Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the report of UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan on the state of freedom of expression and the press in the Philippines
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) of the Philippines acknowledges the recommendations presented by United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, following her official visit to the country in January 2024. These recommendations reflect both progress made and the urgent reforms still needed to protect and promote free expression […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the arrest of an online content creator for spreading disinformation or fake news
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses its concern over the arrest of an online content creator who falsely manipulated an online graphic reporting the statement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., to make it appear that he is calling for the legalization of illegal narcotics. From news reports brought to the attention of the […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on congressional hearings on online disinformation
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) takes note of the ongoing House of Representatives committee hearings on the proliferation of disinformation across social media platforms. These inquiries seek to evaluate existing laws and policies governing online spaces and explore legislative measures to ensure Filipinos’ access to accurate and reliable information. At the same time, the […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the response of Amnesty International to the preliminary findings of UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan
Just as there are constant changes on the human rights framework in an ever-dynamic country, laws and policies that aim to address challenges on promoting and protecting the dignity of every Filipino should be adaptive to these shifts in society. The Commission on Human Rights acknowledges the call of Amnesty International in its statement urging […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the preliminary findings of UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) recognizes the preliminary findings of UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan to improve the current situation on freedom of opinion and expression in the Philippines after her country visit on 30 January to 2 February 2024. During the Commission’s interactions with the Special Rapporteur, matters concerning the Filipinos’ rights to […]
UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan meets with CHR officials to discuss matters on freedom of opinion and expression in PH
As part of the official country visit of the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression to the Philippines, Ms. Irene Khan met with officials from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on 30 January 2024 to further gain insights on the situation of the country’s freedom of the press, laws […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights against the red-tagging of the NUJP-affiliated journalists in an SMNI program
On World Press Freedom Day, 03 May 2023, hosts of the show “Laban Kasama ng Bayan” of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) red-tagged journalists affiliated with the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP). The SMNI hosts alleged that NUJP is a communist-led organization and proceeded to accuse NUJP Chairperson and Philstar.com news section […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on Facebook’s takedown of pages of progressive groups
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern over the takedown of the pages belonging to some progressive groups, namely Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), and Anakbayan, on social media platform Facebook. KMU, in a statement, shares that its page was permanently shut down, while personal accounts of page administrators and […]
CHR Statement on the forthcoming country visits by the Special Rapporteurs on the sale and sexual exploitation of children and on freedom of expression and opinion
The Commission reiterates its acknowledgement of the national government for extending an invitation to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography, and other child sexual abuse material, Ms. Mama Fatima Singhateh, and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion, Ms. Irene Khan. […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the exercise of right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression during SONA
The right to peaceful assembly and the related rights to freedom of expression and free speech are constitutional rights that deserve equal protection as public safety and order. During important national events in the country, which include the State of the Nation Address (SONA), many groups and individuals take these as important occasions to express […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the Philippine National Police’s statement on only allowing pro-admin rallyists during the upcoming presidential inauguration
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses concern over the recent remarks of the acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr, that the PNP will have ‘no problem’ with rally attendees as long as they chant support for the incoming President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He further commented against those […]
Statement of Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana on the warning made by a military official to Liza Soberano and Catriona Gray
All Filipinos, celebrities and everyday folks alike, have the right to express their beliefs and convictions and to participate in activities in line with these beliefs. The Constitution guarantees our freedom of thought, expression, and participation. As a democratic society, everyone has the freedom to advocate and support a cause, free from any intimidation or […]