CHR links corruption to human rights abuses

QUEZON CITY — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) convened a national forum on Dec. 9, 2025, urging a broader and more people-centered response to corruption, which it described as a grave human rights emergency.

The event, titled “Upholding Integrity: A National Forum on Corruption and Human Rights,” brought together key actors from government oversight institutions, civil society, Congress, the justice sector, and development partners in observance of International Anti-Corruption Day.

CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc opened the forum by framing corruption as a direct attack on human dignity and a betrayal of public service.

“Today’s forum is a solemn reminder that integrity in public service is not just good governance; it is a defense of human dignity,” Palpal-latoc said.

“Corruption has real victims. When public resources meant for hospitals, schools, and social protection are lost, diverted, or misused, it is the poorest and most vulnerable who pay the price. Corruption weakens trust, deepens inequality, and threatens the very system meant to safeguard human rights.”

In his keynote address, CHR Commissioner Beda A. Epres called for a shift in anti-corruption efforts — from technical compliance to a rights-based approach that centers on citizen empowerment.

“Let us commit to moving this fight from the shadows of bureaucratic reports into the bright light of human rights advocacy,” Epres said.

“Let us empower the citizens, protect the whistleblowers, and strengthen the institutions that are built to serve and not to profit. By making integrity our ethos and accountability our law, we can fulfill the promise of human rights for every person, everywhere.”

The first panel discussion, titled Integrity and Justice: Upholding Accountability in Public Office, featured Rep. Percival Cendaña of Akbayan Partylist and Atty. Sikini “Bok” Labastilla of Taong Bayan Action for Participatory, Accountable, and Transparent Governance.

Cendaña advocated for structural reform to break the cycle of political dynasties.

“I’d like to highlight as an important mechanism for good governance and accountability — a comprehensive anti-political dynasty law,” he said.

“So far, yung ni-file natin na version ay one of the most comprehensive for saying it should address both the fat and thin dynasty: bawal ‘yung sabay-sabay, bawal ‘yung succession na ipinapamana, bawal din ‘yung sabay tatakbo… If you look at those involved in the corruption scandals, either bahagi sila ng political dynasty or may matinding koneksyon sa political dynasty.”

The second panel, Systems of Transparency: Oversight, Budget, and Citizen Participation, featured Assistant Commissioner Alexander Juliano of the Commission on Audit, investigative journalist Ma. Salvacion “Inday” Espina-Varona, and Rep. Renee Co of Kabataan Partylist.

Espina-Varona stressed that access to information, transparency in asset declarations, and whistleblower protections are essential for media and civil society to challenge corruption.

“For us media, importanteng importante ang Freedom of Information Bill,” she said.

“And that is not just for us. It can help every CSO out there to get the information they need. Kung gusto natin ng pagbabago, para tayong pupunta sa giyera na walang mapa kung wala tayong tamang impormasyong makukuha. Pang-alawa, ang SALN napakahalaga. Kailangan ma-consolidate sa isang lugar lang na makikita ng lahat… Matik sana ‘yan. Number 3, whistle blower… there could not be silence.”

The forum concluded with a collaborative workshop that produced the Citizens’ Declaration Against Corruption, a manifesto promoting transparency, civic participation, and accountability in governance.

“We urge you to actively engage in governance: scrutinize public budgets, monitor procurement processes, track the implementation of government programs, and empower communities to understand their rights,” the declaration reads.

“Demand full transparency and accountability from public officials. Insist that every peso of public funds be used for its intended purpose and that those who betray public trust — regardless of position or political affiliation — are held to account through fair and independent processes.”

The CHR said the forum outcomes and the declaration will guide its ongoing advocacy and policy work on anti-corruption as a core human rights issue.