been no visits by the Special Rapporteur on torture and no
country review by the UN Committee Against Torture, the latter caused by the failure of the
government to fulfil its reporting obligations to the committee. On related issues, the
Philippines has been strongly criticised by both the Human Rights Committee and the Special
Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions on issues relating to torture and
extrajudicial killings. The Philippines is currently in the process of ratifying the Optional
Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture, which along with the proposed torture bill could
contribute to an enhanced protection of the population against torture. Further, the Philippines
will be one of the first states to be reviewed by the new Universal Periodic Review mechanism
of the UN Human Rights Council in spring 2008.

This report intends to illustrate legal aspects of investigation and prosecution of torture cases
in the Philippines. While a well-functioning legal framework and process is an important
element in the effective investigation and prosecution of torture cases, the medical
documentation and forensic evidence relating to torture provide an essential background on
which to pursue these cases. Therefore, in order to get a comprehensive picture of the
environment for combating torture in the Philippines, it is recommendable to also acquaint
oneself with the medical documentation aspects of this important issue. The scope of this
report is however limited to the legal aspects.

2. General country description

2.1 Overview
Area: 298,170 sq km
Population: 91,077,287 (July 2007 est.)
Capital city: Manila

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People/ethnic composition: Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya

7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)
Language: two official languages - Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English; eight major
dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and
Pangasinan
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic 80.9%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%,
Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, Muslim 5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1%
(2000 census)
Chief of state/head of government: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (since 20 January
2001); note - president is both chief of state and head of government

2.2 Brief historical background

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century and ceded to the U.S.
in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing
commonwealth. Manuel Quezon was elected President and was tasked with preparing the
country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese
occupation during WWII, and U.S. forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to
regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Philippines attained independence.

The Philippines underwent a period of “constitutional authoritarianism” under Ferdinand

Marcos, who declared martial law in 1972. In 1986 people took to the streets to overthrow the
corrupt Marcos in the People’s Power Revolution which was supported by the Catholic Church
and elements of the military. A new constitution was established under the new president
Corazon Aquino and martial law was lifted. Her presidency was hampered by several coup
attempts, which prevented a return to full political stability and economic development.

Fidel Ramos was elected president in 1992 and his administration was marked by greater
stability and progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the U.S. closed its last military bases on
the islands. Joseph Estrada was elected president in 1998, but was succeeded by his vice-
president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in January 2001 after Estrada's stormy impeachment trial
on corruption charges broke down and widespread demonstrations led to his ousting. In
September 2007 Estrada was convicted of plunder charges and given a life sentence. However
in October 2007 he was pardoned by President Macapagal-Arroyo.

2.3 Political/governmental system

The Philippines' system is modelled on that of the US. There is an executive Presidency and a
bicameral legislature (Congress) comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Presidential term of office is six years (Presidents are limited to one term).
The Senate has 24 members and Senators are elected for six-year terms. The House of
Representatives has 208 directly elected members, and up to 52 selected by party list.
Representatives are elected for three-year terms.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was elected the 14th President of the Republic during the May 2004
national elections by a margin of over a million votes. Fernando Poe Jr., the main opposition
candidate, protested the election results but died before the case could be resolved by the
Supreme Court.

There are current proposals to amend the Philippine Constitution to provide for a shift to a
federal and parliamentary form of government. On 24 February 2006, President Arroyo
declared a state of national emergency due to an alleged conspiracy to bring down the
government. A newspaper office was raided and some high profile arrests of opposition figures
were made. The proclamation and these actions drew widespread criticism and the President

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lifted the declaration on 3 March 2006. The political opposition filed a new impeachment
complaint against the President in July 2006, which was dismissed by the House of
Representatives.

Elections for half of the Senate seats and all lower house seats were held on 14 May 2007. The
opposition won the majority of the Senate seats available, but the President's support in the
lower house was strengthened.

There are two autonomous regions in the Philippines, the Cordillera region in northern Luzon,
and Mindanao, both created by the 1987 Constitution. These regions have local powers which
include social and economic development and education.

Political parties in the Philippines are based far more on personality than ideology. There is a
general consensus among the main political parties in terms of the social, political and
economic structures within the Philippines. This tends to make the president widely supported
at the beginning of a term of office. However, as new elections draw near, allegiances shift and
parties fragment as people seek to gain new political patronage and power. Reports of alleged
cronyism and corruption at all levels of government, the military and the police still persist,
questioning the depth of Philippine democracy. Efforts to increase transparency and
accountability are being implemented, but face many obstacles.

2.4 Internal conflict

The diversity of the Philippines and unevenness of government services have created tensions
and internal armed conflict. Post independence communist and separatist movements have
engaged the government since the late 1960s. There have been phases of peace talks and all-
out military campaigns against different groups. The secessionist group the Moro National
Liberation Front (MNLF) reached a peace agreement in 1996. Another Mindanao group, the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), faced a heavy military campaign by government troops
under President Estrada. Although peace talks began under President Arroyo, these broke
down in 2002 – followed by major fighting. The MILF and government reached a ceasefire in
June/July 2003 and peace talks are resuming but no agreement was reached by the end of
2006.

Clashes between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and elements of MILF insurgents in
Maguindanao Province during the period from June to August 2006 resulted in approximately
40,000 persons being displaced. In 2005 approximately 85,000 persons were displaced as a
result of clashes in Sulu from February to April between the AFP and a faction of the MILF
aligned with the ASG. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD), at year's end the total number of IDPs was 59,886 persons.

There are some groups which are not in official dialogue with the government, including the
extremist organisation Abu Sayyaf. The Philippine military has been assisted by U.S.
equipment and personnel in combating this group. The involvement of the U.S. military is a
very sensitive issue; the Philippines was seen as an important geopolitical site for the U.S.
which had two major military bases on the country – Clark Field and Subic Bay. The leases on
these bases were not renewed in 1991, viewed by many as a statement of Filipino autonomy
and part of the orientation process towards other members of the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF), representing
the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army
(NPA), remained suspended following a new offensive against the NPA declared by President
Arroyo in June 2006. This decision further intensified the current state of affairs regarding
disappearances, extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations in the Philippines. In

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order to resume talks, the NDF called on the government to work for the removal of the NPA’s
designation as a “foreign terrorist organisation” by the U.S. and its allies. With the peace
process stalled, the Joint Monitoring Commission (JMC), set up to examine complaints of
human rights abuses and breaches of humanitarian laws by both sides, failed to make
significant progress. Previous government pledges to release listed political prisoners remained
only partially implemented. At least 251 political prisoners detained within the context of anti-
insurgency operations were reported still held.

2.5 Civil society

Civil society within the Philippines has been flourishing since the Marcos era, often working in
close collaboration with government, and underpinned by a strong culture of volunteering.
Community organisations, NGOs and international agencies are active on a range of issues
including poverty alleviation, health, the environment and human rights. However, in recent
years an increase in extrajudicial executions, targeting civil society leaders, has created an
atmosphere of fear surrounding civil society activism.

The law provides for freedom of speech and of the press, and the government generally
respects these rights in practice. The government owns several television and radio stations;
however, most print and electronic media are privately owned. The extensive Filipino press is
known for its free comment and speculation in many areas. However, investigative reporting
into major crime and corruption is often criticised. This has led to the arrests of editors and
killing of journalists.

