Filipino lawyer at the International Criminal Court (ICC)
Ross Tugade assisted victims of Martial Law to get their reparations, then later became a respected international law expert and a UP Law faculty member
MANILA, Philippines – Ross Tugade is a renowned human rights lawyer and international law expert who has worked with several human rights organizations in the country.
At 35, she is now an assistant to counsel at the International Criminal Court.
Know more about Tugade in this profile by Rappler’s Jairo Bolledo. – Rappler.com
Rappler articles by Jason Lamchek
SUMMARY
The success of a transitional government hinges on military and congressional support, as well as public backing for reforms, particularly in addressing political dynasties and judicial integrity.
Calls for a transitional government in the Philippines are emerging in response to systemic corruption, raising questions about its legitimacy and constitutional alignment.
Law professor Tony La Viña proposes a ‘hybrid’ transitional government that respects the Constitution while allowing for necessary reforms, contingent on the resignation or removal of current leaders.
SUMMARY
To restore public confidence, the judiciary must demonstrate decisive action against corruption, uphold integrity, and possibly implement new mechanisms for accountability, while also addressing internal issues such as bribery and lack of transparency.
The call for accountability in corruption cases in the Philippines requires a judiciary that acts with integrity and urgency, as public trust in the system is currently low due to a history of acquittals and perceived bias.
Recent high-profile acquittals, including those of influential figures like Juan Ponce Enrile and members of the Marcos family, highlight the judiciary’s failure to deliver justice, leading to a culture of impunity.
War on Drugs
SUMMARY
Studies have also focused on the impact of the war on drugs, including its limited effectiveness, collateral damage, and implications for government policy-making.
The war on drugs in the Philippines, led by Rodrigo Duterte, resulted in the deaths of thousands of alleged drug users and peddlers from poor communities.
Scholars have examined the reasons for the support of the killings, including the concept of penal populism and the moral politics thesis.