Statement of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcoming the acquittal of former CHR Chairperson and Senator Leila de Lima
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the verdict of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch (RTC) 256 to acquit former CHR Chairperson and Senator Leila de Lima on her second drug case. In his ruling, Muntinlupa RTC Judge Abraham Alcantara explained that the recantation of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos shrouded […]
CHR marks 36th anniversary with intensified programs and services; commits to uphold its independence and mandate
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will celebrate its 36th Anniversary on 5 May 2023 with the theme, “Ibayong Sidhi sa Pagtataguyod ng Dignidad ng Tao,” which seeks to capture the Commission’s efforts to innovate and intensify its programs and services as it endeavors to amplify the fire of its commitment in upholding the rights […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on the present Commission en banc’s commitment to uphold the mandate and independence of CHR
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) takes note of the recent remark on the qualifications and background of the newly appointed members of its Commission en banc—the Chairperson and two Commissioners. We wish to assure that, while the President appointed its recent composition as mandated by the Philippine Constitution, the Commission en banc is committed […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights wishing for lasting justice and peace in the year 2023
The year 2022 is marked by transitions—from the national elections to our collective movement towards this new state of normal following the COVID-19 pandemic. Like the rest of the nation, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) was no stranger to meaningful change. This year, the country’s independent national human rights institution welcomed the new members […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the preliminary findings of the UN Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomed and supported the recent visit to the Philippines of Ms. Mama Fatima Singhateh, the United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography, and other child sexual abuse material, from 28 November to 8 December 2022. As part of […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the cyber libel conviction of journalist Frank Cimatu, and Senate Bill No. 1593, decriminalizing libel
The Commission on Human Rights expresses its concern on how cyber libel has been recently used to suppress press freedom and threaten the right to free expression. The conviction of journalist Frank Cimatu for his social media post five years ago against then-Secretary of Agriculture Emmanuel Piñol is the most recent case of a pattern […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights lauding members of the Senate who approved the committee report on the SOGIE Equality bill
In carrying out the government’s primary obligation to value the inherent dignity of every Filipino and to provide equal protection of laws to all, upholding the right to equality and non-discrimination must be its rudimentary principles. Such is what the 1987 Philippine Constitution prescribes and other international human rights covenants, to which the Philippines is […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights regarding the efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to defend Indigenous Peoples against human trafficking and exploitation
Indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) or indigenous peoples (IPs) remain one of the most vulnerable sectors of Filipino society. At the height of the pandemic, quarantine restrictions hindered their livelihood activities and further exposed them to entities that exploit the IPs’ vulnerable state by threatening their security and infringing upon their rights to ancestral domain. Even […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights expressing concern over the 176 bodies of persons deprived of liberty unclaimed in a funeral home
The recent discovery of alleged 176 bodies of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) stored and unclaimed in a funeral home since December 2021 is a cause for serious concern for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). The unclaimed bodies were discovered in the course of the ongoing investigation into the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid. […]
Statement of Chair Richard Palpal-latoc on the recent CHR Commission en banc appointments
We take due note of the heightened vigilance of human rights groups and advocates on the recent appointments in the leadership of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). We take these as a challenge and we seek the chance to respond to the pressing human rights challenges in the country with an assurance that CHR […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the arrest of health worker Dr. Natividad ‘Naty’ Castro
With adherence to the principle of independence, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has consistently spoken out against abuses whether perpetrated by those in differing ideological spheres or those serving in government. It is a job that often places the CHR in conflict those being investigated. CHR as part of government shall continue to protect […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the UN Human Rights Council Resolution offering ‘technical assistance and capacity-building’ in improving the human rights situation in the country
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) acknowledges the recent signals of openness from the Philippine government, specifically in cooperating with the United Nations (UN) system and human rights mechanisms in improving the human rights situation in the country. In light of the standing observations of the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the directive to submit a list of drug personalities at the barangay level
PRESS STATEMENT | 14 January 2018 Addressing the problem on the sale and use of illegal drugs is best achieved with the participation of all concerned, especially the community. At the same time, Constitutional guarantees, such as presumption of innocence and right to due process, are in place to ensure that human rights are protected at […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat to behead human rights advocates
27 May 2017 PRESS STATEMENT Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat to behead human rights advocates Words matter. Pronouncements, especially those uttered by persons in authority, bear great weight and might be taken as official policy. The Commission on Human Rights takes exception to the President’s threat to behead […]