Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the attempt to trivialize and justify the dangers of red-tagging
The prevalence of red-tagging in recent years has resulted in attacks against the lives, liberty, and security of groups and organisations, especially those working in defence of the rights of vulnerable and marginalised sectors. Those at the receiving end of red-tagging are usually those vocal critics of the government; thereby, making it easy to label […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the order to arrest unvaccinated individuals
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) cautions against the directive to arrest individuals who either refuse to get vaccinated against Covid-19 or those unvaccinated who violate the stay-at-home restrictions of the government. While the 1987 Constitution provides that liberty of movement can be restricted in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline de Guia, on the administration’s threat of a “harsher” anti-drug campaign
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 […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the arrest of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa
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 […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline de Guia, on the President’s remark to “wipe out” the Parojinog clan
It is deeply concerning that the President continues to utter remarks that can be construed as a directive to kill and to circumvent due process. We reiterate that as the head of the State, his words carry the weight of a policy. The President must refrain from making remarks that further perpetuate the culture of […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the plan of PDEA to release the names of barangay officials who are allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade
Public officials are expected to uphold ethical conduct, possess good moral character, and are not supposed to be engaged in any illegal activities, such as drug use and trade. As civil servants, they are and will always be held to a higher standard. We understand that the plan of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on victims of criminality and universality of human rights
Press Release | 31 March 2018 The Commission on Human Rights assures the public that its goal in its work is and always has been protecting the rights of all people in the Philippines. However, we must reiterate the importance of due process and following the rule of law. This is the assurance that all […]
CHR CONCERNED OVER PRESIDENT DUTERTE’S REMARKS AGAINST UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR, HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
31 August 2017 PRESS RELEASE CHR CONCERNED OVER PRESIDENT DUTERTE’S REMARKS AGAINST UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR, HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is concerned over President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s expletives against UN Special Rapporteur on Extra-Judicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Executions, Agnes Callamard, and other human rights defenders. The recent statement from the highest […]
CHR Statement on the Resumption of Oplan Tokhang
03 March 2017 PRESS STATEMENT CHR Statement on the Resumption of Oplan Tokhang The Commission on Human Rights denounces the resumption of Operation Tokhang by the Philippine National Police. It should not continue because it has caused thousands to be killed without due process and many innocents have perished in the course of […]