FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regu/ar Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
s. B. No.10'S 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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The case of Carino vs. Commission on I-Iumlln Rights (C1-W.) (GR No. 
96681, 02 December 1991) categorizes the CHR as a toothless tiger. It is neither a 
judicial nor a quasi-judicial body. It can only extend preventive measures, such as 
initiating applications in court for judicial writs and orders, conduct investigation 
and receive evidence of violations of human rights, among others. 
The above ruling is reiterated in the more recent case of Simon, Jr., el. a/. v. 
cr-II\, et. Ill. (GR No. 100150, 05 January 1994) which revisited the powers and 
functions of the CHR vis-a.-vis the implementation of Republic Act No. 7279, 
otherwise known as the Urban Development and I-lousing Act (UDHA) of 1992. 
This case defined the parameters of the CHR's jurisdiction which is limited only to 
political and civil rights. It enumerated the cases over which the CHR can exercise 
jurisdiction without, however, regarding them as having preclusive effect but 
merely a matter of priority setting. 
Such ineffectiveness of the Commission to address the protection of human 
rights is blamed on the C1-IR's failure to prosecute reported cases of human rights 
violations due to the fact that it is tied up by existing law that provides the CHI( 
only investigative and advocacy powers. However, Sections 18 (11) and 19, Article 
XIII of the 1987 Constitution reserves to Congress the authority and the power to 
give CI-IR "such other duties and functions" to perform and to provide "other cases 
of violations of human rights that should fall within the authority of the 
Commission", respectively. 
I-Ience, this bill basically seeks to sh'engthen the Commission by providing 
an effective and expanded structural and functional organization to meet the 
demands of human rights cases here and abroad. By providing the Commission 
with prosecutorial powers over delineated forms of human rights violations, it is 
hoped that the Commission will be able to meet the rising demands from victims of 
human rights violations and the general public for an effective and speedy 
resolution of all human rights cases filed with the CHR. 
To make categorical the state policy that the CHl' can exercise jurisdiction 
over cultural, economic and social rights is very important. It is to afford in general 
the CHl' the unequivocal authority to step into cases involving rights excluded 
from the definition and scope of political and civil rights. It is meant in particular to 


erase all doubts brought about by the issue of whether or not the CHR can take 
cognizance of cases of demolition and resettlement pursuant to the UDH1\. 
The prosecutorial power being sought to be granted is on the other hand 
meant to equip the CHI~ a significant power if only to realize its mandate under 
Article XIII of the Constitution. It is unacceptable to forever regard CI-IR as a 
toothless or paper tiger if it is a State policy to secure, protect and guarantee the 
dignity of its citizens and to ensure the fulfillment of such citizens' human rights. 
The grant of quasi-judicial powers will unclog the court dockets and further 
enhance specialization in the investigation and prosecution of human rights 
violation cases. 
Hence, on the basis of the foregoing and by virtue of Section 18, par. (11), 
and Section 19, Article XIII of the Constitution, immediate passage of this proposed 
legislation is earnestly sought. 
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Firsl J\eguJlJr Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
106 
s. B. No. __ 
cc'-----'-_ 
Introduced by Senator Francis G. Escudero 
AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING THE FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF 
THE COMMISSION ON I·IUMAN RIGHTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of l\epresentlltives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Commission on Human Rights 
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Act ". 
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Sec. 2. State Policy on Human Rights. -
The State values the dignity of every 
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human person and guarantees full respect for human rights. It shall give highest priority to 
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the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human 
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dignity at all stages of human life. 
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Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, human rights shall include 
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those rights found in Article III of the Constitution and those affirmed and recognized by 
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the State in the following international covenants: the Universal Declaration of I']uman 
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Rights (1948); the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1976); and the 
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International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (J 976), and any other 
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international treaties on human rights which the Philippines has signed and ratified. 
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THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS 
A. The Chairperson and Members 
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Sec. 4. The Commission, Composition and Qualifications. - The Commission on 
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Human Rights, also referred to as the Commission in this Act, is a collegial body and shall 
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be composed of a Chairperson and four (4) Members who shall possess the following 
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qualifications: 
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a) Must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines; 
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b) Must be at least thirty five (35) years of age at the time of their appointment, with 
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proven integrity and competence; 
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c) Majority of whom, including the Chairperson, must be members of the Philippine Bar 
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who have been engaged in the practice of law for at least five (5) years; 
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el) Must have an understanding of human rights protection, promotion and advocacy; 


e) Must not have been candidates, including party-list nominees, for any elective position 
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in any national or local, but excluding barangay, elections, immediately preceding their 
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appointment. 
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Sec. 5. Appointment and Term of Office. - The Chairperson and Members shall be 
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a ppointed by the President for a term of seven (7) years without re-appointment. Of those 
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first appointed under this Act, the Chairperson shall hold office for seven (7) years, two (2) 
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Members for five (5) years and the other two (2) Members for three (3) years, all without 
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reappointment. In no case shall any member be appointed, re-appointed or deSignated in a 
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temporary or acting capacity. 
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The term of the Chairperson and Members of the Commission shall start on the day 
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immediately after the end of the previous term, regardless of the date of appointment. 
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Appointment to any vacancy occurring during the term shall be only for the remaining 
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portion of said term. 
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Sec. 6. Prohibition and Disqualification. - The Chairperson and Members of the 
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Commission shall not, during their tenure, hold any other office or employment. Neither 
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shall they engage in the practice of any profession or in the active management or control 
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of any business which in any way may be affected by the functions of their office, nor shall 
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they be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract with, or in any franchise 
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or privilege, granted by the Government and its subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, 
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including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries. They shall 
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avoid conflict of interest in the conduct of their office. They shall not be allowed to appear 
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or practice before the Commission for two years following their cessation from office. 
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No spouse or relative by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree and 
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no law, business or professional partner or associate of the Chairperson or Members may 
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appear as counselor agent on any matter pending before the Commission or transact 
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business directly or indirectly therewith. This disqualification shall apply during the tenure 
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of the official concerned and one year thereafter. 
