,
o( tlje 'i fiaif
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
S. No
SENATE
2487
23 NOV 14 P3 21
RtCEiVLD BV
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (CHR) AS A 
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTION (NHRI) AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution, Art. II, Sec. 11 provides that the "State values the dignity of 
every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights." Art. XIII, Sections 
17, 18, and 19 provides for the creation of a Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
The CHR is an independent office created under the 1987 Constitution and 
constituted on May 5, 1987 via Executive Order No. 163, s. 1987, for the protection 
and promotion of the human rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as 
Filipinos residing abroad, regarded under international human rights law as the 
country's National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), the CHR plays a vital role in the 
protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, and 
in addressing discrimination in all its forms and to bridge the gap between the rights 
of an individual and the obligations and responsibilities of the State to respect, 
protect, and fulfill the same as enshrined in international human rights instruments.
The international political climate is marked by rapid globalization, technological 
advancements, and shifting geopoiiticai landscapes. In this dynamic environment, the 
protection of human rights becomes increasingly crucial. This proposed Senate bill 
seeks to provide a comprehensive charter for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)


in the Philippines, recognizing the vital role of the CHR in safeguarding the rights and 
dignity of individuals, especially those with least access to resources and protection.
In its thirty-six years of existence, the CHR has experienced various triumphs 
and challenges through several legislations and series of judicial interpretations of its 
Constitutional mandate. As the human rights situation of the Philippines is always an 
issue, the CHR is limited from exercising its full potential in becoming fully compliant 
to the requirements of the Paris Principles or the "Principles Relating to the Status of 
National Human Rights Institutions."
These limitations, however, do not preclude Congress from granting the CHR 
"such other powers and functions" to investigate other cases of violations of human 
rights that should fall within the authority of the Commission.
The CHR must be strong and independent to effectively fulfill Its mandate. 
Independence is crucial to ensure that the CHR can carry out its responsibilities 
without undue influence from political or external pressures. A strong and independent 
CHR is better equipped to investigate human rights violations objectively, hold 
perpetrators accountable, and advocate for systemic changes to prevent future 
abuses.
This bill seeks to strengthen the CHR by providing an effective and expanded 
structural, operational, and functional independence, in order to meet the minimum 
requirement under the Principles Relating to the Status of National Human Rights 
Institutions or the (Paris Principles). It also guarantees the CHR's full fiscal autonomy 
to ensure prompt, immediate, and unrestricted discharge of its functions. It defines 
the general powers and functions of the Commission, with full authority to act on a 
complaint or motu proprio, in all cases of human rights violations. In addition, it vests 
the CHR with the power to issue injunctive reliefs and legal measures.
The country needs a CHR that is truly independent and with full fiscal 
autonomy. Today, more than ever, we need a more active CHR, one that is not 
strapped to the task of investigation or that cannot recognize cases of human rights 
violations other than those involving civil and political rights. We need a CHR that can


address the challenge of protecting and promoting the human rights of all, especially 
the vulnerable, the disadvantaged, and the marginalized sectors of society.
In conclusion, the proposed charter for the CHR is a significant step towards 
reinforcing the protection of human rights in the Philippines, aligning with the global 
commitment to fostering a world where the dignity and rights of every individual are 
upheld.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2487
of thug?'-. : ft.i t.!'
23 NOV 14 P3 :21
RECEIVED BV.
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
1 
AN ACT
2 
STRENGTHENING THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (CHR) AS A
3 
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTION (NHRI) AND FOR OTHER
4 
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
5 
SEC. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Commission on Human
6 
Rights (CHR) Charter Act of 2023."
7 
SEC. 2. State Policy on Human Rights. - The State values the dignity of
8 
every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights. It shall give highest
9 
priority to the enactment of measures that respect, protect, and fulfill the right of all
10 
people to human dignity at all stages of human life.
11 
SEC. 3. Definition of Human Rights. - Human rights are the supreme,
12 
universal, inherent, and inalienable rights to life, dignity, and self-development of
13 
every person regardless of race, sex and gender, nationality, ethnicity, language,
14 
religion, or any other status. These rights include those guaranteed by the Philippine
15 
Constitution, domestic laws, and international human rights instruments such as, but
16 
not limited to the international bill of rights, i.e., the Universal Declaration of Human
17 
Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International
1