Human rights NGOs frequently criticise the government for failing to protect journalists. The
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has accused the police and the government of
failing adequately to investigate these killings and of subjecting journalists to harassment and
surveillance. In some situations, it was difficult to discern if violence against journalists was
carried out in retribution for their profession or if these journalists were the victims of random
crime. According to a study released by the Centre for Media Freedom and Responsibility
(CMFR) in September 2005, most of the slain journalists were not professionally trained as
journalists or formally accredited to any national media organisation. CMFR listed 61
journalists killed since democracy was restored in 1986.

In June the intelligence service of the AFP released a presentation “Know Your Enemy”, listing
some press unions and student organisations as “enemies of the state” or communist fronts.
The government did not otherwise interfere with academic freedom.

Internet use is increasing in the Philippines, but is heavily concentrated in urban areas. The
government did not restrict Internet use.

3. General human rights situation

The country’s human rights record has improved in recent years. The independent Philippine
Commission on Human Rights has been established and aspects of human rights are entering
into domestic law. However, many human rights organisations are concerned about the
reported cases of alleged infringements. Allegations of torture and extrajudicial killings are
frequently made against the Philippine Armed Forces and, in particular, the police. There are
serious concerns about the deficiencies of the judicial system to investigate and prosecute
human rights violators, as well as poor prison conditions. And there are further calls by
national and international observers to improve the protection of children’s rights.1

1
http://www.oneworld.net/guides/philippines/development

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3.1 Role of the police and security apparatus

The Department of National Defense directs the AFP, which shares responsibility for
counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations with the Philippines National Police (PNP).
The Department of Interior and local government directs the PNP, which is responsible for
enforcement of law and order and urban counterterrorism; however, governors, mayors and
other local officials have considerable influence. The 115,000 member PNP has deep-rooted
institutional deficiencies and suffered from a widely held and accurate public perception that it
was corrupt. The PNP's Internal Affairs Service remains largely ineffective. Members of the PNP
are regularly accused of torture, of soliciting bribes, and of other illegal acts.

Efforts have been underway to reform the institution in part to counter a widespread
impression of official impunity. From January to November 2006, the PNP dismissed 89
policemen. Of the 2,859 administrative cases filed against PNP officers and personnel, 1,398
were resolved, 944 remained under preliminary investigation, 391 underwent summary
hearings, and the remaining 126 were filed with the People's Law Enforcement Board, a body
composed of local government officials and NGO representatives that receives complaints filed
against members of the PNP in the regions. In 2005 the PNP initiated a Transformation
Program aimed at systematic institutional reform.

3.2 Arbitrary arrest and detention

The law requires a judicial determination of probable cause before issuance of an arrest
warrant and prohibits holding prisoners incommunicado or in secret places of detention;
however, in a number of cases, police have arrested and detained citizens arbitrarily. Through
December 2006, the TFDP documented 35 cases of illegal arrest and detention involving 114
victims.

Detainees have the right to a judicial review of the legality of their detention and, except for
offences punishable by a life sentence, the right to bail; however, only 6.5 percent of detainees
were able to post bail. Authorities are required to file charges within 12 to 36 hours of arrests
made without warrants, with the time given to file charges increasing with the seriousness of
the crime. Lengthy pre-trial detention remains a problem. In 2005 the courts released 67
detainees who had been held in jail for periods equal to or longer than the maximum prison
terms they would have served if convicted. Through November only two detainees were
released under this circumstance.

Various human rights NGOs maintain lists of incarcerated persons they allege to be political
prisoners. Through December, the TFDP said that there were 233 political prisoners. Typically,
there was no distinction in these lists between detainees and prisoners, and the majority of
persons listed have not been convicted. Some NGOs asserted that it was frequent practice to
make politically motivated arrests of persons for common crimes and to continue to detain
them after their sentences expired. The government used NGO lists as one source of
information in the conduct of its pardon, parole and amnesty programs, but it did not consider
the persons listed to be political detainees or prisoners. The CPP/NPA demanded that their
members under detention by the PNP or AFP be treated as political prisoners as one of the
preconditions for resuming peace talks with the government.

The NPA, as well as some Islamic separatist groups, also were responsible for a number of
arbitrary detentions, often in connection with informal courts set up to try military personnel,
police, local politicians, and other persons for "crimes against the people".

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Philippines Country Assessment Report

3.3 Prison conditions

Prison conditions are rudimentary and sometimes harsh. Provincial jails and prisons are
overcrowded, lack basic infrastructure, and provide prisoners with an inadequate diet. Jails
managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in metropolitan Manila
operated at 240 percent of designed-capacity in 2006, compared with 390 percent last year.
An on-going jail decongestion program by BJMP resulted in the early release, using applicable
laws, of more than 3,500 inmates. BJMP's establishment of new facilities for female inmates
and its implementation of the new law on juvenile justice also contributed to the decrease in
jail overcrowding from 2005. In 2005 the BJMP had a budget of $40.85 million (P2.25 billion),
an increase of 16 percent from the 2004 budget. Administrators budgeted a daily subsistence
allowance of about 40 Pesos ($0.94) per prisoner, up from 2004. Prison inmates often
depended on their families for food because of the insufficient subsistence allowance and the
need to bribe guards to receive food rations.

There were reports of widespread corruption among guards. Guards demanded that prisoners
pay to receive food, to use sanitary facilities, and to avoid beatings by other prisoners. Jail
administrators reportedly delegated to senior inmates authority to maintain order. The CHR
and TFDP reported that beatings by prison guards and other inmates were common but that
prisoners, fearing retaliation, refused to lodge complaints. Corruption appeared to be a
problem at higher levels of authority within the prison system as well. Favoured inmates
reportedly enjoyed access to prostitutes and drugs.

According to regulations, male and female inmates are to be held in separate facilities and, in
national prisons, overseen by guards of the same sex; however, there were anecdotal reports
that these regulations were not uniformly enforced. In provincial and municipal prisons, male
guards sometimes supervised female prisoners directly or indirectly. Although prison
authorities attempted to segregate children, in some instances they were held in facilities not
fully segregated from adult male inmates. Only 223 out of 1,100 jails managed by the BJMP
and PNP had separate cells for minors, while 345 jails had separate cells for females. During
the year the BJMP established two detention centres exclusively for women. Approximately
1,200 women inmates were transferred to these new facilities, located in Metro Manila and in
Cebu City. More than 300 minor inmates were transferred to three youth centres in compliance
with the new law on juvenile justice. In Bureau of Immigration detention facilities, male and
female inmates are segregated by sex, but male guards oversaw both sexes. Women in police
custody were particularly vulnerable to sexual and physical assault by police and prison
officials. Victims often were afraid to report incidents. Some detainees at Bureau of
Immigration detention centres reportedly gained release by making cash payments to guards.

The slow judicial process exacerbated the problem of overcrowding. Some inmates took turns
sleeping, and others slept on their feet. Some prison wardens reportedly allowed wives or
children to move in with inmates or stay in the prison compound because they could help feed
the prisoners. Lack of potable water and poor ventilation continued to cause health problems in
jails.