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Sec. 7. Disclosure of Relationship. - It shall be the duty of the Chairperson and 
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Members to make under oath to the best of their knowledge and information a written 
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public disclosure of the identities of, and their relationship with the persons referred to in 
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the preceding section. The disclosure shall be filed with the Office of the Ombudsman 
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before the appointee assumes office and every annual anniversary of the date of 
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assumption of office thereafter. The disclosures made pursuant to this Section shall form 
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part of the public records and shall be made available and accessible to the public. 
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Sec. 8. Salary, Retirement and Other Privileges of the Chairperson and Members. 
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The Chairperson and Members of the Commission shall receive the same salary and 
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privileges as the Chairperson and Members of the Constitutional Commissions, and which 
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shall not be decreased during their term of office. Likewise, they shall receive the same 
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retirement benefits as that of the Constitutional Commissions as provided by law. 
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Sec. 9. Removal from Office. - The Chairperson and Members of the Commission 
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may be removed from office on any of the following grounds: 
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(a) DiSloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines; 
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(b) Culpable violation of the Constitution; 
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(c) Bribery and graft and corruption, [other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust]; 
(d) Dishonesty, misconduct in office, gross negligence, or dereliction of duty; 
(e) Commission of any offense involving moral turpitude or an offense punishable by 
przszon mayor; 
(f) Abuse of authority; 
(g) Such other grounds as may be provided by law. 
The proceedings for removal shall be initiated by filing a verified complaint with the 
Court of Appeals stating the grounds therefor and alleging the ultimate facts upon which 
the complaint is based. 
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The Court of Appeals shall act on the complaint and conduct the necessary 
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investigation and hearing. Thereafter, the Court of Appeals shall dismiss the complaint or 
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declare the removal from office of the Chairperson or Member of the Commission within 
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ninety (90) days from the date of filing of the complaint. Failure to resolve the complaint 
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wi thin said period shall result in its automatic dismissal. 
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In deciding upon a complaint for removal from office, the Court of Appeals shall not 
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impose any lesser penalty or disciplinary action such as suspension, censure, or reprimand 
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other than removal from office. 
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Any decision of removal from office shall be automatically stayed by the filing of a 
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petition for review on certiorari with the Supreme Court. 
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B. Nomination of Chairperson and Members 
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Sec. 10. Nominations Committee. - The President shall choose and appoint the 
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Chairperson and Members of the Commission from a list of three (3) nominees per position 
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selected by a Nominations Committee to be composed of the following members: 
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a) The incumbent chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights; 
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b) The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and I-ruman Rights; 
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c) The Chairperson of the House of Representatives' Committee on Human 
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Rights; 
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d) Three (3) members selected by the Commission from any of the following 
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duly accredited entities, sectors or groups: human rights non-government 
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organizations (NGOs), lawyers' and/ or para-legal groups, indigenous 
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peoples, the academe; woman, child and family rights groups. 
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Sec. 11. Selection of Nominees. - The members of Nominations Committee shall 
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have equal voting rights. They shall meet not later than thirty (30) days before the end of a 
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current term or within seven (7) days after the occurrence of a vacancy during a term. They 
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shall submit to the President their list of nominees thirty (30) days before the end of said 
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term or thirty (30) days after said vacancy. The President shall make the appointment 
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within thirty (30) days after the submission of the list of nominees by the Nominations 
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Committee. 
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The Commission shall provide secretariat support to the Nominations 
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Committee. It shall make all proceedings of the Nominations Committee open and 
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accessible to the public. Vacancies as well as the list of nominees shall be published in a 
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newspaper of general circulation. The Nominations Committee shall adopt its own rules of 
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procedure. 
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Sec. 12. Representation. - In the selection of nominees for Chairperson and 
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Members of the Commission, the Nominations Committee shall take into consideration 
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representation from various sectors of civil society involved in the promotion and 
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protection of human rights and human life and dignity. 
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Sec.13. 
Accredited Non-Government Representatives to the Nominations 
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Committee. - The duly accredited human rights non-government organizations (NGOs), 
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lawyers' 
and/ or 
para-legal 
groups, 
representatives 
from 
indigenous 
peoples, 
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representatives from the academe, as well as woman, child and family rights groups shall 
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from among themselves choose the three (3) representatives to the Nominations Committee 
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in a meeting attended by an authorized representative of the Commission. In the absence of 
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a selection procedure agreed upon by said organizations, the Commission shall promulgate 
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the rules of procedure to govern the selection of the three (3) representatives by the 
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accredited organizations. 
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C. Nature of the Commission 
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Sec. 14. The Commission as an Independent Office. - The Commission on I-Iuman 
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Rights is an independent constitutional office. It shall not be subject to instructions or 
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orders from the President, Congress or the Judiciary, except in cases proVided in the 
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Constitution with regard to the appointment of its Chairperson and Members, legislation 
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affecting the exercise of its powers and functions, and judicial review of the legality of its 
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acts, orders, resolutions or decisions. 
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Sec. 15. The Commission as the National Human Rights Institution of the 
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Philippines. - The Commission shall be the national human rights institution of the 
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Philippines in accordance with the Principles Relating to the Status of National Institutions 
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("The Paris Principles") and other United Nations' Resolutions pertaining to the effective 
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functioning of national human rights institutions, as may be consistent with the 
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Constitution. 
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Sec. 16. Fiscal Autonomy. -
The Commission shall always enjoy full fiscal 
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autonomy. The approved annual appropriations of the Commission shall be automatically 
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and regularly released. 
