Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10566
Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero 
    EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Constitution mandates the State to support Human Rights through 
appropriate technology and research, with adequate financial, and other support 
services. 
After the enactment of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which provides for 
the establishment of a Commission on Human Rights (CHR), EO No. 163 on 
May 5, 1987, was then ratified creating the Commission on Human Rights. 
The (CHR) was created as an independent office mandated to investigate 
complaints of human rights violations, promote the protection of respect for and 
the enhancement of the people's human rights including civil and political rights. 
This House Bill seeks to foster human rights as a protection and promotion of 
civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, eliminating discrimination 
in all its forms. Obligations and responsibilities of the State to respect, protect, 
and fulfill the same as cherished in international human rights instruments. 
This House Bill also sets a manifestation to the freedom of belief and of 
expression to be accorded due respect and be allowed to flourish. 
Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
July 1, 2024
10:25 am


MICHAEL L. ROMERO Ph.D.   


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10566 
Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero 
    AN ACT 
 PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE COMMISSION 
ON HUMAN RIGHTS (CHR), TO FOSTER THE TASK OF 
PROTECTING AND PROMOTING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF ALL, 
ESPECIALLY THE VULNERABLE, THE DISADVANTAGE, AND THE 
MARGINALIZED SECTORS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 
1. 
SHORT TITLE — This Act shall be known as the 
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) modernization Act of 2024. 
SECTION 
2. 
DECLARATION OF POLICY — It is a declared policy of 
the State in conformity with the mandate of the Constitution, to promote the 
human rights of all Filipinos. The State also hereby recognizes the 
complementary roles of the CHR and its contributions to the entire country. 
The CHR derives its mandates from the Constitution, relevant domestic laws, 
and the core International Human Rights Instruments to which the 


Philippines is a State Party, as well as other United Nations Human Rights 
Conventions newly enforced. 
Under Section 18, Article XIII of the Philippine Constitution, the state shall 
protect civil and political rights of citizens in the Philippines. Based on the 
Philippine Constitution, the commission has a broad mandate. 
 For these purposes, the State shall provide the mechanisms to improve 
awareness and unity by maximizing the use of all existing resources. recognizing 
in the process the government’s responsibility to instill these human rights as 
having priority over its other functions. 
SECTION 
3. 
HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION – Investigation and 
case management of complaints of violations, including all the powers and 
services in aid of investigation, of civil and political rights as well as economic, 
social, and cultural rights. Such powers and services include; 
a) citing for contempt for violations of its rules of procedure; legal 
aid and counseling;  
b) visitorial powers over jails and detention facilities;  
c) application of forensic techniques in aid of investigation; witness 
protection; and, financial assistance to victims. 
SECTION 
4. 
HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION - Human Rights 
Promotion, which includes the wide range of strategies for policy, advocacy, 
promotion, social mobilization, education, training, public information, 
communication, research, networking and linkage. 
SECTION 
5. 
HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY ADVISORY - derived from 
monitoring government's compliance with the treaty obligations that the 
Philippines has acceded to. 
 


SECTION 
6. 
MODERNIZATION FUNDING. – The amount of Two Billion 
Pesos (Php 2, 000,000,000.00) for the operation and administration of the 
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) shall be chargeable against funds for 
the purpose and other sources recommended by the Department of Budget 
and Management (DBM).  
 
Thereafter, appropriations for the (CHR), shall be included in the budget 
proposals under the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) 
 
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall rationalize the 
existing organizational structure and staffing pattern of the (CHR) in 
accordance with the prevailing provisions and relevant compensation and 
position classification laws, rules and regulations. 
Thereafter, the amount needed for the continued implementation of the 
modernization program shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act (GAA). 
SECTION 
7. 
Commission 
on 
Human 
Rights 
(CHR) 
MODERNIZATION FUND – There is hereby created the (CHR) Modernization 
Fund to be used exclusively for the (CHR) Modernization Program. 
The (CHR) Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Chairperson in 
accordance with existing government budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules 
and regulations. 
SECTION 
8. 
PROGRESS REPORT – The Chairperson of the (CHR) 
shall prepare an annual report on the status of the implementation of the 
Modernization Programs which shall be submitted, to the Office of the President. 
SECTION 
9. 
INCREASE OF PERSONNEL. – The (CHR) shall 
maintain a sufficient staffing pattern.  


Hence, it is authorized to increase its manpower to meet such required 
and may continue to increase personnel per percentage rate increase of 
committed mandates annually or as the need arises. 
SECTION 
10. 
PERIOD OF IMPLEMENTATION – The modernization 
program under this Act shall be implemented for an initial period of three (3) 
years:  
Provided, that payments for multi-year contract obligations incurred 
under this Act may extend beyond this period:  
Provided, further, That the (CHR) shall continue to develop, modernize and 
constantly update its operational capabilities to keep pace with best global 
practices. 
SECTION 
11. 
SUPERVISING AND ASSESSMENT CONCERNS. — 
the Office of the President, shall provide the necessary technical and 
financial assistance to ensure effective operations and build-up. 
SECTION 
12. 
Preservation of the Filipino Human Rights. - It is 
the duty of every citizen to preserve and conserve the Filipino Basic human 
rights and all its resources. The retrieval and conservation of Filipino human 
rights and its history shall be vigorously pursued. 
SECTION 
13. 
TRANSITORY 
PROVISION – 
Existing 
industries, 
businesses and offices affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given 
six (6) months transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or such other 
period as may be determined, to comply with the requirements of this Act. 
SECTION 14. 
PERIODIC REPORTS - The Chairperson of the (CHR) 
shall submit periodic reports on its findings and make recommendations on 
actions to be taken by the Office of the President and other appropriate 
departments, in order to carry out the objectives and mandates of this Act. 


SECTION 
15. 
AUTOMATIC REVIEW - Every three (3) years after the 
effectivity of this Act, an independent review panel composed of experts to be 
appointed by the President of the Republic shall review the policies and 
programs in the culture and arts sector and shall make recommendations, based 
on its findings. 
SECTION 
16. 
PENAL CLAUSE. – Any person, whether natural or 
juridical, violating any section of this Act shall, upon conviction, therefore, be 
liable to a fine of not less than five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) or 
imprisonment for a term not less than six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of 
the court for each and every violation. 
In case the violation is committed by a corporation or an association, the 
penalty shall devolve upon the president, director, or any other officer 
responsible for such violation. 
SECTION 
17. 
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. – The 
departments and agencies charged with carrying out the provisions of this Act 
shall, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, formulate the 
necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation. 
SECTION 
18. 
REPEALING CLAUSE. – All laws, decrees, executive 
orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions 
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 
19. 
SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. – If, for any reason, any 
section or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other 
sections or provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby. 
SECTION 
20. 
EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. – This Act shall take effect 
after fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two 
(2) national newspapers of general circulation whichever comes earlier.
Approved,