Overview of the Marcos human rights litigation

The Marcos human rights litigation is a class action lawsuit filed in behalf of 9,539 Filipinos who were tortured, summarily executed, or disappeared during the Marcos dictatorship.

Filed in 1986 in the United States pursuant to the Alien Tort Act, US courts had jurisdiction over Marcos at that time because he had fled to Hawaii, within US territory. The Philippine court did not thus have any jurisdiction over him for the same reason. Full FAQ

What is the Hawaii human rights class suit all about?

The human rights class suit is a damage lawsuit filed against the Marcos Estate in behalf of Marcos human rights victims—those who were victims of involuntary disappearance, summary execution or salvaging, or torture during the Marcos dictatorship.

It was filed at the instance of Philippine human rights organizations in cooperation with Atty. Robert Swift in the United States, where Marcos took refuge after he was toppled following the EDSA revolution. Full FAQ

What is the Claimants 1081, Inc. and its role in the class suit?

The Claimants 1081, Inc. is an organization exclusively of class suit members, i.e., those legitimate claimants recognized by the Hawaii Federal District Court. It held its Founding Assembly last October 20, 1994 during which an interim Board of Directors was elected into office. Full FAQ