STATEMENT | July 21, 2025
The Council for People’s Development and Governance (CPDG) denounces continuing judicial attacks against CSOs. It calls on the Philippine government to support CSOs in their development work and providing critical humanitarian support in times of crisis and disasters.
The unfounded accusations of terrorism financing against Leyte Center for Development (LCDe) Executive Director Jazmin Jerusalem endangers the life of Ms Jerusalem and tarnishes her reputation built on decades of selfless and tireless development and humanitarian work. It disregards the decades of development work and capacity building of poor communities by LCDe, and the various recognitions—both local and international—awarded to LCDe and Ms. Jerusalem.
Established in 1988, LCDe has provided emergency relief, food, and health services to disaster-stricken communities in Leyte and Samar, serving at least 900,000 people.
Last July 14, 2025 Ms. Jerusalem pleaded “NOT GUILTY” before the Regional Trial Court Branch 45 in Tacloban City to three counts of terrorism financing charges the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed against her.
“It’s painful to see in court: ‘Jazmin A. Jerusalem vs. People of the Philippines.’ For what, helping the poor? I’ve never done anything wrong,” laments Ms. Jerusalem.
“It’s painful to see in court: ‘Jazmin A. Jerusalem vs. People of the Philippines.’ For what, helping the poor? I’ve never done anything wrong,” laments Ms. Jerusalem.
Ms. Jerusalem is the National Spokesperson of the Defend NGOs Alliance and is Board of Trustee of the CPDG.
Defend NGOs Statement of Solidarity: