In 2016, under the government of Rodrigo Duterte, a number of people were killed in the so-called "drug war". The perpetrators were masked, so their identities could not be revealed, and the cases remain unsolved to this day. Some victims were given weapons to portray the killing as self-defense. Traumatized, powerless relatives remained behind, filled with fear of further acts of violence. The poorest population often lacks the means and contacts for legal support and is left to fend for themselves. Legal protection for the poor In this time of need, lawyers Joel Butuyan, Roger Rayel, Gilbert Andres and their employees at the Center for International Law (CenterLaw) Philippines provide essential help. They represent relatives of victims, many of whom live in the San Andres Bukid Community, a district of Manila. The lawyers document their stories and try to obtain legal protection in court. CenterLaw has repeatedly achieved success with its constant commitment to the poorest and its extensive expertise. In 2019, the Supreme Court ordered the National Police to hand over the official documents of the killings to the applicants. The three lawyers also campaign for freedom of expression and challenged the constitutionality of the anti-terrorism law, which effectively allows the government to prosecute any criticism on the grounds of terrorism.
Support from Switzerland
The founder of CenterLaw Philippines, Joel Butuyan, has also supported Onesimo.ch for 27 years. Christian Schneider (founder of Onesimo) and Joel met on the roof of a jeepney and are still close friends to this day. We were also able to get to know him and are convinced of his important work. Our love for the Philippines and the work of Servants.ch, our studies in international relations and law led us to support CenterLaw from Switzerland. CenterLaw's work, like Servants, provides lasting help. We founded the “CenterLaw Switzerland” association to generate donations for this work and to ensure its continued existence. We also want to raise society's awareness of the human rights situation and poverty in the Philippines.