On 16 May 2006, President Arroyo signed the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act which, among
other reforms, changed the age of criminal responsibility from nine to 15 years of age. Under
the new law, children caught committing crimes are to be turned over to juvenile justice and
welfare councils to be placed in programmes supervised by local social welfare officers. The
law also prohibits the detention of minors in jails while undergoing trial and exempts convicted
minors from the death penalty.

Through December 2006, the BJMP recorded 27 successful prison escapes involving 52
inmates; 16 were recaptured and 36 remained at large. Police blamed the escapes on lenient
security and the poor quality of detention facilities. On February 28, the CHR released a report

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on a March 2005 escape attempt during which three guards were killed and which ended in the
deaths of 22 inmates. The CHR concluded that the authorities used excessive force, that
inmates were summarily executed, and that inmates were maltreated after a police assault.
The CHR report also recommended that the Department of Justice (DOJ) create a committee to
investigate and determine the criminal liability of the police units; however, by year's end, the
DOJ had not received a formal complaint from the CHR to investigate these police units.

International monitoring groups, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, were
allowed free access to jails and prisons.

3.4 Trials
The law provides for an independent judiciary; however, the judicial system suffers from
corruption and inefficiency. Personal ties and sometimes venality result in impunity for some
wealthy and influential offenders and widespread skepticism that the judicial process could
ensure due process and equal justice. The Supreme Court continues efforts to ensure speedier
trials and to sanction judicial malfeasance, and is in the midst of a five-year programme to
increase judicial branch efficiency and raise public confidence in the judiciary.

The national court system consists of four levels: local and regional trial courts; a national
court of appeals divided into 17 divisions; a 15-member Supreme Court; and an informal local
system for arbitrating or mediating certain disputes outside the formal court system. The
Sandiganbayan, the government's anticorruption court, hears criminal cases brought against
senior officials. A Shari'a (Islamic law) court system, with jurisdiction over domestic and
contractual relations among Muslim citizens, operates in some Mindanao provinces.

The law provides that those accused of crimes be informed of the charges against them, have
the right to counsel, and be provided a speedy and public trial before a judge. Defendants are
presumed innocent and have the right to confront witnesses against them, to present
evidence, and to appeal convictions. The authorities respect the right of defendants to be
represented by a lawyer, but poverty often inhibit a defendant's access to effective legal
representation. Skilled defence lawyers staff the Public Attorney's Office (PAO), but their
workload is large and resources scarce. The PAO provides legal representation for all indigent
litigants at trial; however, during arraignment, courts may at their option appoint any lawyer
present in the courtroom to provide counsel to the accused.

According to the law, cases should be resolved within set time limits once submitted for
decision: 24 months for the Supreme Court; 12 months for the Court of Appeals; and 3
months for lower courts. However, these time limits are not mandatory, and, in effect, there
are no time limits for trials.

In September 2005 a regional trial court judge was killed in her house in Natividad,
Pangasinan. Police identified two suspects, but a judge dismissed the case and did not issue
arrest warrants against the two for lack of probable cause. In January police arrested six
suspects for the December 2005 murder of a Pasay City regional trial court judge; their trial
was on-going at year's end. Trials in the 2004 killings of two judges were also underway at
year's end, and prosecutors filed charges in the third case. Ten cases of the killing of judges
remained under investigation at year's end.

Lengthy pre-trial detention remains a problem. In May 2005 the UN Development Program
(UNDP) and the Supreme Court released a study that found that the average trial takes over
three years. Trials take place in short sessions over time and as witnesses become available;
these non-continuous sessions created lengthy delays. Furthermore, there was a widely
recognised need for more prosecutors, judges and courtrooms. Judgeship vacancy rates were
high; of the total 2,152 trial court judgeships (including Shari'a courts), 628 (29 percent) were

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vacant, a small decline from 2005. Courts in Mindanao and other poorer provinces had higher
vacancy rates than the national average. Shari'a court positions were particularly difficult to fill
because of the requirement that applicants be members of both the Shari'a Bar and the
Integrated Bar. All five Shari'a district court judgeships and 41 percent of circuit court
judgeships remained vacant. Shari'a courts do not have criminal jurisdiction.

The NPA continued to subject military personnel, police, local politicians, and other persons to
its so-called courts for “crimes against the people”. The NPA executed some of these
“defendants”. The MILF also maintained similar “people's courts”.

On 12 January 2005, NPA gunmen shot and killed a retired police colonel in Lucena City,
Quezon Province. The NPA said its “people's court” meted out the death penalty to the retired
officer for grave crimes and human rights violations committed during the 1970s and 1980s.

In the past, international and domestic NGOs criticised many court proceedings that resulted in
death sentences, asserting that the judicial system did not ensure due process and legal
representation. On 24 June 2006, the government formally abolished the death penalty.

3.5 Increased killings of leftist activists

The number of attacks on leftist activists and community workers rose sharply in the past few
years, with at least 66 fatal shootings reported during 2005. Most attacks were carried out by
unidentified assailants on motorcycles, at times wearing face masks, who were often described
as “vigilantes” or hired killers allegedly linked to AFP members. In January 2007, a report was
released by the Melo Commission, describing the disappearances and extrajudicial killings as
systemic and with evidence pointing to linkages with the AFP. In recent years no person has
been prosecuted in relation to such crimes.

As well as suspected CPP-NPA members, those most at risk included members of legal leftist
political parties, including Bayan Muna (People First) and Anakpawis (Toiling Masses), other
human rights and community activists, priests, church workers and lawyers regarded by the
authorities as sympathetic to the broader communist movement. Increased killings in
particular provinces were reportedly linked to the public labelling of leftist groups as NPA
“front” organisations by local AFP commanders.

A climate of impunity shielding the perpetrators of such killings deepened as ineffective

investigations failed to lead to the prosecution of those responsible. In many cases witnesses
were reportedly too frightened to testify.

A report released in June 2007 by Human Rights Watch2 puts focus on the climate of
extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. Through a compilation of different statistics, the report
asserts that between 141 and 800 people have been extrajudicially executed since President
Arroyo took office in 2001. Further, it is estimated that between 61 and 206 extrajudicial
executions took place in 2006 alone.

3.6 Treatment of refugees and minority groups

The Philippines is party to the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its
1967 protocol; however, there is no comprehensive legislation that provides for granting
refugee status or asylum. In practice the government provides protection against refoulement,
the return of persons to a country where they feared persecution, and granted refugee status
or asylum. The refugee unit in the Department of Justice determines which asylum seekers
qualify as refugees; such determinations in practice implemented many of the basic provisions

2
Human Rights Watch, 2007. Scared Silent – Impunity for Extrajudicial Killings in the Philippines

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of the 1951 convention. The government cooperates with the Office of the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organisations in assisting
refugees. The government also provides temporary protection to individuals who may not
qualify as refugees under the 1951 convention or its 1967 protocol.

The government allowed approximately two thousand asylum seekers from Vietnam to remain
in the country although none had been found to be refugees under the UNHCR-administered
Comprehensive Plan of Action in the 1990s. The majority of this group was being processed for
resettlement in the United States. An estimated 400 persons who married Philippine citizens
remained in legal limbo: ineligible for resettlement in other countries and not granted
permanent asylum.

