Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the Celebration of Migrant Workers Day
On this year’s observance of Migrant Workers Day, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) recognizes the invaluable contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across the world—those who braved separation and endured unfamiliar environments to secure a better future for their loved ones. CHR affirms that upholding the welfare and dignity of every overseas Filipino requires […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the return of Mary Jane Veloso after 14 years
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) warmly welcomes Mary Jane Veloso’s return to the Philippines after enduring 14 years of incarceration in Indonesia, including time on death row. Her homecoming reflects the enduring pursuit of justice and compassion. This milestone coincides with the recent observance of International Migrant Workers Day, underscoring the bravery of Filipino […]
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 […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the commitment of the Indonesian government to reexamine Mary Jane Veloso’s case
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the development on the case of Mary Jane Veloso, after the expression of commitment from Indonesian President Joko Widodo to reexamine the decision over the Filipina’s drug charges. We are hopeful that this will finally result in her release and return to her family. It must be remembered […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on International Migrants Day 2021
In celebration of International Migrants Day on December 18, 2021, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines stands by and is in solidarity with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and members of their families, who sacrifice their time away from home to provide for their loved ones as skilled healthcare workers, domestic workers, construction workers, […]
Statement of CHR Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana on the death of overseas Filipina worker Jeanelyn Padernal Villavende
It is a tragedy to welcome the new year with the death of a Filipina OFW. The Commission on Human Rights expresses its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Jeanelyn Padernal Villavende, an overseas Filipina worker in Kuwait. Information reaching authorities in the Philippines claim that Jeanelyn allegedly died in the hands […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline de Guia, on the recent cases of OFW death and maltreatment
The Commission is deeply saddened by the brutal death of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Constancia Dayag in Kuwait as well as the recent cruel treatment of Alyas Ana in Saudi Arabia. These fresh incidents of grim fate and maltreatment of OFWs, particularly in the Middle East, once again stress the need for the review of […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, in defence of the welfare of Filipino domestic helpers
The Commission on Human Rights urges the government to be circumspect in its pronouncements, especially those that may undermine government efforts to protect the welfare of Filipino workers overseas. Filipino domestic workers, especially women, face a number of challenges in some receiving countries. The current administration is fully aware of this condition when, in early […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the tragic death of OFW Henry John Acorda in Slovakia
The Commission is deeply saddened by the brutal and tragic death of OFW Henry John Acorda. We express our condolences and send our prayers to his family and friends. Henry stood up for a Filipina friend in a foreign land, which has cost him his life. Henry’s courage and sacrifice is not in vain as […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights urging the government to address alleged human rights violations committed locally and abroad
Press Statement | 24 March 2018 The primary obligation to protect the rights of every Filipino here and abroad rests with the government and its agencies. The Commission on Human Rights, thus, takes note of the actions that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has taken in ensuring that the rights of our overseas […]
CHR commissioner calls for rights-based approach to the deployment of domestic workers to the Middle East; urges owners of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Global E-Human Resources to surrender
05 March 2018 | Press Release from the Office of Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana QUEZON CITY – Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana of the Commission of Human Rights called for a rights-based approach to the recruitment and deployment of overseas Filipino workers as she expressed concern over the prevalence of the illegal transfer of domestic workers from one employer to […]