The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), as the country’s independent national human rights institution, reaffirms its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights by forging institutional partnerships with key government agencies.
CHR, COMELEC reaffirm rights-based elections
The MOU with COMELEC highlights the vital role human rights play in elections and the broader democratic process. Aligned with this partnership is the reimplementation of the CHR’s national campaign, Bantay Karapatan sa Halalan (BKH), with the support of COMELEC and other civil society and human rights groups.
“Let us make the May 12 Elections not just a political exercise, but a strong affirmation of a commitment to democracy through human rights. Hand-in-hand, we can proudly showcase an electoral process that is clean, fair, and honest, proving to one and all that a functioning democracy, though imperfect, thrives in our nation,” said CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc.
BHK is dedicated to monitoring, observing, and reporting on human rights concerns throughout the entire election process. This program seeks to uplift and broaden the voting participation of the public, particularly for persons with disabilities, older persons, indigenous peoples, and persons deprived of liberty. By promoting inclusivity and enhancing accessibility in voter education, registration, and election-day participation, we help ensure that the promise of democracy reaches every Filipino, irrespective of their status or circumstance.
CHR, AFP renew commitment to human rights promotion
Meanwhile, to continue their partnership in human rights promotion within the military sector, the CHR and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC) signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Data-Sharing Agreement (DSA) on 8 May 2025 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo.
The renewed MOU highlights the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of representatives from the CHR, AFPCLOAC, and the Office of the Deputy of Chief of Staff for Education, Training, and Doctrine to develop joint education, training, and advocacy programs aimed at enhancing the AFP’s training modules and instructional materials on human rights and international humanitarian law. The agreement also reinforces the CHR’s constitutional mandate to conduct visits to detention facilities located within military camps.
The Data-Sharing Agreement between the CHR and AFP further strengthens transparency by institutionalizing the exchange of information on human rights violations involving AFP personnel. Additionally, through the Management Information System Monitoring Outlet (MISMO), the processing of CHR clearances will be expedited as the CHR transitions to fully digital transactions.
“This partnership is not merely about the exchange of information—it is about good governance, the rule of law, and the protection of human dignity. By institutionalizing a legal framework for cooperation, we reinforce our role in fostering a strong and functioning democracy in our society,” said CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. also noted a decrease in the number of reported human rights violations, attributing this improvement to the sustained cooperation between the CHR and AFP. He emphasized how this collaboration has helped ensure that soldiers understand and respect human rights in all their operations.
“Today’s signing shows a stronger partnership between the AFP and the CHR. Together, we commit to uphold the human rights of every Filipino and ensuring our forces act responsibly and with the respect of law. Let this be a symbol of our shared dedication to build a nation where human rights are deeply respected even in the toughest situations,” Gen. Brawner added. ###