Muslims were the largest minority religious group. Estimates of the size of the Muslim
population ranged from 3.9 million to 7 million, or 5 to 9 percent of the population. Muslims
reside principally in Mindanao and nearby islands, but there are Muslim communities
throughout the country.

Historically, the Christian majority marginalised Muslims. The national culture, with its
emphasis on familial, tribal and regional loyalties, creates informal barriers whereby access to
jobs or resources is provided first to those of one's own family or group network. Muslims
reported difficulty renting rooms or being hired for retail work if they used their real names or
wore distinctive Muslim dress. As a result, some Muslims used Christian pseudonyms and did
not wear distinctive dress when applying for housing or jobs.

An estimated four hundred to one thousand Jews live in the country. There were no reports of
anti-Semitic acts.

4. Human rights situation relating to torture

The Constitution prohibits torture, and evidence obtained through its use is inadmissible in
court; however, members of the security forces and police routinely abuse and sometimes
torture suspects and detainees. The CHR provides the police with mandatory human rights
training, and senior PNP officials appear receptive to respecting the human rights of detainees;
however, rank-and-file awareness of the rights of detainees remains inadequate.

The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) stated that torture remained an ingrained
part of the arrest and detention process. Common forms of abuse during arrest and
interrogation reportedly included striking detainees and threatening them with guns. The TFDP
reported that arresting officers often carried out such beatings in the early stages of detention.
Within the AFP, the CHR continued to observe greater sensitivity to the need to prevent human
rights violations. CHR is required to certify that an officer being considered for promotion does
not have a history of human rights violations; however, a negative CHR finding does not
preclude promotion. The CHR also vets PNP officers at the senior superintendent level.
Nevertheless, abuses still occur. Human rights activists complained of abuses by security
forces against suspected ASG and NPA members in captivity. According to the Moro Human
Rights Centre, members of the AFP continue to beat ASG suspects.

The TFDP reported 15 cases of torture involving 32 victims during 2005 and seven cases
involving 20 victims in 2006. The CHR investigated 11 cases of torture in 2006, mostly
involving members of the PNP.

In April 2005 four farmers in Laak, Mindanao accused the AFP of torturing them as suspected
NPA collaborators. The CHR began an investigation of the case but by year's end had not yet
released any conclusion.

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A man arrested in June 2005 by the AFP 65th Infantry Battalion as a suspected NPA leader
alleged the use of torture while he was in captivity. A CHR investigation confirmed that the
victim had signs of beatings on his back and black marks on his hand from electric shock. The
commanding officer of the battalion denied the allegations. No case was filed before the courts.

5. Status on international framework and national

policy and legislation with respect to torture
5.1 Ratifications
The Philippines is a signatory to the major international human rights treaties such as the
International Covenant on Civil, Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the
Child, the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the
Convention Against Torture, and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

The Philippines has not made any declarations under articles 21 and 22 of the UN Convention
Against Torture allowing the Committee Against Torture to consider either State or individual
communications regarding violations of the Convention. While expressing its will to ratify the
Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture no concrete action has been taken so far
by the Government of the Philippines.

The Philippines has failed to submit its last four periodic reports to the Committee Against
Torture and has not been visited by the Special Rapporteur on Torture.

The Philippines has not ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

5.2 Incorporation and status of international law into national law

Article II(2) of the Constitution stipulates that the Philippines “adopts the generally accepted
principles of international law as part of the law of the land ….” This recognition of the doctrine
of incorporation means that international law becomes operative and effective within the
domestic legal system without the need for further transformation.3 Its applicability in any
particular case will depend on the self-executing nature of the rule in question.4 Consequently,
international law has the same status as national statutory legislation and is therefore
subordinate to the Constitution. The Philippines has not enacted any legislation implementing
the Convention against Torture.

The consolidation of three pending bills in Congress into one anti-torture bill dubbed as An Act
Penalizing the Commission of Acts of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading
Treatment or Punishments Prescribing Penalties Therefore, and for other Purposes seeks to
carry out the mandate of the Constitution as well as the commitments and obligations under
the international human rights and humanitarian laws by specifically defining and penalizing
acts of torture. In the interest of protecting, fulfilling and upholding human rights, the
immediate passage of said bill is earnestly sought. The bill has passed already the series of
discussions at the Committee on Justice level but as of 11 September 2007 was still pending in
a Senate committee.

3
See José M. Roy III, A Note on Incorporation: Creating Municipal Jurisdiction from International Law, 46 Ateneo Law
Journal 635 (2001), p. 635, citing the case of U.S.A. v. Guinto, et al., 182 SCRA (1990) in which Justice Cruz
explained the nature and consequences of the doctrine of incorporation.
4
Ibid, p.636.

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6. International mechanisms
6.1 Possible comments/recommendations from CAT and other
relevant bodies
As noted above, the government of the Philippines has not fulfilled its reporting obligations to
the Committee Against Torture since 1988. Combined with the missing declarations under
Articles 21 and 22 of the UNCAT this has effectively prevented scrutiny by this particular body.

In 2003 the Philippines came under review by the Human Rights Committee (HRC). In its
concluding observations the HRC, among other things, highlighted the issues of impunity,
exceedingly broad anti-terrorism legislation, and the widespread practices of torture and
extrajudicial executions in the country. The HRC specifically encouraged the Philippines to
establish effective mechanisms for monitoring and effective investigations of allegations of
torture.

6.2 Possible comments/recommendations from Special Rapporteurs

The Special Rapporteur on Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment has not visited the Philippines. However, in February 2007 the Special Rapporteur
on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions visited the country and issued a very critical
report to the Human Rights Council. In his report, the Special Rapporteur criticised inter alia
the lack of independence of the ombudsman’s office and the labelling of left wing groups as
“enemies of the state” rendering human rights advocates, journalists, union organisers,
indigenous organisations and others legitimate targets of extrajudicial executions.

7. National mechanisms
7.1 Ombudsman
The independent Office of the Ombudsman was created pursuant to Article 11, 5 of the
Constitution. Its main task is to ensure accountability of public employees. To this end, the
Office may investigate complaints regarding illegal, unjust, improper or inefficient conduct of
public officials. The powers, functions and duties of the Ombudsman are stipulated in Article
13. See also Republic Act No. 6670, An Act Providing for the Functional and Structural
Organization of the Office of the Ombudsman and for other Purposes, known as “The
Ombudsman Act of 1989”.

7.2 The Philippine Commission on Human Rights

The Philippine Commission on Human Rights (PCHR) was founded in 1987 as a constitutional
body, independent of other state legal institutions, to protect and promote respect for human
rights in the Philippines. One of its primary roles is to investigate complaints of human rights
violations. After receiving a complaint and completing its inquiries, the PCHR can recommend
the filing of appropriate criminal or administration charges for prosecution by the Department
of Justice or the Office of the Ombudsman. The PCHR cannot itself pursue prosecutions or
bring suspected human rights violators to justice before the courts.

The PCHR and its 13 regional offices continue to play an important role as a forum for
reporting and recording patterns of violations nationwide, for promoting human rights
education programmes for military and law enforcement personnel, for the exercise of its right
of access to all places of detention and for investigations into a range of human rights
complaints.