1 
Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights; and all other existing and future
2 
human rights instruments to which the Philippines is a State Party.
3 
SEC. 4. The Commission as an Independent Office. - The independence
4 
of the Commission on Human Rights, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, shall
5 
always be respected and upheld. The Commission shall enjoy full fiscal autonomy.
6 
Appropriations for the Commission shall not be reduced and shall be automatically
7 
and regularly released.
8 
SEC. 5. The Commission as a Nationai Human Rights Institution. -
9 
The Commission is the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) of the Philippines in
10 
accordance with the Principies Reiating to the Status of Nationai Institutions (Paris
11 
Principies) and other United Nations (UN) Resolutions and Instruments pertaining to
12 
the effective functioning of NHRIs. As such, the State and all its agents shall ensure
13 
and respect the compliance of the Commission with the Paris Principles.
14 
SEC. 6. The Commission En Banc as a Coiiegiai Body. - The Commission
15 
en banc, as a collegial body, is responsible for the promulgation of policies, decisions,
16 
orders, and resolutions necessary for the efficient administration of the Commission
17 
and for proper execution of its constitutional mandate. Every policy, decision, order,
18 
or resolution of the Commission must bear the concurrence and signature of a
19 
majority of the Members.
20 
In the exercise of its powers and functions, the Commission shall sit and render
21 
its decision en banc, unless otherwise provided in an internal resolution, adopted by
22 
the Commission en banc. The Commission shall meet regularly. A majority of the
23 
Members shall constitute a quorum.
24 
SEC. 7. The Commission, Composition, and Qualifications. - The
25 
Commission shall be composed of a Chairperson and four (4) Members who must be:
26 
a.) natural-born citizens of the Philippines;


b.) at least thirty-five years of age at the time of their appointment;
2
3
c.) with proven probity, integrity, and competence in the field of human rights 
work;
4
5
d.) must not have been convicted by final judgment of any crime involving 
moral turpitude, and
6
7
e.) must not have been candidates for any elective position in the national 
elections immediately preceding their appointment.
8 
A majority thereof shall be members of the Philippine Bar, who have been
9 
engaged in the practice of law for at least ten years. The composition must observe
10 
gender-balanced and pluralist representation, which shall be in accordance with the
11 
Paris Principles.
12 
SEC. 8. Appointment and Term of Office of the Chairperson and
13 
Members of the Commission. - The Chairperson and Members of the Commission
14 
shall be appointed by the President for a term of seven years without reappointment.
15 
Of those first appointed under the enactment of this Charter, the Chairperson
16 
shall hold office for seven (7) years, two Members for six (6) years and the other two
17 
Members for five (5) years. The term of the Chairperson and Members shall start on
18 
the day immediately after the end of the previous one, regardless of the date of
19 
appointment. In no case shall any Chairperson or Member be appointed, reappointed,
20 
or designated in a temporary, part-time, or acting capacity. Appointment to any
21 
vacancy occurring during the term shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term
22 
of the predecessor.
23
Vacancies in the offices of the Chairperson and of the Commissioners shall be


1 
filled within ninety (90) days from its occurrence. However, the incumbent Chair or
2 
Member shall hold the position until such time appointment was made by President
3 
for the same position
4 
SEC. 9. Selection Process for the Chairperson and Members of the
5 
Commission. - The sitting Chairperson and the Members of the Commission shall
6 
act as the Selection Committee for the appointment of the new Chairperson and four
7 
(4) Members of the Commission.
8 
The Selection Committee shall convene immediately, as soon as vacancy exists
9 
or when the term of the current Commission Members ends within six (6) months or
10 
when an impending vacancy occurs. The Committee shall develop its own rules of
11 
procedures for the selection of nominees for the position of Chair and Commissioners,
12 
in accordance with requirements of an open, transparent, and merit-based selection
13 
process, as mandated by the Paris Principles. The conduct of consultations with
14 
human rights organizations and other relevant stakeholders for the selection of the
15 
new members of the Commission En Banc shall form part of the rules and procedures.
16 
SEC. 10. Prohibition and Disqualification. - The Chairperson and Members
17 
of the Commission shall not, during their tenure, hold any other office or employment.
18 
Neither shall they engage in the practice of any profession or in the active
19 
management or control of any business, which in any way may be affected by the
20 
functions of their office, nor shall they be financially interested, directly or indirectly,
21 
in any contract with, or in any franchise or privilege granted by the Government and
22 
its subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, including government-owned or
23 
controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.
24 
They shall avoid conflict of interest in the conduct of their office. They shall not
25 
be allowed to appear or practice before the Commission within one year following the
26 
completion of their term of office, resignation, or any other manner of separation from
27 
office.


