CHR launches new access-to-justice measures and torture prevention initiatives for PDL
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through its Prevention Office, convened government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners on 5 December 2025 for the “Advancing PDL Rights 2026: Program Presentation and Partnership Ceremony.” The event, held as part of the week-long National Human Rights Consciousness Week (NHRCW) 2025 celebration, highlighted the CHR’s continuing efforts […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the reported situation of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil inside Tacloban City Jail
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the reported situation of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil inside Tacloban City Jail The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has taken cognizance of reports concerning the alleged mistreatment and abuse of detained journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil at the Tacloban City Jail Female Dormitory. […]
CHR launches Bantay Bilangguan advocacy campaign to push for establishment of National Preventive Mechanism
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) proudly launches its newest advocacy initiative—the Bantay Bilangguan campaign, anchored on the commitment to uphold the dignity and rights of all Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). This campaign aims to build public, institutional, and multi-sectoral support toward the urgent passage of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) Bill, in line […]
CHR backs centralized management of all jails under BJMP
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) supports legislative measures to transfer the supervision and control of provincial and sub-provincial jails from the provincial government to the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). Mandated to monitor jail conditions and ensure the protection of the basic human rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights welcoming the recent graduation of 68 PDLs at the Bilibid Extension School
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) warmly welcomes the recent graduation of 68 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta – Bilibid Extension School (UPHSD-BES) program. According to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), 11 PDLs have earned their college degree in Entrepreneurship, while 57 PDLs have completed high school. […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights lauding the first-ever in-person classes for PDLs in Manila City Jail
Edukasyon para sa lahat! The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) commends and warmly welcomes the first-ever in-person classes for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Manila City Jail, initiated by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University (PUPOU). Last July, PUP and Manila City Jail formalized an agreement to offer four bachelor’s programs to […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights backing BJMP’s appeal for higher food and medical allowances for PDLs
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) supports the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s (BJMP) appeal for increased budget allocations for the food and medical allowances of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). For 2024, only P70 is allocated per PDL for daily meals, while the budget for medicine is capped at P15 per person. These […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights welcoming the DOJ’s commitment to conduct forensic autopsies on deceased inmates
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) commitment to conduct forensic autopsies on deceased inmates. Under the agreement, the DOJ will look into the deaths of inmates under the custody of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), in accordance with international standards and good practices. DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla signed […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights expressing deep concern over the reported cases of suspected TB symptoms among PDLs in Pasay City Jail
[ERRATUM] (On the previous statement released regarding the reported cases of suspected TB symptoms among PDLs in Pasay City Jail) As of 18 June 2024, this Press Statement has been revised to correct the name of an institution mentioned in the previous version released on 30 May 2024. In the previous version, we urged the […]
CHR discusses rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives for women deprived of liberty to Asia-Pacific women judges
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), represented by Commissioner Faydah Maniri Dumarpa, took part in the 2024 Asia and the Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) and the 2024 National Convention of the Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA) on 08 to 10 May 2024. With the theme “Women Lead: Transforming […]
Statement of CHR Commissioner Beda Angeles Epres, Focal for Older Persons, supporting the P500 monthly grocery discount for Seniors and Persons with disabilities
Commissioner Beda Angeles Epres, Focal Commissioner for Older Persons of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), supports and acknowledges the proposed P500 monthly grocery discount for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). “This initiative reflects the Commission’s collective efforts to improve the quality of life for our elderly and persons with disabilities. This also […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the alleged strip search of political prisoners’ wives at the New Bilibid Prison
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern over the reported cases of strip searches of political prisoners’ wives and other visitors of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). The CHR has launched its own investigation, led by the Investigation Office and the Prevention Cluster, to look into the […]