The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the consolidated Senate Bill (SB) No. 2766, also known as the “Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act,” as it extensively defines all forms of discrimination and protects vulnerable and marginalized groups from being victims of these acts.

SB 2766 was submitted jointly by the Committees on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development; Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs; and Finance, drawing from various bills of the same nature authored by Senators Poe, Padilla, Villanueva, Marcos, and Estrada. We commend the Committee Chairmanship of Senator Imee Marcos for sponsoring this consolidated bill, which aims to prohibit both direct and indirect discrimination based on protected attributes such as age, culture, indigenous identity, racial or ethnic origin, religious belief, sex, gender, sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity, gender expression, disability, health status, and other attributes often subject to stigma and prejudice. These acts violate the equal protection clause of the Bill of Rights and the Philippines’ obligations under various international human rights instruments.

Considering the country’s diverse demographics, cultures, and ethnicities, the Commission believes that this proposed measure will foster greater understanding and respect for existing differences. The bill’s provisions protect all people, including Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), who face challenges reintegrating into society upon release, and out-of-school youth, who experience discrimination based on socioeconomic status and educational levels. The bill ensures they are provided with equal opportunities in employment and access to essential services.

The bill also seeks to establish redress mechanisms for discrimination cases, including the creation of an Inter-Agency Technical Council on Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity. The Commission supports these provisions, as they will enhance access to justice for victims of discrimination. The bill further specifies the acts or omissions considered discriminatory and clarifies when a person can be held liable for discrimination. The Commission recognizes that there are certain distinctions necessary to pursue legitimate aims, which must be appropriate and proportionate. As in any measure, it must be stressed that the proposed bill’s objectives of promoting equality and non-discrimination will only be realized if properly implemented and if victims can fully access the protections it offers.

Article II, Section 11 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution declares that “the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.” It also specifies that no person shall be denied equal protection of laws and that Congress shall prioritize the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all people to human dignity, reducing social, economic, and political inequalities. Furthermore, Section 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that “all are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.”

We believe that this proposed measure, once passed, will help us take a significant step toward a more just and equitable society for all Filipinos, free from discrimination and harassment, regardless of their identity. Additionally, this will help create a future where every person is valued and respected, recognizing the rich diversity that makes our society stronger. ###