Philippine Congresswoman Liza Maza is a staunch advocate for women’s human rights. She was the sponsor of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; co-author of the Anti-Violence in Women and Children Act. Overall, Liza has authored 18 bills and 24 resolutions…

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On Feb. 24th, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, declared Proclamation 1017: State of National Emergency and unleashed the military on all her critics, her opposition, and political dissenters. Newspapers and television stations where raided and threatened with closure. All rallies and demonstrations were banned. Warrantless arrests allowed for. Although 1017 has been lifted, the conditions remain the same. Progressive leaders, including Liza, are still subjected to political persecution.

Liza’s record shows her dedication in defending women’s human rights. Now, she needs YOU and all women and men the world over to help defend her rights. The Philippine government under Gloria Macapagal Arroyo lodged baseless charges of rebellion against her and 50 others, including 5 congressmen. Liza was under "house arrest" for 70 days, from February 27 to May 8, 2006. The Philippine courts, on May 5, 2006, rejected the charges of rebellion against her and the others. Nevertheless, there's still risk of warrantless arrest. The Philippine government is planning on re-filing the charges.

Join the thousands of women and men from 25 countries who have joined this campaign. YOU can help ensure that Liza Maza, the voice of Philippine women, is not silenced. Let Macapagal Arroyo and her government know that you and the entire international community are watching.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Sign the online petition and forward to your listserves, friends, family, colleagues... We need 25,000 signatures. The petition will be delivered to Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and all Philippine consulates/embassies in the US.

2. Write a letter of support. We ask everyone, especially those in the public eye—women and human rights organizations, academic institutions, notable individuals,—to write a letter of support. Please send them to: GABRIELA Network, PO Box 3032, Cerritos, CA 90703-3032. Or email them to freeliza@gabnet.org.

3. Give a dollar ($1) to the Liza Maza Defense Fund. Or give more—Donate $25 or more and get a free “Liza Maza, woman of the Philippines” t-shirt.

For more info, please contact GABNet Chair Annalisa Enrile: freeliza@gabnet.org or 619.316.0920.

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Philippine Supreme Court stops the Department of Justice (DoJ) from conducting a preliminary investigation against five party-list lawmakers charged with rebellion. From INQ7.net, Manila Times, Manila Bulletin, 14-15 June 2006. read more

ALL-WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL TEAM VISITS PHILIPPINES. The delegation will meet with the Batasan 6 and their legal defense team; listen to accounts and testimonies regarding the assassination of some 585 activists, organizers, unionists, communist and church leaders, but most of all, to accounts of the assassination of some 70 politically active women. 26 May 2006. press release | statement

STATEMENT: 5,000 from 25 Countries in 6 Continents Help Free Philippine Congresswoman Liza Maza, but Campaign Against Political Persecution and Repression Continue. 11 May 2006. read more