Solidarity with EILER
We stand in solidarity with the Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research (EILER) in the Philippines, an organization we have collaborated with through SETEM’s Electronics Watch and Clean Clothes campaigns.
EILER is a non-governmental, non-profit labour institution that promotes the dignity of workers through education and labour research. Founded in 1981 with the support of church groups and union leaders, the institution’s Board and staff have stood alongside workers and marginalized sectors in their struggles for decent wages, humane working conditions, job security, the wellbeing of women and LGBTQIA+ workers, and freedom of association. These are fundamental rights recognized by international conventions, the Philippine Labor Code, and the Philippine Constitution. In fact, since 2019, EILER has been one of the staunchest advocates for the ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 in the Philippines, which aims to combat gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work.
EILER condemns the recent red-tagging incidents in Quezon City, where it was falsely accused of terrorism. Three incidents of red-tagging were recorded between December 2024 and February 2025 in District 4 of Quezon City:
- The first incident occurred in December 2024, when a sack was hung on the building where the institution’s office is located. The sack labelled EILER as a “terrorist recruiter.”
- The second incident took place in January 2025, when another sack was found hanging on a vacant lot in front of the same building. This fence is typically used for campaign posters of electoral candidates. The sack bore a message accusing the Bayan Muna party of being a “terrorist recruiter.”
- The third and most recent incident occurred in February 2025, when a sticker was placed at the entrance of the building, once again accusing EILER of being a “terrorist recruiter” and claiming that “many have died because of EILER!”
Red-tagging as a Tool of Repression
Red-tagging is a form of state-sponsored repression in which legal organizations (such as EILER) are falsely labelled as terrorists or linked to armed groups. Red-tagging is used to attack individuals and organizations that legally advocate for social justice and workers’ rights. Its consequences include human rights violations, extrajudicial killings, and a growing fear around the exercise of fundamental freedoms.
During the Marcos Jr. administration, there have been 80 recorded cases of red-tagging and harassment targeting labor rights defenders [CTUHR data]. Humanitarian workers and NGOs also face serious attacks. According to a survey conducted among non-profit organizations, 62% of respondents reported experiencing red-tagging, surveillance, and harassment on various platforms. 33% have been accused of allegedly financing terrorism, and 17% are facing legal cases related to these accusations [DefendNGOs Alliance]. Red-tagging cases targeting electoral candidates have become one of the main electoral violations in the 2025 elections [Campaign violations data from election watchdogs VoteReportPH and Kontradaya].
EILER urges the Marcos Jr. government to take concrete steps to put an end to the spread of red-tagging and other forms of repression against civil and political liberties.
They call for the dismantling of the NTF-ELCAC, the agency responsible for red-tagging, and the implementation of the recommendations from the ILO High-Level Tripartite Mission, including the establishment of an independent body to investigate attacks against workers.
