Drop All Trumped Up Charges Against LCDe. Continue the Assertion for Civic Space.

In light of recent legal victories, such as the dismissal of all counts of terrorism financing charges against the Leyte Center for Development, Inc. (LCDe) and other similar legal developments, the Defend NGOs Alliance maintains that the assertion for civic space must continue. 

On 19 June 2026, Ms. Jazmin “Minet” Jerusalem is set to attend the rescheduled pre-trial hearing on LCDe’s civil forfeiture case. She and other LCDe staff continue to endure asset freezing by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) despite the decision of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 28 to lift the freeze order. The Court cited a lack of substantial evidence proving LCDe’s financial involvement in terrorist activity, and yet the organization’s staff continue to be summoned for exhaustive hearings with an absentee prosecution and have their finances withheld. 

Furthermore, the push back against the vilification of humanitarian workers, human rights defenders, activists, and journalists must continue as the pattern of state-sponsored attacks persists in targeting and violating fundamental human rights. As the country continues to face compounding crises, the people’s demand for good governance and a people-centered society will intensify. With this must come the protection of genuine development advocates and an unwavering push back against state repression. 

The Defend NGOs Alliance strongly supports Ms. Jerusalem and LCDe’s call to unfreeze their assets as well as the dismissal of their remaining unfounded charges. In addition to this, we also urge lawmakers to legislate the “Human Rights Defenders Protection Act” or House Bill (HB) 214 and the “Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act” or Senate Bill (SB) 540 as these proposed measures would aid in strengthening the legal protection of human rights defenders. As we celebrate the products of our long fight against legal harassment, let us remain resolute in our demands to end impunity and injustice.#