The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) officially commenced a specialized training program on the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to Legislation and Governance on 17-19 June 2025 at the House of Representatives. This marks the first phase of the training, with the second phase scheduled for 24–26 June 2025 at the Senate, ensuring a comprehensive and unified application of HRBA across both legislative chambers.

The training aims to build the capacity of the legislative branch to embed human rights principles into policymaking and lawmaking processes. Participants from key legislative offices and partner institutions engaged in substantive discussions on how human rights standards and frameworks can guide the formulation, review, and implementation of laws.

Through this initiative, the CHR underscores the importance of legislation that not only complies with international human rights obligations but also actively promotes dignity, equality, and participation, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized.

The training also provides an opportunity for the Commission to highlight the importance of passing the CHR Charter Bill, which seeks to further expand its mandate in advancing the human rights agenda. Notably, the bill was approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives during the 19th Congress.

In line with its commitment to independence as outlined in the Paris Principles, the CHR remains hopeful that support from the legislative branch—particularly the Senate—will help solidify its role as the nation’s watchdog, advocate, and educator on human rights.

CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc emphasized the training’s significance in promoting a human rights-based approach to legislation and governance.

“By integrating human rights norms and standards into our legislative processes, we ensure that the principles of participation, accountability, non-discrimination, transparency, human dignity, empowerment, and the rule of law—or what we call the PANTHER principles—are not mere ideals on paper, but lived realities for every Filipino,” Chairperson Palpal-latoc said.

In his keynote address, Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr., Chairperson of the House Committee on Human Rights, underscored the essential role of human rights in governance and lawmaking.

“Let us institutionalize participation so that those most affected by our laws have a seat at the table. Let us demand accountability so that power is never unchecked. Let us reject discrimination in all its forms. Let us uphold transparency, because democracy dies in darkness. Let us affirm human dignity, because each life is sacred,” Rep. Abante emphasized.

As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the Commission remains steadfast in working with lawmakers, government agencies, and civil society to craft inclusive policies that protect and uphold the rights of all Filipinos. ###