The Human Rights E-Lawyering Service (“HR-ELS”) was formally launched yesterday, 10 December 2020, through an online event. The Service aims to provide real-time legal advice to citizens on their rights through the use of smart technology.

In his message, Commissioner Roberto Eugenio T. Cadiz stressed the importance of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)’s collaboration with law institutions, such as the UP College of Law, in the protection of human rights. He noted that, while we cannot be denied our rights without due process of law, they are sometimes forgotten, or even willfully disregarded, in the implementation of government programs. Underscoring the limited resources of the Commission, he said that human rights is a pillar of the rule of law and good governance and ought to be the concern of all.

Messages of support from Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia (Executive Director, CHR), Atty. Jasmin Regino (Director, Protection Cluster, CHR), Atty. Diana De Leon (Officer-in-Charge, CHR-NCR), and Atty. Kristel Biscayda (Officer-in-Charge, Citizens’ Help and Assistance Division, CHR) were also featured during the launch. All expressed their congratulations and gratitude to the HR-ELS team and its partners, highlighting the importance of the HR-ELS in delivering timely and much-needed legal aid.

Following these messages was a brief overview of the Service by Atty. Ona Caritos, Project Head of the HR-ELS. Highlighting the theme of this year’s Human Rights Day, “Recover Better: Stand Up for Human Rights”, she outlined the HR-ELS’ objectives to provide immediate legal aid, legal education, and policy recommendations. Atty. Caritos pointed to the HR-ELS as the CHR’s way of responding to the times and strongly urged the public, especially those dealing with human rights concerns, to avail of the Service.

Professor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, Executive Director of the UP College of Law Office of Legal Aid (UP-OLA), thanked the CHR for the opportunity to collaborate through the HR-ELS. According to Prof. Vistan, the HR-ELS also enables the UP College of Law and the UP-OLA to pursue their respective goals and mandates while enhancing the legal training and experience of their students and interns. Further expressing his appreciation for the Service, Prof. Vistan says, “Sa panahon po ng madami at mabibigat na mga pagbabago sa ating lipunan, nakakatuwa po at nakakapag-bigay inspirasyon ‘pag nakikita natin na hindi natitinag, hindi tumitigil ang kagustuhan ng kapwa natin, tulad ng mga kasama natin sa Commission on Human Rights, at ‘yung mga kasama niyo pang organisasyon, [na harapin ang mga] hamon ng mga pagbabagong ito. Lalo na kung ito ay bunsod ng kaakibat na layunin na makatulong sa kapwa.”

To officially end the launch, Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana congratulated the HR-ELS team and expressed her excitement for what she believes will be a long and continuing partnership. Comm. Pimentel-Gana also extended her gratitude to all CHR offices, units, and partners who made the Service possible. She likewise commended the HR-ELS for its potential to make legal services more accessible to the most marginalized sectors of society and to exact accountability from Government and State actors. “With your spirit of volunteerism and passion, we, together, the CHR and the UP-OLA students, can make a difference in the lives of PWDs, OFWs, senior citizens, indigenous peoples, LGBTQs, women and children, and other people out there who are marginalized and who would not be able to walk through our doors as of now, and who would also be fearful and scared to do so.”

The general public may get in touch with the CHR through these cellular and online platforms:

National Capital Region (CHR NCR)
chr_ncr2017@yahoo.com
(0919) 444 7720 (Smart)

CHR Investigation Office
(0963) 660 1364 (Globe)
(0927) 328 2835 (Globe)
(0961) 451 2426 (Smart)
(0950) 369 9026 (Talk N’ Text)

CHR Legal Division
elawyering.ld.chrp@gmail.com
(0961) 450 8590 (Smart)
(0961) 451 2424 (Smart)
(0961) 450 8568 (Smart)

CHR Public Assistance and Complaints Desk
chad.pasco.chr@gmail.com
(0936) 068 0982 (Globe)
(0920) 506 1194 (Smart)