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II. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS 
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A. General Powers and Functions 
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Sec. 17. General Powers and Functions of the Commission. - The Commission on 
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I-Iuman I{ights shall have the following general powers and functions: 
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a) Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human 
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rights violations; 
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b) Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure and cite for direct 
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and indirect contempt for violations thereof or its lawful orders In 
accordance with the Rules of Court; 
c) Provide appropriate legal and preventive measures for the protection of 
human rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos 
residing abroad; 
d) Provide legal aid services to the underprivileged whose human rights 
have been determined by the Commission to have been violated or in of 
need protection to prevent a violation thereof; 
e) Exercise unhampered and unrestrained visitorial powers over jails, 
prisons, camps, detention facilities, safe houses and similar premises; 
f) Establish a continuing program of research, education and information 
dissemination to promote respect for the primacy of human life and 
dignity, and the protection of human rights; 
g) Recommend to Congress effective measures to promote human rights and 
to provide for compensation to victims of violations of human rights, or 
their families; 
h) Monitor the Philippine government's compliance with international treaty 
obligations on human rights; 
i) Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony or 
possession of documents or other evidence is necessary to determine the 
truth in any investigation or prosecution conducted by it or under its 
authority; 
j) Request the assistance of any department, bureau, office or agency in the 
performance of its functions; 
k) Deputize government prosecutors or private lawyers, who shall be under 
the direct control and supervision of the Commission; for the prosecution 
of human rights cases under Section 21 hereof; 
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Accredit national non-government and people's organizations involved in 
human rights promotion, protection and advocacy, including those for 
purposes of visiting persons arrested, detained or under custodial 
investigation; 
m) Ensure that the status, rights and interests of children and of the family 
are upheld in accordance with the Constitution, laws and duly ratified 
instruments on human rights; 
n) Create, establish, organize, re-structure, compress, and otherwise manage 
such offices and centers the Commission deems necessary and 
appropriate for expeditious and effective fulfillment of its mandate, 
including a central office, regional, sub-regional, and provincial offices for 
specific thematic and functional matters; and 
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0) Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided 
by the law. 
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B. Investigation 
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Sec. 18. Investigative Powers and Functions. - The Commission shall exercise 
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primary and original jurisdiction to investigate, on complaint or motu proprio, cases of 
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human rights violations to include civil, pOlitical, economic, social and cultural rights. In 
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the exercise of its investigative functIon, the Commission shall have the following powers: 
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a) Act promptly on complaints filed in any form or manner by any person; 
and upon finding of human rights violation, recommend the filing of 
appropriate administrative, civil and/ or criminal action(s). 
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investigation being conducted by any other body shall not be a bar to the 
investiga tion of the Commission; 
b) Compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence, 
administer oaths, issue subpoenas and take testimony in any investigation 
or inquiry; 
c) Issue orders and directives constituting preventive and legal measures, 
provided for under Sections 20 and 21 of this Act, respectively; 
d) Provide protection and extend financial assistance to witnesses to ensure 
their attendance in investigations and production of evidence; 
e) Delegate to its deputies, investigators or representatives, such authority or 
duty to ensure the effective exercise or performance of its investigative 
functions; 
f) Require the assistance of any officer or employee of any department, 
bureau or office, subdivision, agency or instrumentality of the 
Government, including government-owned or controlled corporations 
and local governments; 
g) Deputize lawyers or legal aid groups, medical organizations, as well as 
government agencies and offices, to provide assistance in the exercise of 
its investigative functions; 
h) Make the results and findings of its investigations available and accessible 
to the public; and 
i) Cite in contempt any person for failure to comply with a lawful order of 
the Commission issued in the exercise of its investigative and/ or 
prosecutorial functions. In this regard, the 1997 Revised Ruled of 
Procedure shall apply suppletorily. 
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Sec. 19 . Imprescriptibility of the Investigation of Human Rights Violations. - The 
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investigation of human rights violations shall not be subject to any statute of limitations or 
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prescriptive period. 
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Sec. 20. Scope of Preventive Measures. - The preventive measures under Article 
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XIII, Sec. 18 (3) of the Constitution that may be issued by the Commission in the 
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investigation of casE'S involving all forms of human rights violations shall include the 
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following: 
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a) Issuance of injunctive relief directing any member of the government's 
military or police forces, as well as public officials or employees, or any 
person acting under their control and supervision, to immediately desist 
from hiding, transferring, torturing or abusing a detainee and to allow 
access to said detainee by the Commission, his/her counsel, physician, 
psychologist, priest, pastor, rabbi, imam or any spiritual adviser and 
relatives; 
b) Order compelling the government official or employee, or any person in 
control of the premises of any government agency or office, specifically 
police and military detention facilities, secret detention places, stations, 
installations, camps, bases, and training schools, as well as private land 
and property, to permit the inspection of said premises; 
c) Order to transfer persons deprived of their liberty and in danger of 
reprisal or retaliation due to the filing of a complaint in connection with 
his/her detention, in order to secure safety of his/her person; 
d) Restraining order prohibiting respondent, his/her unit or persons under 
his or her command or acting under the latter's orders from entering the 
immediate vicinity of the area or residence of any person who's human 
rights are being violated or are in danger of violation and from searching 
the victim or his belongings; 
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e) Injunction ordering respondent to refrain from committing any and all 
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acts that would tend to cause irreparable harm and have the immediate 
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effect of rendering the investigation of the Commission moot and 
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academic. 
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Sec. 21. Scope of Legal Measures. - The legal measures under Article XIII, Sec. 18 
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(3) of the Constitution that may be provided by the Commission shall include the 
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following: 
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a) The issuance of mandatory protection orders (MPO's) directing 
government security forces, other appropriate government agencies, or 
private institutions to provide specific protection to victims of human 
rights violations; 
b) The issuance of orders deputizing government offices and private 
institutions for the purpose of providing protection; and 
c) The issuance of orders deputizing government and private lawyers as 
counsels de officio to ensure that the human rights of the victim are not 
further violated; and 
d) Any order the purpose of which is analogous to any of the 
foregoing. 
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Sec. 22. Grant of Immunity. - The Commission may grant immunity [rom 
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prosecution to any person whose possession and production of documents or other 
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evidence may be necessary to determine the truth in any hearing, inquiry or proceeding 
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under such terms and conditions as it may determine taking into account the pertinent 
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provisions of the Rules of Court and its own rules. The immunity shall only be granted 
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after a determination of the relevance, veracity and authenticity of the evidence sought to 
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be presented by the Commission. The grant of immunity shall be revoked should the 
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evidence warranted as true by person or persons granted such turns out to be false or 
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fabricated. 
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Sec. 23. Preventive Suspension. - With the exception of Members of Congress, the 
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Judiciary, and impeachable officials, the Commission may preventively suspend any 
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officer or employee including but not limited to elective or appointive public officers or 
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employees, including Members of the Cabinet, local government, government-owned-or-
IS 
controlled corporations and their subsidiaries, pending an investigation, provided it 
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determines that (a) the evidence of guilt is strong; (b) the charges would warrant removal 
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from the service; and (c) the respondent's continued stay in office may prejudice the case 
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filed against him/ her. 
