In December 2024, a House of Representatives committee recommended the filing of crimes against humanity charges against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, two Senators, former police chiefs, and others for their involvement in the extrajudicial killings committed during the so-called war on drugs. Please see the News Items section below in this report for more information on this and other developments related to human rights in the Philippines.
In addition, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has promulgated guidelines on the use of social media, artificial intelligence, and the internet in digital electoral campaigning ahead of the national and local elections in May 2025. Under Resolution No. 11064 of September 17, 2024, the COMELEC requires candidates and political parties to (a) register official social media accounts, websites, and other online platforms to be used in their campaigns, and (b) disclose the use of artificial intelligence technology. The COMELEC also prohibits misuse and malicious use of social media, AI technology, and the internet in “propagating disinformation and misinformation” during the elections.