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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No._____ 
Introduced by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR. 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A BARANGAY HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION CENTER IN EVERY 
BARANGAY IN THE COUNTRY 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
 “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the 
breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7,KJV).  
It is submitted that there is no other right more precious than the human right to life, as 
God Himself formed man and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Human rights is 
defined as the supreme inherent and inalienable rights to life, to dignity, and to self-
development. It is concerned with issues in areas of civil, political rights, economic, social and 
cultural rights founded on internationally accepted human rights obligations to which the 
Philippine Government is state party. It is even enshrined in our highest law of the land, the 
1987 Constitution, that the State shall value the dignity of every person and guarantee full 
respect for human rights.1 Thus, the state has an obligation to protect and preserve human 
rights for the sake of present and for the generations yet unborn. 
In pursuance of this constitutional mandate, the local government units at the level of 
provinces, cities, municipalities and barangay are mandated to create among others, Human 
Rights Committee as one of the standing committees of their respected Sanggunian.2 The 
Committee is mandated to develop local policies and legislation that will address issues on 
human rights, rule of law and access to justice. Being the smallest local government unit, the 
barangay is in fact the government's front-line force in the local community's defense and 
safeguarding of human rights. Having Barangay Human Rights Action Center (BHRAC) across 
the country will give ordinary people the ability to take the initiative in advancing and 
defending human rights.  
In doing so, it guarantees the inclusion of human rights, the rule of law, and access to 
justice in local legislative and executive acts, as well as raise public awareness on human rights. 
1 Art. II, Sec. 1 1987 Philippine Constitution. 
2 Sec. 50, Local Governtment Code. 
November 30, 2023
1:50 pm
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Moreover, BHRAC will guide in understanding and using these supreme inherent and 
inalienable rights when needed especially those who are in grassroots level.  
For the foregoing reasons, the passage of the instant bill is earnestly sought. 
BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR. 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No._____ 
Introduced by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR. 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A BARANGAY HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION CENTER IN EVERY 
BARANGAY IN THE COUNTRY 
Be enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Barangay Human  Rights Action 
Center”(BHRAC) Act of 2023 
SEC. 2. Role and Creation of the Barangay Human Rights Action Center. There shall be 
established a Barangay Human Rights Action Center in every barangay in the country, 
amending for this purpose Book III on the Local Government Units of Republic Act No. 7160, 
otherwise known as the Local Government Code, by adding thereto another chapter to be 
known as:  
“Chapter XI - The Barangay Human Rights Action Center” 
The Center serves as the Human Rights Desk in the barangay to bring the services and 
programs of the Commission on Human Rights within the reach of the people, especially in the 
far-flung areas, and as a forum wherein the collective views on the human rights of the people 
may be expressed, crystallized and considered. The Center shall be manned by the Barangay 
Human Rights Action Officer (BHRAO).  
SEC. 3. Manner of Creation. The BHRAO shall be established by a resolution approved by 
the Sangguniang Barangay and the BHRAO shall be chosen or appointed by the Barangay 
Assembly called for the purpose by the Punong Barangay by a majority of those present. The 
voting shall be supervised by the City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officer and as 
a representative of the Regional Office and/or sub-office of the Commission on Human Rights 
where the barangay is located. The position of the BHRAO is non-political and independent and 
no elective or appointive or employee of the Government can be chosen as BHRAO.  
SEC. 4. Qualifications of the Barangay Human Rights Action Center. A person shall be 
appointed Barangay Human Rights Action Officer if he is:  
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a) At least 21 years of age;  
b) A high school graduate;  
c) Once elected, s/he mus not engage in partisan political activities; 
c) Of proven integrity, and  
d) Committed to the cause of Human Rights  
 
SEC. 5. Tenure and removal from Office of the BHRAO. The BHRAO duly chosen by the 
Barangay Assembly shall serve for a term of five (5) years without re-appointment unless 
sooner removed by the Barangay Assembly for causes provided by proceeding section, or by 
reason of death or resignation.  
 
SEC. 6. Removal from Office. The following are the grounds for removal of a BHRAO 
from office: 
 
a) Violation of human rights; 
b) Loss of Confidence, and 
c) Non-performance of functions. 
 
SEC. 6. Supervision. The Commission on Human Rights, shall immediately after the 
approval of this Act prepare and provide the Barangay with the implementing rules, guidelines 
and regulation necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. In coordination with the 
Barangay, the Commission on Human Rights shall supervise the operation and activities of the 
BHRAO. 
 
SEC. 7. Technical Assistance. The Commission on Human Rights joint with the National 
Youth Commission shall provide technical assistance in the training of the BHRAO’s and 
whenever possible, provide the barangay with training, seminars, and pertinent materials.  
 
SEC. 8. Legal Assistance. The Commission on Human Rights shall render legal advice on 
matters involving questions of law and help them to keep abreast with recent jurisprudence 
both on substantive and procedural matters to the BHRAO’s in the exercise of their functions as 
the voice of the voiceless and advocate of human rights in the barangay level. 
 
SEC. 9. Appropriation. This Act shall be initially implemented within the framework of 
the funds of the Barangay. As far as practicable, the funds required therefore shall be drawn 
from available funds of the city, municipal, or provincial governments, and from the 
appropriation of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for training and 
program planning. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the implementation of this 
Act shall be included in the budget of the Commission on Human Rights in the annual General 
Appropriation Act.  
 
SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional or 
invalid, the remaining provisions which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full 
force and effect. 


 
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SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, 
and other issuances, or parts thereof, contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby 
modified, amended, or repealed accordingly. 
 
SEC. 12. Effectivity. This Act shall be effect after fifteen (15) days from publication in at 
least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.