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The preventive suspension shall be immediately executory, unless restrained by 
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the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court and shall continue until the case is terminated 
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by the Commission; Provided, that said suspension shall not be more than ninety (90) days 
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without pay, except when the delay in the disposition of the case by the Commission is 
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due to the fault, negligence or petition of the respondent, in which case the period of such 
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delay shall not be counted in computing the period of suspension herein provided. 
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The respondent official or employee preventively suspended [rom office shall 
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receive no salary or compensation during such suspension. However, upon subsequent 
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exoneration and reinstatement, he shall be paid full salary or compensation including 
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such emoluments accruing during such suspension. 
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In the case of a suspended elective officials, upon expiration of the period of 
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preventive suspension, he shall be deemed reinstated in office without prejudice to the 
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continuation of the proceedings against him which shall be terminated within one 
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hundred twenty (120) days from the date the officer was formally notified of th~ case. 
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The respondent officer or employee shall be accorded full opportunity to appear 
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and defend himself in person or by counsel, to confront and cross-examine the witnesses 
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against him, and to require the attendance of witnesses and the production of 
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documentary evidence in his favour through the compulsory process of subpoenll or 
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subpoena duces tecum. 
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Sec. 24. Referral to Disciplining Authority. - The Commission may endorse 
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andlor recommend to the proper authorities the filing of the appropriate sanction or 
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disciplinary action against a public officer or employee found guilty of committing 
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violations of human rights and recommend his removal, suspension, demotion, censure, 
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imposition of fine, or prosecution and to ensure compliance by requiring the officer 
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concerned to report on his action within thirty (30) days from receipt of the 
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recommendation and/ or endorsement of the Commission. The failure of the appropriate 
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authority to act or comply with said recommendation or endorsement shall constitute a 
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ground for an application of the issuance of a writ of mandamus by the Commission. 
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For this purpose, every case on which the Commission has rendered a resolution or 
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recommendation adverse to a public official shall be transmitted to the head of the 
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department, agency or instrumentality, or of the province, city or municipality concerned 
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for immediate action, as may be necessary. 
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Sec. 25. Motu Proprio Dismissal. - The Commission may dismiss, motu proprio, a 
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complaint for the investigation of human rights violations on any of the following 
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grounds: 
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lOa) The complaint pertains to a matter outside of the jurisdiction of the 
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Commission; 
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b) The complaint is trivial, frivolous, vexatious or made in bad faith; or 
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c) Other valid grounds as may be determined by the Commission. 
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Sec. 26. Investigation by Regional Offices. - The proper regional office of the 
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Commission shall investigate complaints falling within its territorial jurisdiction unless the 
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Commission en bane, in its discretion, takes direct cognizance of the same. Upon 
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recommendation of the regional office in investigations pending before it, the Commission 
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en banc may issue legal and preventive measures and preventive suspension orders which 
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are immediately executory. Within ten (10) days after concluding the investigation, the 
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regional office shall render the appropriate order, directive or resolution subject to appeal 
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to the Commission en bane pursuant to its rules. 
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C. Prosecution 
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Sec. 27. Concurrent Prosecutorial Powers and Functions. - D,e Commission shall 
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exercise concurrent prosecutorial powers and functions as herein provided. 
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In the event of the failure of the Department of Justice or Office of the Ombudsman 
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to initiate a preliminary investigation within twenty (20) days from its receipt of the case 
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recommended for prosecution by the Commission, the inaction shall be considered as an 
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automatic endorsement of the matter to the Commission without any further act Or notice 
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by the Department of Justice or Office of the Ombudsman for purposes of preliminary 
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investigation. Thereafter, the Comnlission shall conduct the preliminary investigation and 
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upon a finding of probable cause, issue a resolution recommending the filing of the 
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appropriate information and prosecution of the offence/ s found to exist. 
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For this purpose, the Commission shall have the power to deputize government 
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prosecutors or private lawyers to prosecute the criminal offence! s that have been the 
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subject of its preliminary investigation. 
The prosecution shall remain under the 
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Commission's direct control and supervision. 
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This section shall apply in cases where the offender is a public officer as defined 
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under Article 203 of Republic Act No. 3815, otherwise known as the Revised Penal Code 
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as amended, and acting in his capacity as such, or any person acting on behalf or under 
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the immediate control of the State and its agents, and where the human rights violation 
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constitutes a criminal offense under the Revised Penal Code and special laws, as follows: 
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a) Use of physical, psychological and degrading punishment, torture, force, 
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violence, threats, and intimidation; 
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b) Extra-judicial killings, summary executions, and "massacres" or mass 
killings; 
c) Violations of the right to be secure from unreasonable searches and 
seizures, including involuntary or enforced disappearances; 
d) Violations of the rights of persons arrested, detained, or under custodial 
investigation, including deprivation of the rights of political detainees; 
e) Violations of the right to a speedy, impartial and public trial or disposition 
of cases; 
f) I-Iamletting, 
forced 
evacuation 
or 
eviction, 
illegal 
demolition, 
development aggression and other violations of the right to travel and to 
freely choose one's abode and change the same; 
g) Violations of the right to peaceably assemble, free association, and to 
petition the government for redress of grievances; 
h) Violations of the right to worship and the free exercise of a religion; 
i) Violations of the right to privacy; 
j) Violations of civil and political rights of persons suspected, detained for, 
and/ or accused of the crime of terrorism or conspiracy to commit 
terrorism; and 
k) Political, religious, racial, ethnic, social or sexual persecution, oppression, 
or harassment committed with acts constituting offenses punished under 
the Revised Penal Code and special laws; 
33 
Sec. 28. When Committed by Non-State Actors. - The preceding section shall also 
34 
apply when the violation is committed by non-state actors. Non-state actors are persons, 
35 
other than public officers, belonging to and acting on behalf or under the immediate 
36 
control of a juridical or non-juridical person, whether legitimate or illegitimate, including 
37 
but not limited to the following: 
38 
39 
40 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
a) Armed groups, bandits, warlords and private armies; 
b) Criminal organizations and groups; and 
c) Multi-national, foreign and domestic corporations, and other business 
entities. 