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The Commission has the power to “investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all
form of human rights violations involving civil and political rights”. If the evidence establishes a
prima facie case, the Commission recommends the filing of appropriate charges for prosecution
by the Department of Justice. Subsequently, the Commission monitors the status of the case.
It has however no powers of enforcement. In 1995, the CHR entered into a memorandum of
agreement with the Department of Justice, according to which CHR lawyers have been
designated as special counsels to assist Department Of Justice prosecutors in the litigation of
cases involving human rights violations.

However, most of these cases have not resulted in a trial let alone conviction of the
perpetrators. The Commission has, on the other hand, been criticised for its investigation
methods and the burden it places on torture victims. As a result, in the absence of a
recommendation by the Commission to the Department of Justice or to the Office of the
Ombudsman to prosecute the alleged perpetrators, a number of cases where torture has been
alleged, ended at the stage of the Commission.

The Commission on Human Rights may also provide financial assistance to victims of human
rights violations. Victims, their relatives or anyone on their behalf may file a claim for financial
assistance to the Commission. Such a claim presupposes that the claimant has filed a
substantive claim alleging a violation of human rights with the Commission. An investigation
report from the regional office concerned must be attached to the claim, containing details
about the act complained of, evidence which should engender a well-founded belief that a
human rights violation has been committed and, if known, the identity of the perpetrator(s).
The financial assistance provided is temporary relief, not compensation.

8. Overview of judicial/legal system

Administration of justice
Public confidence in the ability of the authorities to conduct prompt, thorough and impartial
investigations of human rights violations and other crimes, and to deliver justice, remain
fragile.

Implementation of fair trial and custodial safeguards are weak, and criminal suspects remain
at risk of ill-treatment or torture by the Philippine National Police during extended periods of
“investigative” detention. Intimidation, aggravated by a lack of effective witness protection
programmes, undermine the ability of victims of human rights abuses to gain redress,
especially when they are members of poor or marginalised communities.

Lack of confidence in the criminal justice system contributes to an apparent public tolerance of
killings of suspected criminals, including alleged petty thieves and street children, by
unidentified “vigilantes” allegedly linked to municipal authorities and the PNP. More than 90
such killings were reported in Cebu city and at least 100 in Davao city.

Journalists were also at risk of armed attacks, with at least seven killed by unidentified
assailants, reportedly because of their work. In November, in a rare conviction, a policeman
was found guilty and given a life sentence for murdering a radio broadcaster in 2002.

Special methods applied to juvenile delinquency

Presidential Decree 603 (“The Child and Youth Welfare Code’) exempts from criminal liability a
child nine years of age and under 15 years of age at the time of the offence, unless the child
acted with discernment. However certain safeguards have been put in place to protect minors
over nine years but under 21 years old and not covered by the exemption, such as:

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1. A thorough physical and mental examination by a proper medical and health officer
upon arrest.
2. If unable to post jail, commitment to the care of the Department of Social Welfare and
Development or local rehabilitation centre or detention home in the province.
3. In the absence of such centre or agency within a reasonable distance from the venue of
the trial, commitment to the quarters of youthful offenders separate from other
detainees which the local government unit must provide.
4. The court may also decide to release the youthful offender in custody of the child’s
parents or other suitable persons.
5. Suspension of sentence in accordance with Article 192.

Moreover, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination
Act (RA7610) states, among others, that children arrested in relation to armed conflict are
entitled to the following rights:

1. Separate detention from adults except where families are accommodated as family
unit
2. Immediate free legal assistance
3. Immediate notice of such arrest to the parents or guardians
4. Release of the child in recognizance within 24 hours to the custody of the
Department of Social Welfare and Development or any responsible member of the
community as determined by the courts.

The Supreme Court also ruled that cases involving minors can be diverted from the justice
system and placed under community-based alternative programs and treatment, training and
rehabilitation in conformity with the principle of restorative justice.

Legal education on human rights

The Constitution has no specific provisions dealing with education and information on the right
against torture. However, the Constitution does state that among the general powers and
functions of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights is to “establish a continuing program
of research, education, and information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights”.

There is no statutory enactment on education and information neither regarding human rights
in general nor the rights against torture in particular.

The role of lawyers in gathering evidence

The Philippine government must ensure that competent authorities undertake prompt and
impartial investigation whenever there are reasonable grounds to believe that torture has been
committed. Lawyers as counsel to a torture victim may gather evidence to establish that
criminal proceedings may proceed against an alleged perpetrator. It is the duty of the court to
study the evidence and testimonies regarding a complaint against torture. If the court decides
that the evidence is well founded, the offender shall be subject to criminal, disciplinary and
other appropriate proceedings. The court does not gather evidence itself. It neither accepts nor
considers evidence not presented by lawyers before the court.

Legal process for seeking redress

Torture survivors have, as victims of serious crimes, several procedural rights during the
criminal process, such as the right to counsel, to secure witnesses and to subpoena records
and documents. Moreover, if the authorities fail to investigate and/or prosecute, a torture
survivor may file a criminal action of dereliction of duty against those responsible.

A witness, including a victim who wishes to testify, enjoys certain rights and benefits under the
Witness Protection, Security and Benefits Programme implemented by the Department of
Justice. A witness admitted to the programme has the right to a secure housing facility,

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assistance in obtaining a means of livelihood, securing his or her employment, provision of

travel expenses and subsistence, free medical treatment for any injury incurred or suffered as
a result of witness duty, a burial benefit for the heirs if a witness is killed, and free education
for his or her minors in case of death or permanent incapacity.

A victim of torture can file a complaint relating to the perpetration of a criminal offence, but
must follow the requisite preliminary investigation procedures. In particular, an initial
complaint would be investigated by the competent provincial or city officer, and/or the National
and Regional State Prosecutors, judges of the Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial
Courts or other officers authorised by law. For other offences, the victim may file a complaint
directly with the Municipal Trial Courts or the Office of the Prosecutor. The complaint must
include the address of the suspect and must be accompanied by affidavits and statements as
to witnesses as well as other supporting documents to establish probable cause. A complaint
must be in writing and has to satisfy several formal requirements. A detainee may bring a
complaint when brought before the judge at an inquest procedure.

The Commission on Human Rights, the Office of the Ombudsman, police officers and public
officers charged with the enforcement of the law as well as the city, provincial and state
prosecutor are tasked to investigate violations of civil and political rights, including torture. The
Internal Affairs Service is in charge of investigations into the conduct of the police. This type of
investigation may be initiated by complaint or proprio motu, in cases of incidents where death,
serious physical injury, or any violation of human rights occurred in the conduct of a police
operation or where a suspect in the custody of the police was seriously injured.

Possibility of attaining state sponsored legal aid for victims of torture

The following government agencies may be considered for legal assistance to obtain redress:

1. The National Prosecution Service under Presidential Decree No. 1275 is duty bound to
file and prosecute criminal cases in behalf of the state.
2. Pursuant to the Administrative Code of 1987 in relation to Presidential Decree No. 1 and
Republic Act No. 6035, the Public Attorney’s Office is mandated to represent, free of
charge, indigent persons or the immediate members of their family, in all civil,
administrative, and criminal cases where, after due investigation, it is determined that
the interest of justice will be served thereby.
3. The Commission on Human Rights, under Article XII of the Constitution, provides legal
aid to underprivileged victims of human rights violations.

