Student Leader Condemns Continuing Marcosian Legacy of Lawfare
As the national chairman of the Student Christian Movement of the Philippines, I stand firm in our ongoing struggle against what we term "lawfare" — the deliberate weaponization of legal systems to target human rights defenders and those who courageously advocate for marginalized communities across our nation.
Recent Convictions Reveal Systemic Persecution
The recent guilty verdicts against our fellow church worker, Marielle Domequil of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, and journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, represent a heartbreaking manifestation of this systemic attack. While we experienced a measure of relief when the court acquitted them yesterday on fabricated charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, their conviction for so-called "terrorism financing" demonstrates that state persecution remains relentless.
Failed Precedent and Continuing Injustice
I firmly believe the recent acquittal of our alumna and senior colleague, Amanda Echanis, should have established a crucial legal precedent. Her freedom on January 14, 2026, marked a significant victory that reaffirmed a fundamental truth: activism is not terrorism. Yet, the strategic manipulation of laws continues to undermine our prophetic mission to serve society's most vulnerable members.
This insidious practice, which intensified during the previous Duterte administration, persists under the current Marcos Jr. government, creating what I describe as a continuation of the Marcosian legacy designed to suppress truth and silence its messengers.
Truth-Tellers in an Era of Disinformation
For me, Marielle and Frenchie represent beacons of truth in a nation overwhelmed by misinformation — a country where media often overlooks the struggles of impoverished rural communities grappling with feudal structures and militarization. Their ongoing detention symbolizes this oppressive legacy in action.
Alarming Statistics of Political Imprisonment
The numbers are profoundly disturbing. By late 2025, the Philippines documented 696 political prisoners, with 163 arrested under the current administration alone. These figures represent more than statistics — they signify interrupted lives and suppressed humanitarian work.
The ordeal endured by Amanda and the verdict against Marielle evoke memories of de facto martial law in provincial areas, generating a "chilling effect" intended to paralyze legitimate advocacy through fear.
Unwavering Commitment Amid Repression
Despite these challenges, we remain steadfast in our spiritual and moral convictions. We stand in solidarity with Marielle, Frenchie, and all political detainees. This struggle transcends civil liberties — it embodies our fundamental freedom to utilize our God-given abilities in service to oppressed communities, who reflect the genuine image of Christ in contemporary society.
Call to Action Against State Fascism
I urge all Filipinos to join our demand for:
- Immediate release of all political prisoners
- Cessation of state fascism practices
- Opposition to agencies like the NTF-Elcac (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict)
The NTF-Elcac's proposed P8 billion budget for 2026 utilizes public funds to enable red-tagging and suppression rather than genuine conflict resolution.
We must sustain our advocacy until every detainee regains freedom. Ultimately, truth will liberate them to return to their communities. Our voices will not be silenced by persecution.