46 
Sec. 29. When Committed Against Vulnerable Persons. -
The concurrent 
47 
prosecutorial powers of the Commission shall likewise apply in the investigation and 
48 
prosecution of the following offenses as penalized under the Revised Penal Code and 
49 
special laws when committed by any person against any member or group of vulnerable 
50 
persons, as defined herein: 
51 
52 
53 
a) Involuntary servitude constituting Crimes Against Personal Liberty and 
Security under the Revised Penal Code; 
10 


2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
I I 
12 
13 
14 
b) Crimes penalized under Republic Act No. 7610, or the "Special Protection 
of Children Against Abuse, ExplOitation and Discrimination Act;" 
c) Crimes penalized as Infanticide and Abortion under the Revised Penal 
Code; 
d) Crimes penalized under Republic Act No. 9262, or the" Anti-Violence 
Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004;" and 
e) Crimes penalized under Republic Act No. 8371 or the "Indigenous 
Peoples Rights Act of 1997." 
15 
Vulnerable persons shall inClude children, the unborn, women, elderly, persons 
16 
with disabilities, migrant workers, indigenous peoples, and ethnic and religious 
17 
minorities. 
18 
19 
20 
D. Monitoring 
21 
22 
Sec. 30. Monitoring Powers and Functions. -
In the exercise of its mandate to 
23 
monitor the Government's compliance with its international human rights treaty 
24 
obligations, the Commission shall have the following powers and functions: 
25 
26 
a) Require any department, bureau or office, subdivision, agency or 
27 
instrumentality of the Government to submit compliance reports on 
28 
international human rights treaty and to furnish the Commission copies 
29 
thereof within thirty (30) days from submission to the United Nations and 
30 
other international bodies; 
31 
32 
b) Conduct inquiries on the manner of implementation by the Philippine 
33 
Government of specific human rights treaty obligations; 
34 
35 
c) Summon any public official to explain on the measures undertaken by his 
36 
or her agency in order to comply with the State's international treaty 
37 
obligations on human rights; 
38 
39 
d) Enter and inspect the premises of any government agency or office, 
40 
specifically police and military stations, installations, camps, bases, and 
4 I 
training schools and access books, records, files, documents or papers 
42 
located in the above-mentioned office and facilities; 
43 
44 
e) Study and recommend to the government international human rights 
45 
treaties or instruments for its signature, ratification or accession; 
46 
47 
f) Make timely and regular submission of independent reports to international 
48 
human rights treaty bodies and other international human rights 
49 
mechanisms; 
50 
51 
g) Advise and assist the government on clearly-identified gaps in human 
52 
rights treaty compliance; 
53 
II 


h) Capacitate stakeholders to enable participation in monitoring human rights 
2 
treaty compliance by the government; 
3 
4 
i) Delegate to its deputies, investigators or representatives, such authority or 
5 
duty which shall ensure the effective exercise or performance of its 
6 
monitoring functions; and 
7 
8 
j) Recommend and institutionalize best practices and incentives for human 
9 
rights advocates and institutions. 
10 
II 
Sec. 31. Other Monitoring Functions. - The Commission shall likewise monitor 
12 
observance by non-state actors of human rights obligations arising from agreements 
13 
entered into with the government, as well as unilateral declarations and similar 
14 
undertakings. 
15 
16 
Sec. 32. Annual Report. - The Commission shall prepare and make public an annual 
17 
report on the findings of its monitoring activities with regard to the state of the 
18 
Government's compliance with its international human rights treaty obligations. The 
19 
report shall include, but not be limited, to the following: 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
a) Identification of systematic patterns of human rights violations using 
documented cases; 
b) Analysis of the factors which contribute to the commission of human 
rights violations; 
c) Assessment of the legal mechanisms of existing institutions in providing 
adequate human rights protection; 
d) Recommendations for legal, legislative, and institutional reforms for the 
greater promotion and protection of human rights; and 
e) Statistics and data indicating the nature of complaints received, the 
investigations conducted and findings made, and the actions taken by the 
government agencies concerned on the Commission's recommendations. 
37 
E. Education and Advocacy 
38 
39 
Sec. 33. Education and Advocacy in Government. - The Commission shall 
40 
undertake a program of human rights promotion and advocacy through education and 
41 
training to promote and increase respect for the primacy and dignity of human life in all 
42 
its stages and the protection of human rights in coordination with the different agencies of 
43 
the government. It shall likewise administer a mandatory and continuing human rights 
44 
education program for the military, police and other law enforcement agencies, as well as 
45 
public school teachers, and shall, for this purpose, draw up the components of the 
46 
program, accredit course and training providers, and issue certificates of completion to 
47 
those who have successfully completed the program. 
48 
49 
Sec. 34. Education and Advocacy in Civil Society. - The Commission shall also 
50 
undertake human rights education, advocacy, and information campaign programs 
51 
among sectors of civil society, particularly the vulnerable, marginalized and 
52 
underprivileged groups. In conducting this program, the Commission shall actively 
53 
cooperate and coordinate with human rights non-government organizations, lawyers' 
12 


groups, the academe and people's organizations of the concerned sectors of civil society. 
2 
3 
Sec. 35. Research. - The Commission shall undertake a continuing research and 
4 
study on select human rights issues for purposes of recommending policy reforms, as well 
5 
as administrative and legislative measures that will also address economic, social and 
6 
cultural rights. 
7 
8 
Sec. 36. Coverage of Programs. - The Commission shall prescribe the scope and 
9 
coverage of education, advocacy, information and training programs on human rights, 
10 
and which will be provided for in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act. 
1 1 
12 
13 
F. Other Powers and Functions 
14 
15 
Sec. 37. Witness Protection Program. - In the conduct of its investigations, the 
16 
Commission shall implement and manage a witness protection program, including the 
17 
provision of security, shelter, relocation and livelihood assistance to witnesses and their 
18 
families 
19 
20 
Sec. 38. Financial Assistance Program. - The Commission shall strengthen its 
21 
financial assistance program to victims of human rights violations and their families. 