However, training of lawyers and equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to
deal with the complex problem of torture has yet to be included in any statutory enactment.

Legal and judicial reform

A weak and inefficient legal system in the Philippines constrains economic growth and lessens
access to justice by the citizenry. The justice system, however, is now undergoing a long-
awaited process of reform with support from the international community. The Asia Foundation
works to ensure the sustainability of reform efforts, which are being headed by a credible
Supreme Court Chief Justice. The Foundation has been instrumental in advancing reform
priorities of the Supreme Court, particularly court referred mediation at both the trial and
appellate levels and efforts to implement the recently passed Alternative Dispute Resolution
Law. The Foundation provides support for innovative programs with the Asian Institute of
Journalism and Communication to improve relations between the courts and the media;
Chamber to Chamber dialogues where justices of the Supreme Court meet with Chambers of
Commerce to discuss issues of mutual concern; and the Martus (“witness”) programme on
human rights protection to improve electronic communication within and between the public
and NGO sectors.

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9. Medical documentation concerning torture

Detainees have the right to medical visits and medical examinations. This is derived from the
right to health provided in the Constitution (Article XIII), which can be found in Republic Act
No.7438 (An Act Defining Certain Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained or Under Custody and
Investigation) and is generally provided for in the rules of the respective prison.

The Act also provides that victims have the right to “at all times be assisted by counsel” and to
a visit from “any member of his immediate family, or any medical doctor, or priest or religious
minister chosen by him or by any member of his family or by his counsel, or a national non-
governmental organisation duly accredited by the Commission on Human Rights”.

Thus, lawyers may also invoke this provision and ask for the medical examination of a
detainee. Counsels may recommend medical professionals to undertake the examination or
seek the support of NGOs providing medical care of prisoners. However, due to the lack of
independent forensic scientists in the country it might prove difficult to obtain such an
independent examination.

Moreover, Executive Order 212 (1987) makes it mandatory for a medical doctor “who has
treated any person for serious or less serious physical injuries” including those which may
result from torture to “report the fact of such treatment promptly to the nearest government
health authority”.

However, suspects who have been tortured and are still in police custody rarely assert their
right to see a doctor, especially if they are ordinary criminal suspects from poor communities
whose everyday access to doctors has been limited. Some report that they were taken to a
government hospital for a medical examination after arrest but before interrogation in order to
protect police officers from subsequent charges of ill-treatment. Others reported that police
facilitated a medical examination after inquest, but they were seen by doctors assigned to
major PNP or AFP centres or to government hospitals who gave them a cursory “check-list”
physical examination with no questions about how any marks may have been inflicted – or
searching queries about maltreatment which may not have left marks but had or was causing
pain.

Often the methods of torture used are chosen specifically because they do not leave obvious
physical marks. Medical certificates are frequently summary in nature, referring only to visible
bruises or contusions with a formulaic assessment of how long the examinee is likely to need
medical treatment. In many cases suspects do not see a doctor until days or even weeks after
the alleged torture, when families or human rights groups have finally gained access or filed a
complaint with the PCHR which has dispatched investigators and doctors to the place of
detention, by which time visible marks have faded or disappeared.

10. The Istanbul Protocol (IP)

The Istanbul Protocol is not a commonly used tool amongst lawyers and medical doctors in the
Philippines. In 2006, the Philippines was included as a target country in the Prevention through
Documentation project managed of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture
Victims.5 This project aims at increasing the knowledge and applicability of the Istanbul
Protocol amongst medical doctors and lawyers. One four-day training seminar with
approximately 50 participants has been implemented and the training of additional doctors and
lawyers is now being carried out by local partners in the project.

5
Visit http://www.irct.org/Default.aspx?ID=48 and www.preventingtorture.org for more information about the project
and training medical and legal professionals to use the Istanbul Protocol to investigate and document alleged cases of
torture for use in legal proceedings.

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11. Civil society

11.1 Media6
Powerful commercial interests control or influence much of the media.

The lively TV scene is dominated by the free-to-air networks ABS-CBN and GMA, which attract
the lion's share of viewing. Some Manila-based networks broadcast in local languages. The
country has a well-developed cable TV system.

The press
• Philippine Star - broadsheet
• The Daily Tribune - broadsheet
• Philippine Daily Inquirer - broadsheet
• Malaya - broadsheet
• Manila Bulletin
• Manila Times
• Business World

Television
• ABS-CBN - commercial
• GMA Network - commercial
• IBC - government-owned

Radio
• ABS-CBN - operates stations nationally
• GMA Network - operates stations nationally
• Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) - operates stations nationally
• Radio Mindanao Network - operates more than 50 stations nationwide
• Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) - government-run, operates 31 stations
nationwide with emphasis on news, public affairs

Journalists’ association
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)
Unit 203, TSE Bldg.
1739 A. Mabini Street
Malate, Manila
Tel/Fax: +63 (2) 400 5059
E-mail: info@nujp.org and/or nujp_manila@yahoo.com
Website: www.nujp.org

11.2 Torture rehabilitation centres

Balay Rehabilitation Center, Inc.
No. 25 Maalindog Street
UP Village
Diliman
1101 Quezon City
Tel: +63 (2) 426 3825 or +63 (2) 434 0271
Fax: +63 (2) 921 6301 or or +63 (2) 428 3825 or +63 (2) 929 8054
E-mail: balay@tri-isys.com
Web: www.balayph.org

6
Information supplied by the International Federation of Journalists (www.ifj.org).

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Medical Action Group (MAG)

45 Saint Mary Street, Cubao
Quezon City, 1109
Tel: +63 (2) 439 1376
Fax: +63 (2) 439 1376
E-mail: maghhr@tri-isys.com or maghhr82@pldtdsl.net

11.3 Other relevant organisations/associations (incl. universities)

Ateneo De Davao University
Jacinto Campus
E. Jacinto St.
8000 Davao City
Tel: +63 (82) 221 2411
Web: www.addu.edu.ph

Ateneo de Naga University

Ateneo Avenue
4400 Naga City
Tel: +63 (54) 472 2368
Fax: +63 (54) 473 9253
Web: www.adnu.edu.ph

Ateneo de Manila University

Katipunan Avenue
Loyola Heights
Quezon City 1108
Tel: +63 (2) 426 6001
E-mail: webmaster@admu.edu.ph
Web: www.admu.edu.ph

Central Philippine University, Il Oilo City

Web: www.cpuic.edu

Centro Escolar University

9 Mendiola Street
San Miguel, Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 735 6861 to 70
Web site: www.ceu.edu.ph

De La Salle University, Manila

2401 Taft Avenue, Malate
1004 Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 524 4611 (direct line)
Web: www.dlsu.edu.ph

Manila Central University

Web: www.mcu.edu.ph

Misamis University
Ozamiz City
Web: www.mu.edu.ph

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Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, Manila

España St.
1008 Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 731 3101/ 406 1611
Web: www.ust.edu.ph

Saint Louis University, Baguio City

A. Bonifacio St.
2600 Baguio City
Tel: +63 (74) 442 3043/442 2793/442 2193/443 2001
Fax: +63 (74) 442 2842
Web: www.slu.edu.ph

