Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the ongoing police operation in the KOJC compound
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through its regional office in Region XI, is closely monitoring the ongoing police operation at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City on 24 August 2024. The operation is reportedly being conducted to serve an arrest warrant on KOJC leader, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. The CHR sternly […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the final reading of the House Bill No. 7814
The presumption of innocence is a universal human right. The same right is also guarded in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. A proposed piece of legislation, such as House Bill No. 7814, that contravenes this protected right is a cause for serious concern for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and should urge our lawmakers to […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on arrests being made during the pandemic
Ensuring the rule of law means that the protection of our fundamental rights are guaranteed. Such principle rests on the idea that laws are not only enforced, but applied at all times—consistent and without exception. Perpetrators of violations must be held to account. However, arrests during the current pandemic are a cause of concern as […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the passing of Former Senate President Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel
The Commission on Human Rights mourns the passing of a fearless Filipino stateman and human rights defender, Former Senate President Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel Jr. In a span of more than four decades, Ka Nene dedicated his life of service to the Filipino people as a senator, assemblyman, and Minister of Local Government. He was remembered […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the Administration’s pronouncement ordering Bacolod Police official to “kill everybody”
The Commission on Human Rights is concerned with the government’s remark emboldening Police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido that he is “free to kill everybody” in carrying out his anti-drugs operations in Bacolod City. Such words inciting arbitrary act of violence by a State agent reinforce and tolerate impunity. This pronouncement should never be made to […]
Statement of the CHR spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline de Guia, on the alleged involvement of police officers in the illegal drug trade
Allegations of police themselves being involved in the recycling and selling of confiscated drugs is a cause of grave concern and inevitably hounds the credibility of the campaign against illegal drugs. This comes amidst the still unexplained death toll and alleged involvement of police in a number of ‘nanlaban’ cases in the context of the […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the apology of Senator Ronald de la Rosa on his remark on collateral damages
We welcome the apology of Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ de la Rosa on the unfortunate remark he made about the death of a three-year old being a collateral damage of buy-bust operation in Rodriguez, Rizal. However, may this be a reminder to all public officials to always protect the primacy of the right to life—both in […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann De Guia, on the celebration of World Press Freedom Day
In many parts of the world, there has been an ominous threat of authoritarian ideals—intimidating democratic freedoms our society is experiencing. Caught in this crossfire are journalists and media practitioners who, despite threats by state agents and public distrust manufactured by purveyors of false information, remain true to their obligation of amplifying the truth. In […]
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 […]
GENERAL COMMENTS COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE PHILIPPINES on the Adoption of the Outcome of the Universal Review of the Philippines 36th Session of the Human Rights Council, Geneva, 22 September 2017 (3rd Cycle)
GENERAL COMMENTS COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE PHILIPPINES on the Adoption of the Outcome of the Universal Review of the Philippines 36th Session of the Human Rights Council, Geneva, 22 September 2017 (3rd Cycle) Written Statement The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines comes before you at a time when human rights promotion […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on Martial Law Extension
22 July 2017 PRESS STATEMENT Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on Martial Law Extension Believing in the rule of law, the Commission respects the powers granted to the President of the Republic, including the authority to declare Martial Law and suspend habeas corpus in the interest of public safety. This recognizes the fact […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the President’s rape joke and current human rights situation in Marawi City
28 May 2017 PRESS STATEMENT Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the President’s rape joke and current human rights situation in Marawi City Rape is never a joke. Women—especially those poor and vulnerable who bear the brunt of the ongoing violence on the ground—are not objects of ridicule either. It is in this […]