S E N A T E  
, .  
s. No. 
Introduced by Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to make human rights subjects a mandatory part of the 
curriculum of all educational institutions in the country. 
The need for human rights education comes timely with the raging debate over 
the death penalty which is a human rights issue. It is a matter that should be 
discussed in the classrooms if we are to have a well-informed citizenry that is 
aware of and sensitive to the human rights of the victim of a crime and the,accused 
who is criminally charged with its commission. 
Various sectors in society, the Church included, have acknowledged the urgent 
need for human rights to be discussed with the young citizens of this country. 
It is high time, therefore, that the value of human rights must be inculcated in 
our youth. 
The suibject "Human Rights" is being taught by' schools in the Philippines only 
on a voluntary basis. 
Article XIV, Section 3(1& 2) of the 1987 Constitution provides: 
"(1) All educational institutions shall include the study of the 
Constitution as part of the curricula." 
"(2) They shall inculcate patriotism, foster love of humanity, respect 
for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical 
development of the country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, 
strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and 
personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden 
scientific and tecbological knowledge, and promote efficiency." 
Moreover, the Constitution empowers and mandates the Commission on 
Human Rights as provided in Article XIII, Section 18 (5) and (6), to do the 
following: 
"(5) Establish a continuing program of research, education, and 
information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights." 
"(6) Recommend to Congress effective measures to promote human 
rights and to provide for compensation to victims of violations of human 


, 
rights, or their families." 
In its Resolution 49/184 dated December 23,1994, the United Nations General 
Assembly proclaimed the ten-year period beginning January 1,1995 as the United 
Nations Decade for Human Rights Education. 
To implement the aforesaid constitutional provisions more effectively, and in 
observance of the U.N. Decade for Human Rights Education, this bill is being filed 
to make the teaching of human rights a mandatory part of the curriculum of all 
educational institutions. 
' 
The passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
AGUILINO Q. PIMENTEL, JR. 


13t" Congress of the Republic 
) 
of the Philippines 
) 
"04 ,$JN 30 
2 1  
First Regular Session 
) 
IS5 
S. No. 
Introduced by Senator Aquilino Q. Pirnentel, Jr. 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING THE TEACHING OF HUMAN RIGHTS AS 
MANDATORY IN ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS 
SECTION 1. All public and private schools shall include human rights 
courses in their curricula. No school shall be established or allowed to operate 
unless this requirement is complied with. 
SEC. 2. The Department of Education, in consultation with the Commission 
on Human Rights, shall formulate courses on human rights to be taught as 
separate courses or incorporated in existing subjects now being taught in all levels 
of education throughout the country. 
SEC. 3. The Department of Education, shall also consult and coordinate 
with the Commission on Human Rights in the writing, printing and publication of 
textbooks, manuals and other reading materials to be used in the human rights 
courses. 
SEC. 4. This Act shall be implemented initially within the framework of the 
budget of the Department of Education, for the year it is enacted into law. As far 
as practicable, the funds required therefor shall be drawn from its appropriations 


, 
for policy formulation, program planning, standards development and 
instructional materials development. 
Thereafter, such amounts as may be necessary for the implementation of 
this Act shall be included in the budget of the Department of Education, in the 
annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 5. The Department of Education, in consultation with the Commission 
on Human Rights, shall, within six (6) months from the approval of this Act, 
prepare the implementing rules and regulations necessary to carry out the 
provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its publication 
in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,