22 
23 
The guidelines for the proper implementation of this program shall be included in 
24 
the implementing rules and regulations of the Commission. 
25 
26 
The initial funding for the Witness Protection and the Financial Assistance Programs 
27 
shall be allocated for such purposes and shall be included thereafter in the annual regular 
28 
appropriations for the Commission, and the same shall be automatically and regularly 
29 
released. 
30 
31 
The Commission shall adopt operational guidelines m the implementation and 
32 
management of these programs. 
33 
34 
Sec. 39. Legal Assistance Program. - The Commission shall implement a legal 
35 
assistance program to benefit victims of human rights violations consisting of the provision 
36 
of legal services in coordination with human rights organizations and lawyers' groups, the 
37 
Integrated Bar of the Philippines and Philippine law schools with legal aid programs. 
38 
39 
Sec. 40. Protection of Filipinos Abroad. - The Commission shall undertake 
40 
measures for the protection and promotion of human rights of Filipinos living abroad. It 
41 
shall coordinate with Philippine Embassy or Consulate officers as well as private 
42 
individuals of known probity and active involvement in human rights work, or foreign-
43 
based human rights and migrant workers' non-government organizations in countries 
44 
where the incidence of human rights violations of Filipinos is widespread and 
45 
commonplace, including traditionf\1 host countries of Overseas Filipino Workers, for 
46 
purposes of monitoring the status of human rights of Filipinos living abroad, establishing 
47 
networks among Filipinos to promote protection of human rights, reporting cases of 
4R 
violations thereof, facilitating the remedial measures of victims and coordinating with 
49 
respective agencies to provide counselling and financial aid. 
50 
51 
52 
Sec. 41. Creation of Ad Hoc Truth Commissions. -
The 
Commission 
may 
53 
recommend the creation of an ad hoc Truth Commissions on matters of transcendental 
13 


importance, such as widespread and systematic human rights violations occurring over 
2 
prolonged periods of time, or under extraordinarily-repressive conditions, or attended by 
3 
a culture of impunity that is instigated, inspired or orchestrated by public officials, in 
4 
conspiracy with government security forces or State-sponsored armed groups. 
5 
6 
Sec. 42. Issuance of clearances. - The Commission shall issue clearances to 
7 
members of the military, police and other law enforcement agencies prior to, and as 
8 
requirement for, their promotion or assumption of office. The Commission may also issue 
9 
clearances for other purposes such as training, education or study grants abroad upon 
10 
proper request of the applicant. 
11 
12 
The Commission shall make its own recommendations to the Commission on 
13 
Appointments prior to the confirmation of other officials other than those mentioned in 
14 
the preceding paragraph, who are being considered for promotion or appointment. This 
15 
provision shall also apply to other government officers with salary grade 27 or its 
16 
equivalent and higher. 
17 
18 
Sec. 43. Appeals; Prohibition against Injunction. - Orders, decisions or findings of 
19 
the Commission, including determination of probable cause, shall be appealed to the Court 
20 
of Appeals on both questions of fact and law, or on certiorari to the Supreme Court on pure 
21 
questions of law. No restraining order or writ of injunction shall be issued against the 
22 
Commission in the performance of its powers and functions other than those issued by the 
23 
Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. 
24 
25 
Sec. 44. Protection from Harassment Suits; Dismissal. -
The Chairperson, 
26 
Members, officers and employees of the Commission shall be immune from civil or 
27 
criminal prosecution for acts performed in pursuance of their official functions for the 
28 
duration of their tenure. 
29 
30 
Sec. 45. Obstruction. - Any person who, after due hearing, is found to have 
31 
wilfully obstructed or hindered the proper exercise of the powers and functions of the 
32 
Commission, or who wilfully misleads or attempts to mislead the Chairperson, Members 
33 
and the duly designated Commission officials and representatives shall be punished for 
34 
obstruction of justice by the Commission. In addition, he/ she shall be penalized by a fine 
35 
not exceeding Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (P25,000.OO), at the discretion of the 
36 
Commission. 
37 
38 
39 
40 
TITLE III. ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE 
41 
Sec. 46. Commission as a Collegial Body. - The Commission composed of the 
42 
Chairperson and four (4) Members, as a collegial body, is responsible for the promulgation 
43 
of policies, decisions, orders and resolutions necessary for the efficient administration of 
44 
the Commission and for proper execution of its constitutional mandate. 
45 
46 
In the exercise of its powers and functions, the Commission shall sit and render its 
47 
decision en bane. Every such decision, order or resolution of the Commission must bear the 
48 
concurrence and signature of at least three (3) Members thereof. 
49 
50 
The Commission shall meet regularly once a week, or as the Commission may 
51 
direct, or upon call by the Chairperson. A majority of the Members, at least three (3) 
52 
Members, constitutes a quorum needed in any en banc meeting of the Commission 
53 
14 


Sec. 47. The Chairperson as Executive Officer; Powers and Duties. 
The 
2 
Chairperson shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, and shall: 
3 
4 
a) 
Execute and carry out the policies, decisions, orders and resolutions 
5 
approved by the Commission; 
6 
b) Direct and supervise the operations and internal administration of the 
7 
Commission; 
8 
c) 
Sign appointments of subordinate officials and employees made by the 
9 
Commission and enforce decisions on administrative discipline involving 
10 
them; 
II 
d) Make temporary assignments, rotate and transfer personnel in 
12 
accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Law and the policies 
13 
involving them; 
14 
e) 
Submit an annual budget to the Commission for its approval and 
15 
submission to the Department of Budget and Management and to the 
16 
Congress of the Philippines; 
17 
f) 
Delegate his/her authority, in whole or in part, to other officials of the 
18 
Commission in accordance with Executive Order No. 292, otherwise 
19 
known as the Administrative Code of 1987, and rules and regulations of 
20 
the Commission; and 
21 
g) Perform such other functions as may be authorized by the Commission. 
