Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in rights-based, people-centered development, humanitarian aid, and community capacity-building. However, continued red-tagging and escalating legal harassment against NGOs and development workers threaten their existence and effectiveness. Under the Marcos Jr. administration, civic space remains restricted, adversely affecting access to services, socio-economic opportunities, and the right to development.
During the May 19–23, 2025 Open Government Week, the Council for People’s Development and Governance (CPDG), Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), and the Defend NGOs alliance held a hybrid forum. The event presented forensic evidence on the misuse of legal and regulatory mechanisms against NGOs and explored strategies to counter the attacks and strengthen civic participation in governance.
Forum participants, both in person and online, called on the Philippine government to enhance accountability measures and protect CSOs from red-tagging and judicial harassment. Speakers emphasized that despite efforts to comply with legal and accreditation requirements, CSOs still face systemic barriers.
In his welcome remarks, CODE-NGO Executive Director Sandino Soliman reaffirmed the Philippine Open Government Partnership’s (OGP) commitment to providing spaces for CSOs to raise concerns and co-develop public initiatives. He emphasized civil society’s role as rights-holders and service providers, while affirming the government’s responsibility as duty-bearer and primary public service provider.
Keynote speaker Dean Antonio La Viña, President of the Movement Against Disinformation and CPDG Board Member, highlighted the shrinking civic space and worsening human rights under the Marcos Jr. administration. He said that the new batch of elected officials gives an opportunity for the OGP to push for a bold agenda that dismantles barriers to civic engagement and affirms the role of civil society in advancing human rights and inclusive development.
Atty. Josalee Deinla, Secretary General of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), reported a surge in legal cases against NGOs, citing the misuse of anti-terrorism laws and account freezes under the Anti-Terrorism Act. She linked this trend to the government’s efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist. She cited the cases of the Paghidaet sa Kauswagan Development Group or PDG, the Leyte Center for Development (LCDe), the Community Empowerment and Resource Network (CERNET), and Citizens’ Disaster Response Center (CDRC), among others.
Deinla criticized the SEC’s complex compliance requirements, particularly around beneficial ownership transparency and banking regulations issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. She noted that some banks impose additional non-mandatory requirements, such as PCNC accreditation. She also denounced the regional task forces of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) for declaring certain CSOs persona non grata and coercing communities to sever ties with them—actions she described as threats to life, liberty, and security.
Special Investigator IV and Chief of the Investigation Unit of the Protection Office at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) outlined mechanisms for addressing red-tagging and human rights violations. He acknowledged persistent challenges, including enforced disappearances, and mentioned high-profile cases involving Jhed Tamano, Jonila Castro, James Jazmines, and Felix Salaveria which happened under the administration of Pres. Marcos Jr.
Bryan Gonzales of CODE-NGO presented current initiatives under the OGP Challenge, including policy reforms i.e., the establishment of local human rights action centers to protect development workers, the legislation of a human rights defenders’ protection law at the national level or ordinances at the level of local governments, and strengthening the people’s law enforcement board.
Asst. Secretary Elizabeth De Leon of the Community Participation Unit of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recognized CSOs’ development contributions and expressed commitment to facilitating dialogue on the concerns raised.
In closing, CPDG Vice President Rochelle Porras emphasized that compliance laws should support—not hinder—civic engagement. She urged the government to dismantle FATF-related barriers and foster a more inclusive environment for CSO participation.###