1 
No spouse, common-law partner, or relative by consanguinity or affinity within
2 
the fourth civil degree, or business or professional partner of the Chairperson or
3 
Members, may transact business directly or indirectly with the Chairperson or its
4 
Members, or appear as counsel or agent of a party in any matter pending before the
5 
Commission.
6 
These prohibition and disqualification shall apply during the tenure of the
7 
official concerned and one year thereafter.
8 
SEC. 11. Salary, Retirement, and Other Privileges of the Chairperson
9 
and Members. - The Chairperson and Members of the Commission shall receive the
10 
same saiary, retirement, privileges, and benefits as Court of Appeals Justices, and
11 
their salaries shall not be decreased during their term of office.
12 
Upon the death of a retired Chairperson or Member, the surviving iegitimate
13 
spouse shall be entitled to receive, on a monthly basis, all the retirement benefits that
14 
the deceased retiree was receiving at the time of his or her death under the provisions
15 
of applicable retirement laws. The surviving legitimate spouse shall continue to receive
16 
such retirement benefits during his or her lifetime or until he or she remarries.
17 
SEC. 12. Structural Organization. - The Commission shall have the
18 
following offices in the Central Office: Office of the Chairperson; Offices of the
19 
Commissioners; Office of the Executive Director; Office of the Commission Secretary;
20 
Pianning and Management Office; General Administration Office; Financiai
21 
Management Office; separate offices for the performance of its powers and functions,
22 
which shali include but not limited to offices for human rights protection services,
23 
human rights education and training services, human rights prevention and visitorial
24 
services, human rights policy advisory services; regional and provincial offices and
25 
such other offices as the Commission may establish in accordance with its functions.
26
The Commission shall have regional offices in every region, each of which shall


1 
be headed by a Regional Director and each shall have their own office building. The
2 
regional offices will include the geographically grouped regional offices and the
3 
Cordillera Administrative Region. The National Capital Region shall be divided into four
4 
(4) districts each shall also be headed by a Regional Director.
5 
The Commission shall also have a provincial office in every province. These
6 
Provincial Offices shall be under the direct supervision of the Regional Office having
7 
territorial jurisdiction over them.
8 
The authority and responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the
9 
Commission and for the discharge of its powers and functions shall be vested in the
10 
Commission En Banc, who shall have supervision and control of the said office.
11 
The Commission may affect changes in the organization as the need arises,
12 
Provided, that such reorganization shall be funded out of the personnel services
13 
appropriation of the Commission.
14 
SEC. 13. Privileges and Emoluments of Commission Officials and
15 
Employees. - All officials and employees of the Commission shall receive
16 
emoluments and privileges, which shall not be less than those given to their
17 
counterparts in Constitutional Commissions.
18 
SEC. 14. Powers and Functions of the Commission. - The Commission
19 
shall promote and protect all human rights, including civil, political, economic, social,
20 
and cultural rights, and shall have the following general powers and functions:
21
22
(a) Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of violations 
of human rights;
23
24
(b) Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure and cite for 
contempt any person for violations thereof or its lawful orders and, for this


