Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on reports of red-tagging and sexist remarks amid the #Eleksyon2025 campaign season
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern over the rising number of electoral offenses, particularly incidents of red-tagging and a recent case involving a Congressional candidate making sexist remarks during a campaign event. The CHR notes with alarm that cases of alleged red-tagging have now involved the use of deepfakes to spread disinformation, […]
CHR publishes advisory calling for rights-based approaches in upcoming #Eleksyon2025
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) underscores that free, peaceful, and credible elections are vital to upholding the country’s democratic principles. Ensuring that every Filipino can fully exercise their right to vote is key to fostering an inclusive and sustainable future. In this regard, the CHR highlights the State’s responsibility to guarantee equal voting rights […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights denouncing the attempted ambush against a vice mayor in Maguindanao del Sur
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses deep concern over the attempted ambush of another local official in Maguindanao del Sur. In line with its mandate, the Commission has deployed a Quick Response Operation (QRO) team to conduct a motu proprio investigation into this brazen attack. According to the statement released by the Ministry of […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights commending the Comelec resolution which tags discrimination as an election offense
The conduct of elections is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. It is imperative to establish mechanisms that safeguard every Filipino’s vote as inviolable, ensuring the preservation of our democratic processes. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) commends the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for issuing Resolution No. 11116, which recognizes discrimination against individuals from vulnerable […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights supporting SB 2664 strengthening the ban on vote-buying and vote-selling including digital transactions
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly supports the passage of Senate Bill (SB) No. 2664, which seeks to strengthen Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code by explicitly defining cyber vote-buying and vote-selling. Filed by Senator Grace Poe, SB No. 2664 expands the definition of vote-buying and vote-selling under Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, S. […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on PNP’s “Oplan Katok” amidst the upcoming 2025 Elections
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) acknowledges the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) intent to promote responsible gun ownership through its “Oplan Katok” initiative. Encouraging firearm owners to renew their licenses or surrender unlicensed firearms is an important measure in upholding public safety. CHR equally recognizes the concerns raised, particularly by the Commission on Election (COMELEC), […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights denouncing the series of killings targeting barangay officials in Leyte and Ilocos Norte
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) raises serious concern over the disturbing increase in killings of barangay officials across the country. These incidents are particularly alarming as they appear to escalate with the approach of the 2025 local and national elections. In response, CHR, through its regional offices, has initiated motu proprio investigations and Quick […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights denouncing the series of attacks committed against election candidates, local officials, and community peacekeepers across the country
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly denounces the recent surge of violence targeting election candidates and officials in various parts of the country. Despite the recent conclusion of the filing of certificates of candidacy, incidents of assault and violence have already been reported and have been taken cognizance by the Commission. On 25 September […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the attempted attack against a barangay chairperson in Davao City
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has dispatched a Quick Response Operation (QRO) team after receiving reports that the chairperson of Barangay Datu Salumay in Davao City and his wife narrowly escaped an attempted ambush on 03 September 2024. Lito Mansamo, the incumbent chairperson of Brgy. Datu Salumay, and Alma Zarate Mansamo, his wife, were […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights condemning the killing of a barangay captain inside a barangay hall in Pampanga
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) vehemently denounces the killing of a barangay captain in Arayat, Pampanga, who was intently targeted inside the barangay hall. The CHR Region 3 has taken cognisance of the incident and has deployed a Quick Response Operation (QRO) to determine the details behind the incident. According to reports, barangay captain […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights condemning the attempted grenade attack against Bulacan Vice Mayor Alvarez
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) decries the attempted ambush against Bulacan Vice Mayor John Bong Alvarez last 04 June 2024. Reports point out that an unidentified riding-in-tandem tailed the convoy of Vice Mayor Alvarez from his residence and tossed a grenade into the direction of his vehicle. When the first grenade failed to detonate, […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, lauding the SC decision to allow persons deprived of liberty to vote in national and local elections
It can be recalled that in 2012, a petition was filed with the Supreme Court (SC) seeking to thwart the implementation of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 9371, which allows the participation of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in the national and local elections. The High Court partially granted the Petitioner’s application in 2016 […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the passing of a Muntinlupa police officer
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) joins the entire Muntinlupa Police Station in mourning the untimely passing of Senior Police Officer III (SPO3) Manuel Escalona on Tuesday, 10 May 2022. We laud SPO3 Escalona and other law enforcers and those in the security sector that took part in maintaining peace during the election period and […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, commending BuCor and BJMP for the orderly conduct of PDL voting rights during the May 9 elections
The Commission on Human Rights lauds the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for the peaceful and orderly exercise of voting rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) under their custody during the 2022 Philippine National Elections. A total of 1,732 PDLs voted for a president, vice president, […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on observed election-related violence during the 2022 general elections
Last Monday, 09 May 2022, millions of Filipinos trooped to their polling precinct in exercise of their right to vote. The right of suffrage is an important part of democracy, it is the means wherein individuals participate in the process of government to ensure legitimacy in the powers it has derived from the consent of […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on possible human rights violations during the 2022 general elections
Today, 09 May 2022, Filipino citizens are once again urged to exercise their right of suffrage and cast their vote for the Philippine National and Local Elections. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) affirms and protects the right to vote as a fundamental political right. Qualified voters can and should participate in the process of […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights as Gender Ombud condemning sexist and misogynistic campaigning and violence against women in politics
The Commission on Human Rights, as Gender Ombud, joins the collective condemnation of the manipulated and fabricated videos of Aika Robredo circulating online. The sexist and misogynistic style of campaigning in Philippine elections must stop. Since 2016, the Commission has spoken out against the rampant and normalized sexism and misogyny during and even after elections. […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson Atty Jacqueline de Guia, on the expressions of support from presidential candidates to empower the Commission on Human Rights
We welcome expressions of support from presidential candidates committing to empower the Commission on Human Rights. For the past years, we were operating on a limited budget and personnel—not to mention gaps in cooperation from other government agencies—yet we continue to fulfill our mandate to the best of our abilities. We hope that these statements […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the assassination attempt on a mayoral candidate in Calamba town, Misamis Occidental
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will be conducting a motu propio investigation on the slay-attempt of Calamba, Misamis Occidental mayoralty bet George Matunog Jr. The victim was shot on Sunday, 13 March, while walking towards his home in Purok 1 of Barangay Southwestern Poblacion by an unidentified gunman aboard a motorcycle. CHR condemns this […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the shooting of Bayan Muna coordinator Larry Villegas
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is deeply concerned with the attempted killing of transport leader and Bayan Muna General Santos coordinator Larry Villegas. According to news reports, the victim sustained several gunshot wounds after an unidentified gunman broke into his house in Barangay Buayan, General Santos City early Sunday, 13 March, and shot him. […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, welcoming the move to protect media through the designation of media security vanguards
Media security is crucial in upholding press freedom. It helps media practitioners to do their duty, including speaking truth to power, without fear of reprisal and attack. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the move of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), through the Department of the Interior and Local Government and […]