CHR Marks 38 Years of Upholding Human Rights

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) commemorated its 38th founding anniversary on May 5, 2025, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to protecting human dignity and promoting human rights across the Philippines.

Under the leadership of the 6th Commission en banc, CHR continues to champion the rights of every Filipino, with particular emphasis on marginalized and vulnerable sectors.

This year’s anniversary theme, “Layag: Komisyong Nagbubuklod sa Agos ng Pagbabago, Sama-samang Itinataguyod ang Karapatang Pantao,” highlights CHR’s collective efforts to adapt to change, expand reach, and improve service delivery.

Among its key milestones was the completion of Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan (LAKARAN), a nationwide human rights education campaign that reached all 16 regions, culminating in the National Capital Region.

LAKARAN sought to deepen grassroots awareness of fundamental rights and the role of human rights in daily life.

The CHR also concluded a Public Inquiry on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), tackling issues such as red-tagging, due process, and the urgent need for protective mechanisms for civil society advocates.

“Ginugunita natin ang bawat effort na patuloy na binubuhos ng ating mga ka-CHR sa gitna ng malalaking pagbabago sa ating human rights landscape sa bansa,” said CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc.

He added, “Naglalakbay tayo nang sabay-sabay para isapuso ang ating ambisyon tungo sa pagtataguyod ng dignidad ng bawat Pilipino.”

(We honor every effort continuously poured in by our fellow CHR members amidst the significant changes in the country’s human rights landscape. United, we embrace our ambition to uphold the dignity of every Filipino.)

Institutionally, CHR marked improvements in quality and access, with 80% of its regional offices now ISO 9001:2015 certified, reflecting upgraded standards in public service delivery.

The launch of MISMO, CHR’s digital portal for filing complaints and requests, represents a major step toward full digitalization aimed at increasing transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement.

CHR also pioneered its first training on the Human Rights-Based Approach to Reporting, aimed at equipping journalists with the tools to handle sensitive stories with fairness and ethical rigor.

Looking ahead, the Commission remains focused on strengthening systems and fostering a culture of human rights awareness nationwide.

Commissioner Beda A. Epres urged CHR staff to continue serving with integrity and compassion.

Commissioner Faydah M. Dumarpa emphasized the agency’s Quality Policy—promptness, excellence, responsiveness, and accessibility.

Commissioner Monina Arevalo-Zenarosa described CHR personnel as the “wind” that propels the Commission’s “layag” or sail toward more compassionate public service.

Commissioner Maria Amifaith S. Fider-Reyes praised the quiet but impactful work of CHR employees, from backroom support to frontline services and institutional reforms.

Since its creation in 1987 under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the CHR has served as an independent body mandated to investigate human rights violations and promote awareness of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.