As the Philippines continues to face deep-rooted challenges in its justice and corrections systems, ranging from jail congestion and prolonged pretrial detention to gaps in legal access and barriers to reintegration, we enter 2026 with renewed commitment to advancing human rights.
Guided by our mission to uphold human dignity, freedom, and the rule of law, our human rights agenda for 2026 focuses on systemic reform, people-centered justice, and hope-driven advocacy, building on more than two decades of service to persons deprived of liberty, children in conflict with the law, and persons restored to liberty.
Central to our plans for 2026 is the strengthening of access to justice for the most vulnerable. We will continue and expand our assistance to indigent persons deprived of liberty and children in conflict with the law through jail- and court-based interventions aimed at addressing case congestion, prolonged detention, and delayed release. Particular attention will be given to pretrial detainees, individuals eligible for time allowances or alternative sentencing, and vulnerable groups such as women, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities. Through enhanced paralegal services, case monitoring, and support for plea bargaining, probation, and diversion mechanisms, we seek to reduce unnecessary detention and restore liberty in accordance with the law.
In 2026, we will also intensify efforts to promote transparency and accountability in detention and release processes. Recognizing that overstaying remains a serious human rights concern, the Foundation will work closely with justice sector institutions to improve the accuracy, transparency, and timeliness of sentence computation and release procedures. This includes advocating for the proper use and institutionalization of standardized and digital tools, strengthening the capacity of jail officers, paralegals, and other justice actors on human rights standards such as the Nelson Mandela Rules, and engaging in policy dialogue and monitoring to address systemic gaps that contribute to delayed releases.
The protection of children’s rights remains a cornerstone of our work. In 2026, we will reinforce its commitment to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act by supporting prevention, diversion, and rehabilitation programs for children in conflict with the law. We will continue to promote community-based diversion and restorative justice mechanisms, provide legal and psychosocial support to children and their families, and assist local government units and Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children in implementing child-sensitive justice practices. These efforts reflect HLAF’s firm stance against punitive approaches to child justice and its advocacy for solutions that prioritize rehabilitation, accountability, and reintegration.
Recognizing that human rights do not end at the moment of release, we will further strengthen its reintegration and aftercare programs for persons restored to liberty in 2026. We acknowledge that freedom without support often leads to reoffending and social exclusion, and therefore will focus on legal identity and documentation assistance, livelihood readiness, job matching, and referrals to skills training. Through reintegration activities that promote community acceptance and reduce stigma, and through partnerships with local governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector, we aim to support formerly incarcerated individuals in rebuilding their lives with dignity and opportunity.
Beyond legal services, we understand the power of narratives in shaping public perception and policy. In 2026, the Foundation will invest in strategic communications and social behavior change initiatives that humanize justice-affected populations and challenge harmful stereotypes. This includes producing human-interest stories, documentaries, and multimedia content that highlight resilience, reform, and second chances, as well as conducting community forums, trainings, and digital campaigns on human rights and justice reform. HLAF will also engage youth and Gen Z advocates to amplify rights-based messages and foster broader public support for humane and effective justice systems.
Finally, our human rights agenda for 2026 emphasizes evidence-based advocacy and policy reform. Drawing from its extensive field experience, we will generate and disseminate research on detention conditions, case congestion, and reintegration outcomes to inform policy discussions and legislative reform. By publishing policy briefs, participating in national and local multi-stakeholder platforms, and strengthening collaboration with government agencies, the academe, and international organizations, we seek to ensure that justice reforms are principled, practical, and responsive to realities on the ground.
As we move forward in 2026, it remains guided by the belief that justice must restore, not merely punish. Through a holistic approach that integrates legal assistance, policy advocacy, community engagement, and strategic communication, the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation continues to work toward a justice system that is fair, humane, and accessible to all, affirming the dignity and rights of every person it serves.
