The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses gratitude to both Houses of Congress for the swift passage of CHR’s FY 2023 budget at the plenary level. On 20 September 2022, the House of Representatives (HOR), with Representative Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong of the 1st District of Negros Oriental as CHR sponsor, approved the Commission’s budget; while on 10 November 2022, the Senate, with Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa as sponsor, similarly moved on the same motion.

The approval of the proposed CHR budget manifests the Legislative’s recognition of the essential role of the CHR as an independent national human rights institution (NHRI). Fiscal autonomy and adequate resources are critical to a functioning, independent, and efficient NHRI as required by the Paris Principles.

During the course of the debates, a number of solons from both HOR and Senate expressed support in increasing CHR budget for FY 2023—noting that the agency’s budget under the 2023 National Expenditure Program (₱846,377,000.00) is lower than its allocation under FY 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA; ₱964,703,000.00).

CHR hopes that the anticipated increase restores the budget for its Personnel Services; Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses; and Capital Outlay to its FY 2022 level. This is an additional ₱118,326,000.00 so that CHR can effectively and efficiently deliver its Protection, Promotion, Policy, and Prevention mandates.

CHR also requested for an additional ₱20,000,000.00 budget for its new Central Office building as per variation order from the Department of Public Works and Highway due to the unstable soil condition underneath the said new building. It may be recalled that CHR constructed a new building within its Central Office premises in Quezon City because its staff and offices currently occupy condemned structures in SAAC and PARDEC buildings vulnerable to disasters, such as earthquakes. It is thus imperative to have additional capital outlay to immediately cover for the reinforcement of the soil condition to maintain the structural integrity of the new building, as well as to finish the affected interior and exterior of the upper floors.

Presently, CHR also only has presence in regional capitals. In pursuit of expanding physical and geographical reach, CHR has proposed an additional budget for travel and vehicles, which will enable the CHR to modernize its fleet and equipment to enable it to reach remote areas where many underserved sectors reside.

We are keenly aware of the evolving and emerging human rights concerns in the country. In knowing this, CHR strives to continue being responsive and relevant, especially to the plight of the weak, vulnerable, and marginalised.

To note, the CHR proposed a total budget of ₱1,646,103,000.00 for FY 2023. CHR sought to, among others, widen the work on mental health; climate change and its impact to human rights; human rights education through the envisioned CHR Human Rights Institute; investigations of violations of international humanitarian law; and including the broadening other CHR services, such as legal and financial aid to victims of human rights abuses.

Providing a larger funding will ultimately demonstrate the commitment of the government in improving the human rights situation in the country, further considering the observations of the UN Human Rights Council; the recommendations during the Universal Periodic Review; and the goals of the UN Joint Program on Human Rights.

We are cautiously optimistic on the prospects of an increased budget for FY 2023. CHR trusts that the collective wisdom of Congress, as well as the eventual signing of the President of the GAA, will eventually result in a substantial support for the mandate of CHR.

Regardless of the circumstance, the Commission continues to commit to actively engaging and collaborating with the government, as well as the civil society, in ensuring the rights of all are upheld and the dignity and plight of those who have it least will be uplifted. ###

Erratum:
The budget figures have been re-written in numerical format for accuracy. The additional budget indicated in fourth paragraph has also been corrected to ₱118,326,000.00 from ₱117,873,000.00 in the previous statement. We shall ensure accuracy in format and numbers of budget figures in future similar statements. Your feedback is always appreciated.