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This archive features official communications from the Commission on Human Rights, reflecting its stance on pressing human rights issues and national developments. It includes joint statements, press releases, brief statements, and press statements, all aimed at informing the public, asserting positions, and fostering transparency and accountability.
Children in Conflict Areas, Children's rights
The signing into law of the Republic Act 11188 or the Special Protection for Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act is a big boost to advancing children’s rights and welfare. Having this law that specifically caters to children in areas of conflict can help cushion the impact of war and provide immediate services and […]
Anti-Drug Campaign, due process, rule of law
Since the start of the campaign against illegal drugs, the Commission has expressed its support for it but repeatedly denounced the methods used. We recognize the need to address the drug problem and if the methods need to be harsh, we will not question it for as long as it is in accordance with the […]
Freedom of Association, Reg-tagging, Right to Peaceably Assemble, Scholarship revocation
Scholarships are granted by the government but they are ultimately funded by the tax payers. Criticisms on governance and to demand redress for such as entitlements of the people in a democracy is guaranteed by our Constitution. These should not be used as basis to strip off deserving students access to education through scholarships. It […]
extension of Martial Law in Mindanao, Martial Law, Martial Law in Mindanao
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) respects the decision of the Supreme Court ruling that the third extension of martial law Is constitutional. However, CHR maintains that such declaration should be reserved as an extraordinary measure for lawless violence, invasion or rebellion, as determined in the Constitution, and should never be the norm. As previously […]
Bicol, PDEA
The Commission on Human Rights condemns the assault against a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent, who was later found dead in Lupi, Camarines Sur, in the course of performing his duty. He was later identified as Mr. Enrico Barba. While there are still questions on its means, in principle, CHR supports the goal of […]
due process, Maria Ressa, Rappler
The Commission on Human Rights agrees that, in all cases, the rule of law must prevail. It is these same laws that ensure that each and every right is upheld and protected. As there are questions on the arrest of Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa, we urge the government to ensure Constitutional guarantees, including […]
Philippine National Police, Senator Leila de Lima, Treatment of Prisoners
In a previous statement, we have raised the sharp contrast with how the Philippine National Police (PNP) handles Senator Leila M de Lima during her attendance at court hearings compared to other high profile cases. A simple review of footages of other high profile personalities attending hearings would show this difference. The Senator has consistently […]
Armed Forces of the Philippines, Civilian Institutions, International Humanitarian Law, Philippine National Police
The Commission is alarmed with recent complaints of alleged illegal detachments in a school and barangay hall as well as alleged incidents of threat, direct assault, and physical injuries committed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Central Luzon. We are reminding that day care centers and […]
Gabriela, Right to Form Association, Women's Group
On Friday, 8 February 2019, the Commission on Human Rights, through Commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit, received a number of complaints on the alleged cases of human rights violations perpetrated by government forces against women human rights defenders, including leaders and members of Gabriela and Gabriela Women’s Party. The task now before the Commission is to look […]
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, death penalty, Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
The Commission on Human Rights recognises the need to address the sale and use of illegal drugs due to its ill effects to individuals, families, and our communities at large. Even before, the Commission have expressed its qualified support—mindful of our questions on its means—to the government’s drive to address illegal drugs with the vision […]
Human Dignity, Leila De Lima, Senator Leila de Lima
Presumption of innocence and equal protection of the laws are constitutionally guaranteed rights. It is upon the government to ensure that all citizens—regardless of gender, economic status, religion, or political affiliation—enjoy these safeguards against injustices and assaults to human dignity. As such, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) calls out the Philippine National Police in […]
Jolo Bombing, Martial Law in Mindanao, Zamboanga Bombing
With or without martial law, it is clear that the government has the primary obligation to ensure the safety and protect the rights of all people. Before 2018 ended, both houses of Congress approved the extension of martial law until the end of 2019. Confronted with the recent bombings in Zamboanga and Jolo, we will […]
CHR Region II, Randy Malayao, right to life
The Commission on Human Rights is alarmed with the killing of Randy Malayao, an activist and known peace consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. His death comes at a time when voices of opposition and human rights groups are tagged as enemies, making them possible subjects of assaults. As it is necessary […]
CHR Region IX, terrorism, Zamboanga Bombing
The Commission on Human Rights strongly condemns another episode of senseless attack against civilians with the bombing of a mosque in Zamboanga City. It is alarming that this incident happened just days after Jolo, Sulu suffered from twin bombings at a Catholic cathedral. These acts of terrorism is an affront to the dignity of every […]
Atty. Frederick Ian Capin, CHR Region IX, Jolo Bombing, Sulu, terrorism
The Commission on Human Rights Regional Office IX condemns in the strongest terms the recent barbaric act of terrorism particularly in attacking the Catholic Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu, six (6) days after the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite. Initial report revealed that a bomb exploded early Sunday morning inside the Catholic Cathedral […]
Jolo Bombing, Mindanao
The Commission on Human on Rights strongly condemns the ruthless bombing at a Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu that left at least 20 dead and 80 others injured. Our countrymen and -women have long yearned for peace in Mindanao. Our countrymen and -women have long yearned for peace in Mindanao. Such violence has no place […]
House of Representatives, Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, MACR, Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility
The Commission on Human Rights is deeply alarmed that, despite calls of experts on child development and advocates of children’s rights, members of the House of Representatives are still firm on reducing the minimum age of criminal responsibility from what the current law sets at 15 years old. In 2018, only 58 [facilities] are operational […]
Ambush, Atty. Arvin Odron, Mayor Lakambini Reluya
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly denounces as being reprehensible any act that violates the inherent right of all persons to life. Specifically, CHR VII condemns as evil the killing of Association of Barangay Captains President Ricardo Reluya, and the attempt to take the life of his wife, incumbent San Fernando, Cebu Mayor Lakambini […]
Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, MACR, Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility
Oppose the lowering of age of criminal responsibility for our children’s better future On Monday, 21 January 2019, the Committee on Justice of the House of Representatives approved a measure that would reduce the minimum age of criminal liability from 15 to nine (9) years old. In the Senate, a similar proposal sets the lowered […]
Bangsamoro Basic Law, Peace Process, Plebiscite
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the start of the plebiscite today, 21 January 2018, towards the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, envisioned to usher the creation of a new Bangsamoro autonomous region in Mindanao. Not only does this exercise gives way to the people’s right to political participation but, more importantly, asserts […]
Child Rights, Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is alarmed with the trajectory of the proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal liability from 15 to nine (9) years old at the House of Representatives. While still at the Committee level, the CHR expresses its strong opposition to the said measure. We stress the government’s obligation […]