The COVID-19 pandemic worsened poverty and hunger as millions of Filipinos lost their jobs and livelihoods, saw their incomes collapse, and had difficulty buying basic goods and services. The government’s pandemic response had human rights elements but appears to have fallen short in ensuring that no one is left behind or discriminated against. Numerous policies aim to eliminate various forms of discrimination that worsen inequalities. The pandemic response however, highlighted how vulnerable sectors still suffer from varying forms and patterns of discrimination – urban poor, Bangsamoro, women, LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, youth, and even rights defenders.

Further legislation covering all protected attributes from discrimination and ensuring basic Constitutional rights and services for all Filipinos is strongly recommended. The Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill proposed will help ensure that the rights and welfare of vulnerable sectors are upheld – especially with clear guidelines and effective information dissemination and education on this and related policies and legislation.

The narratives of the vulnerable sectors about their experiences during the lockdowns in the Philippine government’s pandemic response is documented in this research, and correspondingly, their recommendations to help the national government, local government units, policy makers and duty bearers enhance understanding of the specific vulnerabilities of the poor during the pandemic and identify key areas for improvement in terms of policy responses.