Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the proposed bill pushing for death penalty by firing squad for corrupt public officials
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses deep concern on the proposed bill pushing for the death penalty by firing squad for corrupt public officials. CHR recognizes that corruption is a grave offense that has far-reaching and systemic consequences, including perpetuation of inequality and weakening of institutions. However, the death penalty is not a guaranteed […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights welcoming the positive developments on Mary Jane Veloso’s case and her return to the Philippines after over a decade of imprisonment in Indonesia
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the Indonesian government’s update on the situation of Mary Jane Veloso and her possible return to the Philippines after over a decade of consultations and diplomatic engagements. Back in October 2010, Veloso was sentenced to death upon being discovered at Yogyakarta airport in Indonesia with 2.6 kilograms of […]
[COALITION AGAINST DEATH PENALTY] Statement on the World Day Against Death Penalty on 10 October 2024
On the World Day Against the Death Penalty, we unite in our call to affirm the right to life of all persons and call for the universal abolition of capital punishment. This day is a constant reminder to reflect on the progress made to abolish the death penalty in all corners of the world and […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the execution of a Filipino in Saudi Arabia
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses its profound sadness and deep concern over the execution of a Filipino national in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and, in line with their request for privacy, urge the public and media to respect their wishes. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights expressing its concern on a barangay ordinance in Abra that proposed the death penalty for illegal garbage dumping
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses deep concern over a barangay ordinance in Abra that proposed the death penalty for a third offense of illegal garbage dumping. This ordinance not only represents a severe disregard for human rights but also trivializes the most fundamental right of all–the right to life. According to reports, six […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights expressing its concern on a barangay ordinance in Abra that proposed the death penalty for illegal garbage dumping
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses deep concern over a barangay ordinance in Abra that proposed the death penalty for a third offense of illegal garbage dumping. This ordinance not only represents a severe disregard for human rights but also trivializes the most fundamental right of all–the right to life. According to reports, six […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann De Guia, welcoming the President’s remarks against calls to revive the death penalty
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the remarks and insights of the President that reflect his primary considerations concerning calls to revive the death penalty. In a recent Youtube interview, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that there are practical and moral issues surrounding capital punishment. In particular, the President surfaced the moral issue […]
Statement of Commissioner Karen S. Gomez-Dumpit, Focal Commissioner on Anti-Death Penalty, on Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senator Vicente Sotto III’s Withdrawal of Support for Death Penalty
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the pronouncement of Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senator Vicente Sotto III abandoning support for the death penalty in the country. Both senators previously authored bills seeking the reimposition of death penalty. Senators Lacson and Sotto cite the possibility of ending the life of an innocent person as the […]
Statement of CHR Commissioner Karen S. Gomez-Dumpit, Focal Commissioner on Anti-Death Penalty, on the 19th World Day Against Death Penalty
Today, 10 October 2021, we observe the 19th World Day Against Death Penalty. This year’s observance focuses on the plight of women who risk being sentenced to death, those who are already in the death row, those who were pardoned or whose sentences were commuted. Likewise, we continue to call for the abolition of death […]
Statement of CHR Commissioner Karen Gomez Dumpit on the Commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Death Penalty
The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHR) is in solidarity with the human rights community in celebrating the 15th year anniversary of the abolition of the death penalty today, 24 June 2021. We celebrate the tremendous efforts of the different stakeholders who made this possible back then, and their continuing efforts to ensure […]
Statement of Commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit on the Passage of House Bill No. 7814, providing for the ‘Presumption of Guilt’ and Reintroduction of the Death Penalty as amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
We express grave concern on the votes in favor of House Bill No. 7814, which passed on third reading yesterday, 2 March 2021, at the House of Representatives. We wish to highlight that our system of laws adheres to the rule of law and its basic tenets provide that a person is presumed innocent until […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on PNP Chief’s threat to ‘hunt down’ suspects in Christine Dacera’s death and on the call for reimposition of death penalty
With the ongoing investigation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the death of flight attendant Christine Angelica Dacera, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) cautions officials to be circumspect in their pronouncements of launching a manhunt operation against suspects without any legal basis such as warrant of arrest. As much as we all want […]