purpose, the Rules of Court shall have suppletory application;
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
(c) Provide appropriate legal and preventive measures, which include but not 
limited to the following:
1. legal assistance and counseling to victims;
2. directing concerned government agencies in giving protection to victims 
of human rights violations;
3. issuing cease and desist orders;
4. Petition the Court for Writ of habeas corpus, Writ of Amparo, Writ of 
Habeas Data, Writ of Kaiikasan, and any other protective writs, in behalf of 
the victims of human rights violations; and
5. Issue continuing mandamus for the protection of human rights of all 
persons within the Philippines,
13
14
15
16
(d) Provide legal aid services to the underprivileged whose human rights have 
been violated or need protection. Clients needing legal assistance/ 
representation may also be referred to the Public Attorney's Office or Legal Aid 
Offices, as may be necessary and appropriate;
17
18 
19
(e) Exercise unannounced, unhampered, unrestricted visits over jails, prisons, 
camps, custodial/detention or confinement facilities, safe houses, and similar 
places of deprivation of liberty;
20
21
22
23
24
25
26 
27
(f) Establish a continuing program of research, education, and information to 
enhance respect for the primacy of human rights. The CHR shall coordinate 
with DepED, CHED, the Philippine Judicial Academy, the Legal Education Board, 
and other State Colleges and Universities to ensure the objective of above 
stated;
(g) Recommend to Congress effective measures to promote and protect human 
rights;


1
2
3
4
5
(h) Recommend effective measures to provide for compensation to victims of 
violations of human rights, or their families;
(i) Monitor the Philippine government's compliance with international treaty 
obligations on human rights;
6
7
(j) Report to international human rights mechanism on all aspects relating to 
government's compliance to its treaty obligations;
8
9
10
(k) Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony or 
possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to 
determine the truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its authority;
11
12
(I) Request the assistance of any department, bureau, office, or agency in the 
performance of its functions;
13
14
(m) Call on government departments, bureaus, offices, or agencies to comply 
with its obligations under the international human rights obligations;
15
16
17
18
(n) Perform its Gender and Child Ombud roles, as well as to ensure that the 
status, rights, and interests of the marginalized and vulnerable sectors, are 
upheld in accordance with the Constitution, laws, and international instruments 
on human rights;
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
(o) Issue human rights advisories, positions papers / opinion on all matters 
affecting the human rights of all persons, directed to concerned agencies of 
government for their consideration and implementation;
(p) Issue Human Rights Clearances and Certificates of No Pending Human 
Rights Case;


1 
(q) Appoint its officers and employees in accordance with law; and
2 
(r) Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.
3 
SEC. 15. Investigative Powers and Functions. - The Commission shall
4 
investigate, on complaint or on its own, cases of human rights violations. In the
5 
exercise of its investigative function, the Commission shall:
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
(a) Act promptly on reports or complaints, filed in any form, by any individual 
or organization. Findings of human rights violations shall include 
recommendations for appropriate remedies, and referral to proper 
government agencies for the filing of administrative, criminal, or civil actions. 
The recommendations may include proposals for legislative, administrative, or 
judicial reforms. The investigation and other proceedings conducted by any 
administrative, judicial, or quasi-judicial bodies shall not bar the investigation 
of the Commission on allegations of human rights violations and findings by 
the Commission must be given weight;
15
16
(b) Investigate alleged violations of human rights, international humanitarian 
law, and anti-terrorism law violations, as provided in pertinent laws;
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
(c) Compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence, to 
place the witness under oath or affirmation, issue subpoenas, and take 
testimony in any investigation or inquiry conducted by the Commission or any 
of its offices;
(d) Conduct forensic and medical sciences in making findings of human rights 
violations, including but not the limited to: collection of physical evidence from 
locations relevant to its investigation; assessment of living victims of human 
rights violations to determine their physical and mental well-being; and 
conduct independent examination of the remains of alleged victims to
9


1
2
3
4
document any injury and to determine cause and manner of death. Pursuant 
thereto, the Commission shall have the authority to exhume and conduct 
autopsy on the aforesaid human remains, subject to the consent of the family 
of the deceased, if applicable;
5
6 
7
(e) Provide psychosocial support, which includes but not limited to referral to 
primary heaith care centers with existing mentai health programs to victims 
of human rights violations as weil as human rights defenders under threat;
8
9
10
11
12
(f) Ensure provision of compensation for victims of human rights violations or 
their famiiies, as appropriate and proportional to the gravity of the violation 
and the circumstances of each case, resulting from gross vioiations of 
international human rights iaw and serious vioiations of internationai 
humanitarian law;
13
14
15
16
17
18
(g) Provide safety to witnesses, as well as human rights defenders under 
threat. For this purpose, the Commission shail implement and manage a 
Witness Protection Service, which will provide security, sheiter, relocation, and 
iiveiihood assistance to witnesses and their famiiies, untii such time the threat 
ceases, or when the case can be endorsed to the Depart of Justice and the 
witness, or person under threat qualifies for the latter's protection service.
19
20 
21 
22
The funding for the provision of compensation and for the Witness Protection 
Service shall be taken from the current year's appropriation of the 
Commission. Thereafter, the funding requirement shall be included in the 
annual GAA.
23
24
25
(h) Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony or 
possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to 
determine the truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its authority;
10