St Paul University
Web site: www.spup.edu.ph

Silliman University
Web site: www.su.edu.ph

University of Baguio, Baguio

77 General Luna Road
2600 Baguio City
Tel: +63 (74) 442 3540/ 442 4915/ 442 4730
Fax: 442 3071
E-mail: ub@ubaguio.edu
Web: www.ubaguio.edu

University of Saint Anthony, Iriga City

Web: www.usant.edu.ph

University of San Carlos

Web: www.usc.edu.ph

University of the East Philippines, Manila

2219 C.M. Recto Avenue
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 735 8577
Web: http://online.ue.edu.ph/manila/

UIC - University of the Immaculate Conception, Davao City

Father Selga Street
Davao City
Tel: +63 (82) 221 8090
Fax: +63 (82) 226 2676
Web: www.uic.edu.ph

Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro

Tel: +63 (8822) 858 3116
Web: www.xu.edu.ph

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12. International community

12.1 Embassies/delegations
Embassy of Argentina in Philippines
8th Floor Liberty Centre
104 H.V. De La Costa Street, Salcedo Village
P.O. Box 2231 MCPO 1262 Makati
Metro Manila 1262
Tel: +63 (2) 845 3218 / 19 / 21
Fax: +63 (2) 845 3220
E-mail: efili@mrecic.gov.ar,embarfil@eastern.com.ph

Australian Embassy in Manila, Philippines

Level 23-Tower 2, RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue
Makati City
P.O.Box 1071
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 757 8100
Fax: +63 (2) 7578 268
Web: http://www.australia.com.ph
E-mail: public_affairs@mydestiny.net

Embassy of Bangladesh in Manila, Philippines

Universal-Re Building, 2/F
106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea Street
Legaspi Village, Makati City
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 817 5001
Fax: +63 (2) 816 4941
E-mail: bdoot.manila@pacific.net.ph/dutabash.phil@pacific.net.ph

Embassy of Belgium in Manila, Philippines

Multinational Bancorporation Centre
6805 Ayala Avenue - 9th floor, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati
Makati Central Post Office Box - Box 2165 - 1201 M
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 845 1869
Fax: +63 (2) 845 2076
Web: http://www.diplomatie.be/manila
E-mail: manila@diplobel.org

Embassy of Brazil in Manila, Philippines

16th Floor, Liberty Centre
104 H.V. de la Costa Street
Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 845 3651 to 53
Fax: +63 (2) 845 3676
E-mail: brasemb@info.com.ph

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Embassy of Brunei Darussalam the Philippines

11th Floor BPI Building Ayala Avenue, Corner
Ayala Avenue Corner
Paseo De Roxas Makati
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 8162836
Fax: +63 (2) 8162876

Embassy of Cambodia in the Republic of the Philippines

Unit 7A-B, Country Space 1 Building
Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, 1200
Makati City
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 818 9981 or 810 1896 or 819 5928
Fax: +63 (2) 818 9983
E-mail: cam.emb.ma@netasia.net

Canadian Embassy in Manila, Philippines

Levels 6-8, Tower 2
RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue 1200
PO Box 2098
Makati City
Tel: +63 (2) 857 9000
Fax: +63 (2) 843 1082
Web: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/manila/

Embassy of Chile in the Philippines

17th Floor Liberty Centre Building
104 H.V. de la Costa St. corner Leviste St.
Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 843 3461
Fax: +63 (2) 843 1976
Web: http://www.embachileph.com/
E-mail: echileph@meridiantelekoms.net

Embassy of China in the Republic of the Philippines

4896 Pasay Road, Dasmarinas Village
Makati, Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 844 3148 / 843 7715
Fax: +63 (2) 845 2465 / 843 9974
E-mail: chinaemb_ph@mfa.gov.cn

Embassy of Colombia in Manila, Philippines

Aurora Tower,
18Th Floor Gen Malvar St.
Araneta Centre, 0810
Quezon City
Tel: +63 (2) 911 3101
Fax: +63 (2) 911 2846

Embassy of Cuba in Manila, Philippines

101 Aguirre Street, corner Trasierra Street
Cacho Gonzalez Bld.

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Penthouse, Makati City

Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 917 1192
Fax: +63 (2) 816 4094
E-mail: embacuba@info.com.ph

Embassy of the Czech Republic in Philippines

30/F, Rufino Pacific Tower
6784 Ayala Avenue cor. Herrera St
Makati City
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 811 1155
Fax: +63 (2) 811 1020
Web: http://www.mzv.cz/manila
E-mail: manila@embassy.mzv.cz

Royal Danish Consulate General in Philippines

900 Romualdez Street
Ermita
1000 Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 525 9632
Fax: +63 (2) 525 9633
E-mail: mnlconsul@maersk.com

Embassy of Finland in Philippines

21st Floor BPI Buendia Centre
Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue
Makati City, Philippines
MCPO Box 2447, MCPO Box 2447
Makati City
Tel: +63 (2) 891 5011 to 15
Fax: +63 (2) 891 4107
Web: http://www.finlandembassy.ph
E-mail: sanomat.mni@formin.fi

Embassy of France in Makati, Philippines

16th Floor Pacific Star Building
Makati corner Gil Puyat Avenue
1200 Makati City
Tel: +63 (2) 810 1981/8
Fax: +63 (2) 813 1908

German Embassy in Philippines

25/F Tower 2, RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Ave (cnr Sen. Gil Puyat Ave)
Makati City
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 892 4906
Fax: +63 (2) 810 4703
Web: http://www.manila.diplo.de
E-mail: germanembassymanila@surfshop.net.ph / deboma@pldtdsl.net

Consulate of Iceland in the Metro Manila, Philippines

11th Floor
PHINMA Plaza

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Philippines Country Assessment Report

39 Plaza Drive
Rockwell Centre
Makati City
Tel: +63 (2) 818 4845 / 810 9526 ext. 371
Fax: +63 (2) 818 8206
E-mail: avr@trans-asia.phinma.com

Indian Embassy in the Philippinea

2190 Paraiso St.
Dasmarinas Village
Makati City
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 872 0101
Fax: +63 (2) 815 8151
Web: http://www.embindia.org.ph
E-mail: amb@embindia.org.ph,amboffice@embindia.org.ph

Embassy of Indonesia in Manila, Philippines

185 Salcedo St. Legaspi Village
Makati City
P.O. Box 1671 MCPO
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 892 5061/68
Fax: +63 (2) 892 5878 / 818 4441
Web: http://www.kbrimanila.org.ph
E-mail: bidpen_mnl@yahoo.com

Embassy of Israel in Manila, Philippines

23rd Floor, Trafalgar Plaza
105 H.V. de la Costa Street
Salcedo Village, Makati City
P.O. Box 1697, 1256 Makati City
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 894 0441 to 43
Fax: +63 (2) 894 1027
Web: http://manila.mfa.gov.il
E-mail: info@manila.mfa.gov.il

Embassy of Italy in Manila, Philippines

6th Floor, Zeta Condominium
191 Salcedo Street
Legaspi Village
Makati City
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 892 4531 / 2 / 3
Fax: +63 (2) 817 1436
E-mail: informazioni.manila@esteri.it / ambitaly@surfshop.net.ph

Embassy of Japan in Manila, Phillipines

2627 Roxas Boulevard
1300 Pasay City Metro Manila
(P.O. Box No. 414, Pasay Central Post Office,
Metro Manila, Philippines)
Tel: +63 (2) 551 5710
Fax: +63 (2) 551 5785

