CHR urges swift passage of independent CHR Charter

The Commission on Human Rights has released an official position paper supporting the swift passage of a strong and independent CHR Charter, as proposed in several pending House bills, saying the measure is urgent and necessary to reinforce the commission’s mandate and independence in line with international standards.

In its paper, the CHR recognized the support of the House of Representatives and underscored the urgency of enacting a legislated charter to firmly entrench the commission’s mandate, independence, and operational foundations.

The CHR said effective human rights protection requires institutions that remain steadfast regardless of political transitions or shifting priorities, adding that a commission reinforced by a robust charter serves as a guardian of the people, particularly those with the least access to justice.

For nearly four decades, the CHR said it has operated without a legislated charter and has relied on the 1987 Philippine Constitution and Executive Order No. 163, s. 1987 for its creation and operating framework.

While those instruments grounded the CHR’s establishment, the commission argued they do not provide the full guarantees required of a modern, effective, and internationally compliant national human rights institution.

The CHR said this gap has been repeatedly raised by the United Nations through mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review, U.N. treaty bodies, and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, which have called for a CHR Charter consistent with the Paris Principles.

The Paris Principles set minimum standards for national human rights institutions, including independence, pluralism, and effectiveness, and are used in accreditation assessments referenced by the CHR in its position paper.

The commission said it strongly supports core pillars reflected across the pending CHR Charter bills, including full fiscal autonomy, operational and policy independence, a broadened mandate covering all human rights, and a transparent, merit-based, and pluralist selection process for the chairperson and commissioners.

The CHR also called on lawmakers to further strengthen key provisions to ensure full alignment with the Paris Principles and preserve its “Status A” accreditation under GANHRI.

Among the most crucial elements the CHR emphasized were the automatic and regular release of appropriations, a transparent and pluralist selection process, and the expansion of the CHR’s mandate to include economic, social, and cultural rights alongside civil and political rights.

The proposed charter, the commission said, would also strengthen the CHR’s capacity to investigate violations, assist victims, and monitor state compliance with international human rights obligations, including by reinforcing visitorial powers and enhancing legal and preventive measures.

The CHR urged swift passage of the measure, saying a strong and independent commission remains indispensable to strengthening democratic institutions, safeguarding human rights, and upholding the dignity of every Filipino.

The position paper cited House Bill Nos. 349, 1433, 1798, 3041, 3934, 4835, and 4946 as among the measures seeking to establish a dedicated CHR Charter.

The CHR’s list of pending bills also included HB No. 349, filed by Rep. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong, and HB No. 1433, filed by Rep. Leila M. De Lima, both titled as acts strengthening the CHR as a national human rights institution.

Also cited were HB No. 1798, filed by Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez and Rep. Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr., HB No. 3041, filed by Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., HB No. 3934, filed by Rep. Bella Vanessa B. Suansing, HB No. 4835, filed by Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, and HB No. 4946, filed by Rep. Lorenz R. Defensor.

The release further listed HB No. 5853, filed by Reps. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, Andrew Julian K. Romualdez, and Jude A. Acidre, and HB No. 6164, filed by Rep. Giselle Mary L. Maceda.