Women's rights in the Duterte era | Deciphering The Philippines with Atom Araullo

This documentary film follows the story of women in the Philippines who are seeking justice for their loved ones killed during President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. The film highlights the bravery and resilience of these mothers, who despite the risks, are fighting back against the drug war killings and demanding accountability from the government.The film begins with an introduction to Janice, a mother who is determined to help her family. President Duterte has kept one election promise, which is to implement the drug war, but it has had devastating effects on families in impoverished areas like Bagung Sila. Emily Sariano, a mother of nine, gives a grim tour of the neighborhood, highlighting the impact of the drug war on their community.The film then shifts to the women's struggles and concerns. They worry about the repercussions of speaking out but despite the risks, they are planning to join a protest to speak out against the drug war killings. Attorney Chris Conte, a human rights lawyer, is working with them to seek justice for their loved ones. The women believe that telling their stories and demanding accountability in this system will help them attain justice.Throughout the film, there are moments of beauty and joy, such as when the mothers sing and march together. However, there are also moments of tension and fear, such as when they encounter a group of policemen during their protest. Despite these challenges, the women remain determined to seek justice for their loved ones and to fight against the misogyny that has pervaded their society.The film ends with a message about the strength of Filipino women throughout history, highlighting their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. The documentary film is a powerful testament to the power of grassroots activism and the importance of demanding accountability from those in power.