Mabuhay!

On behalf of MALAYA Movement, we extend our warmest greetings of freedom and justice to you all! We invite you to join us on April 6th to 8th, , 2019 in Washington D.C. for the historic National Summit for Human Rights and Democracy in the Philippines. This gathering aims to bring hundreds of individuals and organizations from different sectors and across the United States to discuss the major issues and concerns of the Filipino people, as well as deepen our unity in our struggle against the rising Duterte dictatorship.

• Facebook event: National Summit on Human Rights and Democracy in the Philippines

• Registration form: National Summit Registration Form

This gathering comes at a very important moment. In just two and half years, the world has witnessed the unfolding of a fascist regime in the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte. The Duterte regime unleashed a slew of anti-people policies such as the TRAIN law which has led to a 6.4% inflation rate -  the highest in a decade, the attacks on press freedom with the arrest of Maria Ressa of Rappler, the seemingly endless Drug War that has killed as high as 27,000 killings, the continuing crackdown on dissent and the assassination of activists, priests, farmers, and indigenous people, and now the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao. We have also seen the betrayal of our national sovereignty with the sell-out of the West Philippine Sea.  With the midterm elections approaching in May, we can expect escalating cases of violence and corruption as Duterte seeks to consolidate his power and legitimize his regime at all costs. Now more than ever, it’s important we stand together for human rights, genuine democracy and sovereignty in the Philippines.

Our keynote speaker will be Father Benjamin E. Alforque, a leading convener of the church-based Filipino group, Rise Up for Life and for Rights, a network of advocates and families of victims of drug-related killings in the Philippines.  We will also  be hosting guest speakers from the Philippines, national leaders from across the country, and leading experts in our various workshops. Following the summit, there will be an opportunity to participate in an action. This action aims to show our growing unity. We hope you can join us for both opportunities!

We believe your participation is critical in forging broader unity across the country amongst all advocates of human rights, peace and democracy in the Philippines.  Now is the time to come together and build strength in unity.

For more info, please visit malayamovement.com or email us at malayamovement@gmail.com.

Towards a More Free and Democratic Philippines!

Dr. Alma Trinidad and Dr. Dante Simbulan

MALAYA National Lead Conveners