22 
23 
24 
Sec. 48. Structural Organization. - The Commission shall have the following line 
25 
offices and operating units: 
26 
27 
a) Office of the Chairperson; 
28 
b) Office of the Commissioners; 
29 
c) Office of the Assistant Commissioners; 
30 
d) Office of the Executive Director; 
31 
e) Office of the Commission Secretary; 
32 
f) Legal Office; 
33 
g) Investigation Office; 
34 
h) I-Iuman Rights Instruments Compliance And Monitoring Office; 
35 
i) Education, Advocacy And Research Office; 
36 
j) Information System Management Office; 
37 
k) Assistance and Visitorial Office; 
38 
I) Forensic Office; 
39 
m) Planning And Management Office; 
40 
n) Financial Management Office; 
41 
0) General Administrative Office; 
42 
p) Sectoral Rights Offices; 
43 
q) Public Information Office; and 
44 
r) Regional Offices. 
45 
46 
All the above offices will be headed by an officer with a rank, salary and privileges 
47 
equivalent to a Director IV, except for the Executive Director and who shall have the rank, 
48 
salary and privileges of an Assistant Secretary. All centers will be headed by a Director Ill. 
49 
Each office may have such divisions as are necessary to carry out their respective functions. 
50 
As an independent constitutional office, the Commission may effect changes in the 
51 
organization as the need arises. 
52 
53 
All officers and employees of the Commission, unless otherwise provided herein, 
15 


shall receive emoluments and privileges that shall not be less than those given to 
2 
comparable positions in any office in the government. 
3 
4 
Sec.49. Assistant Commissioners. - There shall be four (4) Assistant Commissioners 
5 
as Head of the different clusters: Assistant Commissioner for Internal Administration, 
6 
which shall be comprised of Planning and Management Office, Financial Management 
7 
Office, General Administration Office, and Information 
System Management Office; 
8 
Assistant Commissioner for Human Rights Protection, which shall be composed of the 
9 
Legal Office, Investigation Office, Forensic Office, and Assistance and Visitorial Office; 
fO 
Deputy Commissioner for I-ruman Rights Promotion and Advocacy, which shall be 
II 
comprised of I-Iuman Rights Instruments Compliance and Monitoring Office, and the 
12 
Education, Adovocacy and Research Office; Deputy Commissioner for Regional 
13 
Operations, which shall be comprised of the Regional and Provincial Offices. 
14 
IS 
The Assistant Commissioners shall act as facilitators in conveying the directives and 
16 
policies of the Commission to their respective cluster offices, as monitors of their respective 
17 
cluster offices' actions as well as their implementation and as advocates for their cluster 
18 
offices who will identify, raise and settle issues or concerns which require appropriate 
19 
action. 
20 
21 
The Assistant Commissioners shall identify, analyze and evaluate 
approaches, 
22 
strengths and weaknesses of programs' reports and performance evaluations and in the 
23 
case of regional operations, the implementation and pursuit of mandates nationwide. 
24 
2'5 
The Assistant Commissioners shall be appointed to the Commission, with 
26 
preferential status given to the officers and employees within the Commission who have 
27 
been working therein for at least 7 years prior to the time of their appointment. They must 
28 
have been involved in human rights promotion and protection activities during that time 
29 
period. In addition, the Assistant Commissioner for I-Iuman Rights Protection, must also be 
30 
a member of the Philippine Bar, and the Assistant Commissioner for Internal 
31 
Administration must be a Certified Public Accountant. 
32 
33 
Sec. 50. The Executive Director. - The Executive Director shall be responsible for 
34 
managing the day-to-day affairs, activities and operations of the Commission, in 
35 
accordance with its policies, standards, rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by 
36 
the Commission. In particular, the Executive Director shall: 
37 
38 
39 
40 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 
SO 
51 
52 
53 
a. Provide direct supervision, control, coordination and monitoring of all 
activities, functions and operations of both the central and regional units 
of the Commissioner; 
b. Recommend and / or implement administrative and management policies 
, rul~s and standard operating procedures to be established by the 
Commission; 
c. Recommend and initiate programs, projects and policies which promoted 
productivity, efficiency and effectiveness in the Commission; 
d. Coordinate with different CHR organization units in the information and 
reporting requirement of the Commission; 
e. Resolve operational issues in accordance with the levels of authority 
prescribed by the Commission; 
f. Undertake appraisal on issues/problems and policy recommendations 
requiring decision/ action by the Commission; 
g. Conduct necessary representation with different branches and agencies of 
the government on vital issues/concerns involving the organization, 
16 


2 
3 
4 
operations and programs of the Commission and 
h. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Commission En 
Bane. 
S 
The Executive Director shall be appointed by the Commission and shall be a 
6 
member of the Philippine Bar with proven integrity and competence, and must have been 
7 
involved in human rights promotion and protection activities for seven (7) years. I-lei she 
8 
shall have the rank, salary <md privileges of an Assistant Secretary. 
9 
10 
Sec. 51. The Commission Secretary. -
The Commission Secretary, who shall head 
11 
the Commission Secretariat, shall provide executive services to the Commission on its 
12 
regular, special and executive meetings, assistance on policy review and coordination, 
13 
review and appraisal of the programs and other project undertakings of the Commission, 
14 
including technical support on the formulation of guidelines, directives, mandates and 
15 
executive summaries and reports. In addition, the Committee Secretary shall: 
16 
17 
a. Prepare the agenda of meetings of the Commission En Bane and ensure 
18 
complete recording of proceedings; 
19 
b. Develop, recommend to the Commission En Bane, and implement an 
20 
approved disclosure policy for the Commission on I-Iuman Rights of the 
21 
Philippines; 
22 
c. Formulate, propose and implement a central records management system 
23 
for the Commission En Bane, and act as the custodian of all records on 
24 
human rights cases filed with the Commission, including records on 
2S 
resolutions, rules, poliCies, regulations and other decisions, proceedings of 
26 
its meetings, and other pertinent records; 
27 
d. Design, propose and implement a central records management system 
28 
and provide records management orientation 
and assistance to the 
29 
various offices of the Commission; 
30 
e. Prepare and issue directives to concerned offices, by authority of the 
31 
Commission En Bane; 
32 
f. Represent the Commission En Bane in different technical working 
33 
committees of the Commission, as may be directed by it; 
34 
g. Respond to queries from the different central and regional offices on 
3S 
matters pertaining to policies, rules and decisions, as authorized by the 
36 
Commission En Bllne; and 
37 
h. Perform such other related functions as may be assigned by the 
38 
Commission En 13anc. 