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Web: http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/
E-mail: jicc-mnl@embjapan.ph

Embassy of Korea (Republic) in Manila, Philippines

10th Floor, The Pacific Star Building
Sen. Gil Puyat corner Makati Avenue
Makati City, 1226
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 811 6139 to 44
Fax: +63 (2) 811 6148

Consulate of the Republic of Latvia

2nd Floor, Coltrans Compound
2253 Aurora Blvd. (Tramo)
Pasay City
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 833 2551 to 55
Fax: +63 (2) 833 2358

Embassy of Malaysia in Metro Manila, Philippines

107, Tordesillas Street
Salcedo Village, Makati City
Tel: +63 (2) 817 4581 to 585 / 817 4551 to 553
Fax: +63 (2) 816 3158
E-mail: mwmanila@indanet.com

Embassy of Mexico in Manila, Philippines

2157 Paraiso Street
Dasmarinas Village
Makati City
Manila 1222
Tel: +63 (2) 812-2211
Fax: +63 (2) 892-9824
Web: http://www.sre.gob.mx/filipinas
E-mail: ebmexfil@info.com.ph

Embassy of Myanmar in Manila, Philippines

8th Floor, XANLAND Centre
152, Amorsolo Street
Legaspi Village
Makati City
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 817 2373 / 812 9587
Fax: +63 (2) 817 5895.
E-mail: embmyanmnl@mindgate.net

Royal Netherlands Embassy to the Philippines

9th Floor, King's Court Building
2129 Chino Roces Avenue
Makati City
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 812 5981
Fax: +63 (2) 815 4579
Web: http://www.netherlandsembassy.ph/
E-mail: man-ca@minbuza.nl

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Embassy of New Zealand in Makati, Philippines

23rd Floor, BPI Buendia Centre
Sen Gil Puyat Avenue
PO Box 3228, MCPO 1272
Makati City
Tel: +63 (2) 891 5358 to 67
Fax: +63 (2) 891 5357
Web: http://www.nzembassy.com/philippines
E-mail: nzemmanila@globelines.com.ph

Embassy of Nigeria in Manila, Philippines

2211 Paraiso Street
Dasmarinas Village, Makati City
P.O. Box 3174
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 843 9866 / 8
Fax: +63 (2) 843-9867
E-mail: embnigmanila@pacific.net.ph

Embassy of Norway in Manila, Philippines

21st Floor, Petron Mega Plaza Building
358 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
Makati City
Tel: +63 (2) 886 3245 to 49
Fax: +63 (2) 886 3244
E-mail: emb.manila@mfa.no

Embassy of Pakistan in Manila, Philippines

6th Floor Alexander House
132 Amorsolo Street
Legaspi Village, Makati City
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 817 2772 / 6
Fax: +63 (2) 840 0229
E-mail: parepmnl@info.com.ph,parep@info.com.ph

Embassy of Romania in Manila, Philippines

1216 Acacia Road, Dasmarinas Village
Makati, Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 843 9014
Fax: +63 (2) 843 9063
E-mail: amarom@zpdee.net / amaro@skyinet.net

Embassy of Russia in Manila, Philippines

1245 Acacia Road
Dasmarinas Village
Makati City
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 893 0190
Fax: +63 (2) 810 9614
Web: http://www.rusmanila.mid.ru
E-mail: RusEmb@i-manila.com.ph

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Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Manila, Philippines

389 Gen. Gil Puyat Ave.
P.O. Box 2616 Makati 0708
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 890 9735
Fax: +63 (2) 895 3493
E-mail: phemb@mofa.gov.sa

Embassy of Singapore in Manila, Philippines

35th Floor, The Enterprise Centre
6766 Ayala Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas
Makati City
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 751 2345
Fax: +63 (2) 751 2346
Web: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/manila/
E-mail: singemb_mnl@sgmfa.gov.sg

Embassy of Spain in Manila, Philippines

5th floor, A.C.T. Tower.
135, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave.
1251 Makati, Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 818 5526
Fax: +63 (2) 810 2885
E-mail: embespph@mail.mae.es

Embassy of Sweden in Manila, Philippines

16th Floor, Equitable-PCI Bank Tower 2
Makati Avenue corner De La Costa St.
Makati City
Tel: +63 (2) 811 7900
Fax: +63 (2) 815 3002
Web: http://www.swedenabroad.com/manila
E-mail: ambassaden.manila@foreign.ministry.se

Embassy of Switzerland in Manila, Philippines

24th Floor, Equitable Bank Tower
8751 Paseo de Roxas
Makati City
Tel: +63 (2) 757 9000
Fax: +63 (2) 757 3718
Web: http://www.eda.admin.ch/manila
E-mail: vertretung@man.rep.admin.ch

Embassy of Thailand in Manila, Philippines

107 Rada (Thailand) Street
Legaspi Village
P.O. Box 1228
Makati Central Post, Makati 1252
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 815 4219 / 20
Fax: +63 (2) 815 4221
E-mail: thaimnl@pacific.net.ph

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Philippines Country Assessment Report

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Information Division

2nd Floor, Low Rise Tower
Pacific Star Building
Makati Avenue, Makati City
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 812 2016
Fax: +63 (2) 818 8834
E-mail: infoteco@info.com.ph

Embassy of Turkey in Manila, Philippines

2268 Paraiso Street
Dasmarinas Village
Makati City
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 843 9705
Fax: +63 (2) 843 9702
E-mail: turkembnla@zpdee.net

Embassy of United Arab Emirates in Manila, Philippines

2nd Floor, Renaissance Building
215 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village
Makati City
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 817 3906
Fax: +63 (2) 818 3577

Embassy of the United Kingdom in Makati ,Philippines

Floors 15-17, LV Locsin Building
6752 Ayala Avenue, Corner of Makati Avenue
1226 Makati
(PO Box 2927 MCPO)
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 816 7116
Fax: +63 (2) 813 7755
Web: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/philippines
E-mail: uk@info.com.ph / uktrade@info.com.ph

U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines

1201 Roxas Road
P.O. Box 151
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 528 6300
Fax: +63 (2) 522 4361
Web: http://manila.usembassy.gov/

Embassy of Venezuela in Manila, Philippines

Unit 17 A, Multinational
Bancorporation Centre
6805 Ayala Avenue
Makati City 1227
Manila
E-mail: venezemb@info.com.ph,embavefi@compass.com.ph

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Embassy of Vietnam in Manila, Philippines

670 Pablo Ocampo
(Vito Cruz) Malate
Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 525 2837 / 521 6843
Fax: +63 (2) 526 0472
E-mail: sqvnplp@qinet.net

12.2 Other INGOs/donors

Asian Development Bank
Philippines Country Office (PhCO)
6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 683 1000
Fax: +63 (2) 683 1030
Web: www.adb.org/Philippines
E-mail: phco@adb.org

The Asia Foundation

P.O. Box 7072
Domestic Airport Post Office
Pasay City
Metro Manila
Tel: +63 (2) 851 1466
Fax: +63 (2) 853 0474
Web: www.asiafoundation.org/Locations/philippines.html
E-mail: general@asiafound.org.ph or tafphil@asiafound.org

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