1
2
3
4
(i) Cite for contempt of any person for violating the Commission's Rules of 
Procedures and lawful orders. In matters concerning contempt, the Rules of 
Court shall apply suppletory to the Rules of Procedures of the Commission; 
and
5 
(j) Perform such other powers and functions as may be necessary or incidental
6 
for the effective exercise or conduct of its investigative powers.
7
8 
SEC. 16. Visitoria! powers. - The Commission or its duly authorized
9 
representatives are hereby mandated and authorized to conduct regular,
10 
independent, unannounced, unhampered, and unrestricted visits to or inspection of
11 
all places of deprivation of liberty.
12 
"Places of deprivation of liberty" refer to any place of detention, imprisonment,
13 
confinement, or the placement of a person in a public or private custodial or
14 
rehabilitative setting under or within the jurisdiction and control of the Philippines
15 
where persons are or may be deprived of their liberty by virtue of an order given by
16 
a public authority, at his/her instigation, or with his/her consent or acquiescence.
17 
SEC. 17. Scope of Legal Measures. - In order to strengthen the exercise of
18 
its investigatory power, the Commission, including its Regional and Provincial/District
19 
Offices, may issue the following legal measures as well as provisional remedies, which
20 
shall include, but not limited to:
21
22
23
(a) Mandatory Protection Orders (MPOs) directing government security forces 
and other government agencies or private institutions to provide specific 
protection to victims of and witnesses to human rights violations;
24
(b) Petition for the protection of the rights persons, such as:
25
26
1. Temporary liberty for medical examination, especially for sick 
and / or pregnant persons deprived of liberty; and
11


1
2
3
2. Such other legal remedies to correct government actions that 
encroach on or have the threat to violate human rights, such as 
petitions for certiorari, mandamus, and declaratory relief;
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
(c) Other remedies in relation to the protection of the rights of children such 
as, but not limited to:
1. Actions for protective custody of minor-victims of violation of 
children's rights;
2. Petitions for involuntary commitment, in coordination with the 
concerned social work and development office; and
3. Petitions, motions, or pleadings to correct an error in the 
commitment, detention and/or taking of custody of children in conflict 
with the law (CICL);
(d) Mediation between parties on issues that are and can be subject to 
settlement.
16
17
18
19
20 
21
SEC. 18. Monitoring Functions. - In the exercise of its mandate to monitor the 
Government's compliance with its international human rights obligations, the 
Commission shall:
(a) Monitor and advise government on its responsibilities and obligations under 
international human rights treaties to which the Philippines is a signatory;
22
23
24
25
26
(b) Prepare its own independent reports to the UN, human rights treaty bodies, 
and other international human rights mechanisms, including the Universal 
Periodic Review and special procedures mechanisms, in relation to its 
monitoring of government's compliance with its international human rights 
obligation;
12


1
2
3
(c) Make the appropriate recommendations to the concerned government 
agency with regard to requests for official visits of Special Procedures mandate- 
holders and other treaty and charter-based mechanisms;
4
5
(d) Recommend ratification of, or accession to, international human rights 
instruments, and ensure their implementation;
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 
17
(e) Conduct inquiries on the manner of implementation by the Government of 
specific human rights obligations;
(f) Request the cooperation of any public offidai on the measures undertaken 
by his or her agency to comply with the State's international human rights 
obiigations;
(g) Coordinate with relevant government agencies in terms of its compliance 
with international human rights obligations; and
(h) Undertake other activities as may be necessary in the conduct of its 
monitoring and reporting function as an NHRI.
18 
SEC. 19. Other Monitoring Functions. - The Commission shail also monitor
19 
observance by non-state actors of human rights obligations arising from international
20 
and domestic laws or agreements entered into with the government, as well as
21 
unilateral declarations and similar undertakings.
22 
Violations of human rights committed by non-state actors that may be subject
23 
of the Commission's monitoring functions shall include, but not limited to:
24
25
(a) Those committed by rebel groups in relation to international humanitarian 
law;
13


