IN an alarming development that so far has not received much attention here, the Philippines is among 42 countries singled out for 'censure' for retaliating against human rights activists and journalists. The condemnation was contained in a report presented last month by the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the annual meeting of the UN Human Rights Council. As with similar reports in the past, we believe the harsh assessment is undeserved, and is based on an incomplete appreciation of the Philippines' circumstances drawn from questionable sources. However, it is in the country's best interest — as well as the best interest of the UN — that the allegations are properly addressed, rather than simply being dismissed.