39 
40 
The Commission Secretary, who must be at least a degree holder of Bachelor of 
41 
Laws (Ll.B.) or Juris Doctor (JD), shall have the rank, salary and privileges of a Director IV. 
42 
43 
Sec. 52. Duties and Functions of the Offices of the Commission. - The different 
44 
offices of the Commission provided in Section 48 of this Act shall operate in accordance 
4S 
with their respective duties and functions assigned them by the Commission subject to 
46 
requirements of efficiency, economy and effectiveness, and pertinent budget and civil 
47 
service laws, rules and regulations. 
48 
49 
Sec. 53. Officers of the Commission. - All officers appointed by the Commission 
50 
who possess the rank or position above Division Chief level and officially performs 
51 
managerial and executive functions, must be Career Executive Service (CES) eligible under 
S2 
the Career Executive Service Board or has equivalent eligibility as the Commission may 
53 
establish. 
17 


2 
The Commission may propose additional qualification standards to be submitted for 
3 
approval to the Department of Budget and Management and for information of the Civil 
4 
Service Commission. 
5 
6 
Sec 54. 
Central Offices - The Commission shall establish Central Offices to 
7 
effect its functional mandates of investigation, legal advocacy, visitorial, education, 
8 
research and compliance monitoring, and such other functions necessary for the effective 
9 
and efficient performance of its duties. 
10 
11 
Sec. 55. Regional Offices. - The Commission shall have seventeen (17) regional 
12 
offices, as may be further established by law, with two regional offices for Region IV, 
13 
including the National Capital Region (NCI<), the Caraga Administrative Region 
14 
(CARAGA), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and the Autonomous Region of 
15 
Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). 
16 
17 
Each Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional I-Iuman Rights Director with a 
18 
rank and salary of Director IV, who must be a member of the Philippine Bar, assisted by an 
19 
Assistant Regional I-Iuman Rights Director, and such other subordinate officers or 
20 
employees as the Commission may appoint. 
The Assistant Regional I-Iuman Rights 
21 
Director shall carry the rank and receive the same salary and privileges of a Director III. 
22 
23 
The Commission may delegate its powers and functions or order the 
24 
implementation or enforcement of its orders, rulings or decisions through the heads of its 
25 
regional offices in accordance with its rules and regulations to be promulgated by the 
26 
Commission. 
27 
28 
Sec 56. Provincial Offices. - The Commission may establish such Provincial Offices 
29 
as may be necessary in the provinces falling under the administrative jurisdiction of the 
30 
Regional Office. The Provincial Office shall be headed by a Provincial I-Iuman Rights 
31 
Officer and staffed by such other officers or employees as the Commission may appoint. 
32 
The Provincial I-Iuman Rights Officer shall carry the rank and receive the same salary and 
33 
privileges of a Division Chief. 
34 
35 
Sec. 57. Sectoral Rights Offices. - The Commission shall establish offices and centers 
36 
to undertake promotion and protection of the rights of vulnerable sectors, to include but 
37 
not be limited to women and children, as the Commission may deem appropriate. 
38 
39 
Sec. 58. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. -
A Joint Congressional 
40 
Oversight Committee is hereby created, composed of the Chairman of the Senate 
41 
Committee on Justice and I-Iuman Rights and three (3) other Senators designated by the 
42 
Senate President, and the Chairman of the I-louse Committee on I-Iuman Rights, and three 
43 
(3) other Members of the I-louse of Representatives deSignated by the Speaker of the House 
44 
of Representatives: Provided, That, of the three (3) members to be designated by each 
45 
House of Congress, two (2) should come from the majority and the remaining Member 
46 
from the minority. 
47 
48 
The Joint Congressional Oversight Committee shall have the power to monitor and 
49 
evaluate the implementation of this Act. 
50 
51 
Sec. 59. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Commission shall, within 
52 
sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, formulate the implementing rules and 
53 
regulations in the exercise of its general, investigative, prosecutorial, monitoring, education 
18 


1 
and advocacy powers and functions in consultation with other concerned agencies of the 
2 
Government. 
3 
4 
Sec. 60. Operational Guidelines. - The Commission shall also formulate its 
5 
operational guidelines which shall include, but not be limited to, the functions and duties 
6 
of the Assistant Commissioners, the Executive Director, the Commission Secretary and the 
7 
heads of the line offices, the implementation and management of its Witness Protection, 
8 
Financial Assistance and Legal Aid Programs, and such other matters as may be necessary 
9 
for the implementation of this Act. 
10 
11 
Sec. 61. 
Franking Privilege. 
All official mail matters and telegrams of the 
12 
Commission addressed for delivery within the Philippines shall be received, transmitted 
13 
and delivered free of charge; Provided, That such mail matters when addressed to private 
14 
persons or non-government offices shall not exceed One Thousand and Twenty (1,020) 
15 
grams. 
All mail matters and telegrams sent through government telegraph facilities 
16 
containing complaints to the Commission on Human Rights shall be transmitted free of 
17 
charge;Prol'ided, That the telegram shall contain not more than One Hundred and Fifty 
18 
(150) words. 
19 
20 
Sec. 62. Financial Report. - The Commission shall make available to the public its 
21 
annual financial statements, including but not limited to, expenditures and sources of 
22 
funds. 
23 
24 
Sec. 63. Transitory Provision. - Nothing in this Act shall prejudice the positions, 
25 
emoluments, security of tenure, and privileges of the incumbent Chairperson and 
26 
Commissioners, officers and employees of the Commission upon its effectivity. However, 
27 
officials and employees of the Commission, in aid of its reorganization upon the effectivity 
28 
of this Act, may avail of an early retirement program as may be provided for by the 
29 
Commission. 
30 
31 
Sec. 64. 
Separability Clause. 
If any provIsIon of this Act shall be held 
32 
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and binding. 
33 
34 
Sec. 65. Repealing Clause. - All laws, republic acts, presidential decrees, letters of 
35 
instructions, executive orders, rules and regulations insofar as they are inconsistent with 
36 
this Act are hereby repealed or amended, as the case may be. 
37 
38 
Sec. 66. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its 
39 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
40 
41 
42 
Approved, 
19