1
2
3
(b) Those committed by persons, both natural and juridical, in relation to 
economic, social, and cultural rights, such as but not limited to labor, 
environment, and demolition of houses; and
4
5
(c) Those committed by individuals in relation to vioiations of rights and 
protections of marginalized, disadvantaged, and vulnerable sectors.
6 
SEC. 20. Human Rights Education and Information. - The Commission
7 
shall establish a continuing program of education and information to enhance respect
8 
for the primacy of human rights through its education and promotion office, in iine
9 
with the 1987 Constitution, domestic laws, applicable treaty obligations of the
10 
Philippines, and the UN Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training.
11 
The Commission shall develop and implement a Human Rights Education and
12 
Training Program for law enforcement officers, education and training institutions,
13 
and other government agencies in coordination with the Department of the Interior
14 
and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of
15 
National Defense (DND), the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on
16 
Higher Education (CHED), Legal Education Board (LEB), Philippine Judicial Academy
17 
(PHIUA), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and ail other concerned
18 
agencies.
19 
Likewise, the Commission shall develop and implement a Human Rights
20 
Information Campaigns Program for civil society and the general public.
21 
SEC. 21. Human Rights Institute. The Commission shall establish a Human
22 
Rights Institute (HRI). It is an educational and training institute responsible for the
23 
promotion, and education of human rights and related fields, with in-house capability
24 
in these areas of specialization. The Institute shall focus on formal education programs
25 
and shall offer certificate courses on human rights and related-fields.
14


1 
SEC. 22. Functions of the Human Rights Institute. - The Institute shall
2 
have the following functions:
3
4
5
6
7
8
1. Serve as a training institute for investigators, prosecutors, justices, judges, 
lawyers, and other human rights workers in government and civil society human 
rights organizations on human rights and related issues. For this purpose, it 
shall provide and implement curricula on human rights and shall conduct 
seminars, workshops, and other training programs designed to develop human 
rights knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors;
9
10
11
12
13
2. Receive income, legacies, and donations for the benefit of its Human Rights 
Institute or for its support or maintenance, which shall be exempt from the 
payment of taxes and other fees and charges of the government, its branches 
and subdivision, and which shall constitute a special fund to be administered 
and disbursed exclusive for the Institute;
14
15
16
3. Enter into consortiums agreements with other educational and training 
institutes for the development and implementation of its programs on human 
rights education; and
17
18 
19
4. Advise basic and higher education institutions and regulators on the teaching 
of human rights and related issues including recommending effective measures 
to promote human rights.
20 
SEC. 23. Annual Report - The Commission shall prepare and make public an
21 
annual report on the findings of its monitoring activities with regard to the status of
22 
the government's compliance with its international human rights treaty obligations.
23 
The report shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
24
25
(a) Recommendations for legal, legislative, and institutional reforms for the 
greater promotion and protection of human rights; and
15


1
2
3
(b) Adoption and implementation by the concerned government agency of the 
recommendations on the protection and promotion of human rights contained 
in the Commission's policy issuances and case and investigation resolutions.
4 
The Commission shall directly submit its annual report to the Office of the
5 
President, and the House of Representatives and the Senate, for consideration of the
6 
corresponding recommendations and if necessary, conduct public hearings pursuant
7 
to said report.
8 
SEC. 24. Financial Assistance Program. - The Commission may provide
9 
financial assistance to victims of human rights violations and their families through a
10 
Financial Assistance Program.
11 
The funds necessary for the initial implementation of the Financial Assistance
12 
Program shall be taken from the current year's appropriation of the Commission.
13 
Thereafter, the funding requirement shall be included in the annual General
14 
Appropriations Act.
15 
SEC. 25. Legal Assistance Program. - The Commission shall maintain a
16 
Legal Assistance Program to benefit underprivileged victims of human rights
17 
violations, which may be in coordination with human rights organizations and lawyers'
18 
groups, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Public Attorney's Office, and
19 
Philippine law schools.
20 
SEC. 26. Protection of Filipinos Abroad. - The Commission shall undertake
21 
measures for the protection and promotion of human rights of Filipinos living abroad
22 
in coordination and cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, or deputize
23 
Philippine Embassy or Consulate officers, resident private individuals of known probity
24 
and active involvement in human rights, or foreign-based human rights and migrant
25 
workers' non- government organizations in countries where the incidence of human
26 
rights violations against Filipinos is widespread and commonplace, including
16


