Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING HUMAN RIGHTS AS A SEPARATE AND SPECIALIZED SUBJECT 
IN BOTH BASIC AND HIGHER EDUCATION 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 18, subparagraph 5, Article XIII of the Constitution obliges the Commission on Human 
Rights (CHR) to “establish a continuing program of research education, and information to 
enhance respect for the primacy of human rights.” 
Subsequent legislation, such as Republic Act Nos. 6655 or the” Free Secondary Education Act”, 
9710 or the “Magna Carta of Women”, 9745 or the “Anti-Torture Act”, and 9262 or the “Anti-
Violence Against Women and their Children Act” also expressly mandate government agencies to 
teach human rights in schools and other training institutions.  
On top of these, various international human rights instruments, many of which are ratified by 
the Philippines, encourage State parties to provide for Human Rights Education (HRE). A 2012 
study commissioned by the CHR and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the 
state of HRE in the Philippines however, reported that HRE was only taught at an appreciation 
level with HRE only being incorporated in various existing subjects from Grade 1-12.  
Considering the numerous accounts of human rights violations, it is only apt that the State 
introduces measures to protect citizens against abuses. This measure is proposed to build a strong 
positive human right culture where everyone’s rights are fully protected and realized. This 
measure seeks to deepen the HRE and go beyond the appreciation level through the 
institutionalization of HRE as a separate and specialized subject in both basic and higher education 
curricula. 
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the 
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
September 7, 2022
8:00 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING HUMAN RIGHTS AS A SEPARATE AND SPECIALIZED SUBJECT 
IN BOTH BASIC AND HIGHER EDUCATION 
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 “Human Rights Education Act.” 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. – As an integral part of our Constitution, human right is a concept 
that all Filipinos must learn and practice if we are to survive as a modern democracy. As such our 
learning institutions must ensure that citizens are properly educated on the principles of human 
rights in both formal and non-formal settings. In furtherance thereof, it is hereby declared a policy 
of the State to require all educational institutions to teach human rights as a specialized subject 
taught separately and progressively throughout the basic and higher education programs.  
Sec. 3. Curriculum. – The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher 
Education (CHED) shall identify international human rights education, standards, and best 
practices for basic and higher education, respectively, and adopt, those that they may determine 
to be aligned with the existing State Policies and domestic conditions. Consistent with such 
standards and best practices, the DepEd and CHED, in consultation with the Commission on 
Human Rights, shall formulate the corresponding curricula and the course programs for human 
rights studies for basic and higher education that shall, at the minimum: 
1. Consist of teaching modules or course syllabi that cover an introduction to basic human
rights principles, such as equality, non-discrimination, human dignity, inclusion,
empowerment, environmental awareness, and respect for the rights of women, children,
indigenous peoples, Persons with Disability (PWDs), and of people with diverse sexual
orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE), and other marginalized or
vulnerable sectors;
2.
Focus on personal values, attitudes, and behaviors that promote personal responsibility
for respecting, upholding, and protecting human rights; and
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3. Provide practical information for protecting oneself from gender-based violence, child 
abuse, and exploitation.  
Sec. 4. Implementation Period. – The DepEd and CHED shall formulate and finalize their 
respective curricula within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act and implement the same 
within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act.  
 
Sec. 5. Mandatory Evaluation and Reporting. – Every four (4) years, the DepEd and CHED 
shall conduct a mandatory review of the implementation of this Act and submit a report of its 
findings to Congress.  
 
Sec. 6. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be 
charged against the current year’s appropriation of the implementing agencies. Thereafter, such 
an amount necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the Annual 
General Appropriations Act.  
 
Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, presidential 
proclamations, letters of instruction, rules, and regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.  
 
Sec. 8. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, 
other parts or provisions hereof not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.  
 
Sec. 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the 
official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.  
 
Approved,