The State of Rights and Democracy in the Strongman’s War on Drugs A Reflection Paper by Lourenzo Manimtim “If I make it to the presidential palace, I will do just what I did as mayor. You drug pushers, holdup men, and do-nothings, you better get out because I'll kill you.” (Human Rights Watch, Conde, 2017) On May 9, 2016, the former president said those words beginning the herald of the campaign against illegal drugs— The “War on Drugs”. Not too long since words were spoken death and misery have spiked in the country in the first six (6) months of his presidency— the administration has led to an unprecedented number of killings (Rapper, 2016). Many people were killed, and many were slain in this bloody and brutal war. Reminiscence of this wretched memory still lingers in the minds of the people. The rampant cases and detrimental breaches of human rights and the attacks of the state to human rights defenders and organizations in defiance to the “W
“Bakit nga ba’y tilay wala ng natira? — nag-aabroad sila.” A very powerful thought-provoking statement. Gloc-9s song “Walang Natira” reflects with the harsh reality faced by the Filipino people and why did they go to abroad because of the difficult life and economic struggles here in the Philippines. This essay will answer and ponder the question, why do Filipinos need to go to abroad? Napakaraming Guro, Enhinyero, Karpintero at Kasambahay dito sa saamin? Ngunit bakit tila walang natira? Nag-aabroad sila. With the harsh realities and lack of financial opportunities here in the Philippines. To cater the needs of their families with the financial constraints experienced in the Philippines. Many Filipinos of all professions take the risk and go outside of the country in the hopes of a good high earning job and provide financial stability for their families. Professionals such as Engineers, Teachers, Maids, Doctors, Nurses, Seafarers and more. Almost all kinds of Filipino professiona