1 
traditional host countries of overseas Filipino workers.
2 
The Commission may establish multilateral relationships with other national
3 
human rights institutions for the protection of human rights of Filipinos.
4 
SEC. 27. Security of Data. - All documentation and information collected by
5 
the Commission shall be kept strictly confidential, unless the Commission decides
6 
otherwise in relation to a particular document: Provided, That no sensitive
7 
information, whether personal or otherwise, shall be published without the express
8 
consent of the individual or authority concerned: Provided further, That this provision
9 
shall be in accordance with all applicable existing and future laws, particularly, but
10 
not limited to, the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Publication of sensitive information
11 
without the express consent of the individual or authority concerned will be dealt with
12 
accordingly, which may include, but will not be limited to, being penalized under the
13 
Data Privacy Act of 2012.
14 
SEC. 28. Protection from Criminal and Administrative Liability. - Any
15 
act/s made pursuant to the functions and powers conferred upon the Commission
16 
under this Act and other applicable laws, or in respect of any publication by, or under
17 
the authority of the Commission, of any report, proceeding, or any other matter under
18 
this Act, shall not be a ground for action, suit or other legal proceeding against any
19 
member or staff of the Commission.
20 
Any legal action filed to harass, vex, exert undue pressure, or stifle any legal
21 
recourse that any member, or staff of the Commission has taken, or may take, in the
22 
performance of their functions, under this Act and other applicable laws, if proven in
23 
court to have been filed for any of the aforementioned purposes, be immediately
24 
dismissed with prejudice and the court may award damages, attorney's fees, and
25 
costs of suit under a counterclaim if such has been filed.
26
SEC. 29. Franking Privilege. - The Commission may transmit through
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1 
ordinary mail and/or registered mail with return card, free of charge, all official
2 
communications and papers directly connected with the conduct of its duties,
3 
functions, or the exercise of administrative supervision over its personnel.
4 
SEC. 30. Financial Report. - The Commission shall make available to the
5 
public its annual financial statements and related financial reports as required by
6 
governing oversight agencies.
7 
SEC. 31. Appropriations. - In addition to the regular appropriations of the
8 
Commission, the sum of Two Billion Three Hundred Forty-Six Million Pesos
9 
(P2,346,000,000.00) for the initial implementation of this Act shall be included in the
10 
annual General Appropriations Act (GAA), in the year following its enactment into law.
11 
Thereafter, such sums, as may be necessary for the full implementation of this Act,
12 
shall be included in the annual GAA.
13 
SEC. 32. Transitory Provisions. - Nothing in this Act shall prejudice the
14 
positions, emoluments, security of tenure, qualifications, privileges, and benefits of
15 
the incumbent Chairperson and Members of the Commission, and the officers and
16 
employees of the Commission upon its effectivity. However, officials and employees
17 
of the Commission, in aid of its reorganization upon the effectivity of this Act, may
18 
avail of an early retirement program as may be provided for by the Commission.
19 
SEC. 33. Implementing Rules and Regulation. - The Commission shall,
20 
within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, formulate the implementing rules
21 
and regulations in the exercise of its general, investigative, monitoring, education,
22 
and advocacy powers and functions in consultation with other concerned government
23 
agencies and stakeholders.
24 
SEC. 34. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act or part
25 
hereof be declared unconstitutional, the other provisions or parts not affected thereby
26 
shall remain valid and effective.
18


1 
SEC. 35. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances, or
2 
portions thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby
3 
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
4 
SEC. 36. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15)
5 
days from its complete publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
6 
Approved,
19