The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) extends its heartfelt gratitude to the House of Representatives for their full support in advancing the CHR Charter Bill, which successfully hurdled the rigorous scrutiny of the Committee on Appropriations on 21 January 2025.
Through the efforts of the House Committee on Appropriations, the current draft of the substitute bill is now awaiting its final reading before being formally transmitted to the Senate. We extend our sincere appreciation to the following legislators present during the hearing:
- Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo
- Rep. Rufus Rodriguez
- Rep. Jude Acidre
- Rep. Loreto B. Acharon
- Rep. Wowo Fortes
- Rep. Jaime R. Fresnedi
- Rep. Mark O. Go
- Rep. Arnan C. Panaligan
- Rep. Augustina Dominique C. Pancho
- Rep. Salvador A. Pleyto
- Rep. Joseph S. Tan
- Rep. Rosanna “Ria” V. Vergara
- Rep. Bonifacio L. Bosita
- Rep. Ramon Rodrigo L. Gutierrez
- Rep. Jose Manuel F. Alba
- Rep. Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga
“If we are to have a truly independent national human rights institution (NHRI), we humbly appeal to our honorable legislators to ensure that the CHR Charter Bill becomes law. This will allow us to strengthen our services, particularly for vulnerable sectors and grassroots communities, while being a leading NHRI globally,” said CHR Commissioner Faydah Maniri Dumarpa during the Committee on Appropriations hearing.
The substitute bill of the CHR Charter deliberated at the House is a consolidation of all previous House Bills filed on the same subject. These are:
- HB No. 9790, authored by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Reps. Manuel Jose Dalipe, Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, Bienvenido M. Abante Jr., Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, and Jude A. Acidre
- HB No. 5060, authored by Rep. Gus S. Tambunting
- HB Nos. 5079 and 9437, authored by Rep. Bienvenido M. Abante Jr.
- HB No. 8932, authored by Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez
- HB No. 9994, authored by Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong
- HB No. 10212, authored by Reps. Ralph Wendel Tulfo, Jocelyn P. Tulfo, and Erwin T. Tulfo
- HB No. 10566, authored by Rep. Michael L. Romero
- HB No. 11075, authored by Rep. Gerville R. Luistro
Additionally, legislators who played instrumental roles in crafting the substitute bill include Reps. Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V, Edward Vera Perez Maceda, Roman T. Romulo, Jonathan Keith T. Flores, Raul Angelo D. Bongalon, Percival V. Cendaña, and Ricardo S. Cruz Jr. These bills reflect the legislative branch’s steadfast commitment to improving the human rights situation in the country.
Senator Robinhood Padilla, who also expressed his aspirations to further transform the CHR from its perception as a “toothless tiger,” continues to champion the CHR Charter Bill. He has introduced Resolution of Both Houses No. 11, highlighting the importance of fiscal autonomy in safeguarding the CHR’s independence and emphasizing the need for human rights policies that address emerging global challenges.
Under the substitute bill, the CHR’s powers will be more clearly defined upon its passage into law. Specifically, the Commission will be able to further enhance its mandate and support programs aimed at advancing human rights in the country through some of salient features of the bill, such as:
- Legal Assistance Program and Financial Assistance Program to support victims of human rights violations and their families;
- Establishment of the Human Rights Institute and the Human Rights Education and Training Program for law enforcement officers, educational institutions, and other government agencies;
- Conducting regular, independent, unannounced, unhampered, and unrestricted visits to or inspections of all places of detention and confinement; and
- Quasi-judicial powers to determine the existence of violations of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, and to award monetary compensation to victims of such violations
“As a Status ‘A’ National Human Rights Institution, the CHR has consistently led efforts to protect and promote the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Filipinos globally. The passage of the CHR Charter Bill will allow us to strengthen our mandate and further the human rights cause in the country,” Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc said.
Aligned with its continuous pursuit of independence in accordance with the Paris Principles, the CHR remains optimistic that the legislative branch’s support will pave the way for a more defined role as the watchdog, advocate, and educator of human rights. We trust that the CHR Charter Bill will be swiftly passed to further embody the principles of justice, dignity, and equality in the country.
The Commission commends the tireless efforts of our lawmakers in advancing human rights in the Philippines. It is imperative for the Philippine government, as duty-bearers, to work collaboratively toward the common goal of fostering a more just and humane society, especially for Filipinos belonging to vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged sectors.###