About the Commission
Who we are
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is an independent National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) created under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, established on 05 May 1987 by virtue of Executive Order No. 163.
The Commission is mandated to conduct investigations on human rights violations against marginalized and vulnerable sectors of the society, involving civil and political rights.
CHR is an “A” accredited NHRI, fully complying with the Paris Principles adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1995. As an NHRI, the Commission upholds six fundamental characteristics — independence, pluralism, broad mandate, transparency, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
The Commission commits to deliver prompt, responsive, accessible, and excellent public ser vice for the protection and promotion of human rights in accordance with universal human rights principles and standards.
History
The CHR was created as a response to the atrocities committed during Martial Law. When the 1987 Philippine Constitution was drafted, Article XIII on Social Justice and Human Rights clearly defined the creation of the Commission.
“There is hereby created an independent office called The Commission on Human Rights…
(to) investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights …”
(Sec. 17-18, Art. XIII, Philippine Constitution)
“I, Corazon C. Aquino, President of the Philippines… do hereby (declare) the Commission on Human Rights as provided under Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution to be now in existence…”
(Executive Order No. 163)
The 1987 Philippine Constitution primarily gave CHR the mandate to protect and promote the rights and dignity of every human being in the country. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.
(Sec. 11, Art. II, Philippine Constitution)
The Congress shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity, reduce social, economic and political inequalities, and remove cultural inequalities by equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the common good.
(Sec. 1, Art. XIII, Philippine Constitution)
Functions of the CHR
Under Section 18, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution, the Commission on Human Rights shall have the following powers and functions:
- Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights;
- Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and cite for contempt for violations thereof in accordance with the Rules of Court;
- Provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad, and provide for preventive measures and legal aid services to the under-privileged whose human rights have been violated or need protection;
- Exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities;
- Establish a continuing program of research, education, and information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights;
- Recommend to Congress effective measures to promote human rights and to provide for compensation to victims of violations of human rights, or their families;
- Monitor the Philippine Government’s compliance with international treaty obligation on human rights;
- Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony or whose possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its authority;
- Request the Assistance of any department, bureau, office, or agency in the performance of its functions;
- Appoint its officers and employees in accordance with law; and
- Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.
Vision, Mission, and Mantra of the Commission
Vision
A society where human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully enjoyed by everyone and are respected, protected, and fulfilled.
Mission
The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines shall protect and promote human rights of all; prevent human rights abuses; and monitor and advise the Philippine’s compliance with its international treaty obligation, through collaborative effort with the government and the people.
Mantra
CHR ng lahat: Naglilingkod maging sino ka man
Quality Policy
We, the Commission on Human Rights, commit to provide prompt, accessible, responsive, and excellent public services in accordance with our Constitutional mandates and universal human rights standards and continually improve our Quality Management System to meet the requirements of our clients and stakeholders.
