, 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE R!=PUBLlC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 1516 
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'13 
SEP -4 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to make human rights subjects a mandatory part of the curriculum 
of all educational institutions in the country. The need for human rights education 
comes timely with the raging debate over the death penalty which is a human 
rights issue. It is a matter that should be discussed in the classrooms if we are to 
have a well-informed citizenry that is aware of and sensitive to the human rights 
of the victim of a crime and the accused who is criminally charged with its 
commission. 
Various sectors in society, the Chur~h included, have acknowledged the urgent 
need for human rights to be discussed with the young citizens of this country. It 
is high time, therefore, that the value of human rights must be inculcated in our 
youth. 
Article XIV, Section 3, paragraphs 1 and 2 ofthe 1987 Constitution provides: 
"(1) All educational institutions shall include the study of the 
Constitution as part of the curricula." 
"(2) They shall inculcate patriotism, foster love of humanity,. respect 
for human rights, appreciation of the· role of national heroes in the 
historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of 
citizenship, strengthen ethic I and spiritual values, develop moral 
character and personal disc JiQe, encourage critical and creative 
thinking, broaden scientific ;':aTJd technological knowledge, and 
promote efficiency. " 
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, 
Moreover, the Constitution empowers and mandates the Commission on Human 
Rights as provided in Article XIII, Section 18 (5) and (6), to do the following: 
"(5) Establish a continuing program of research, education, and 
information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights. " 
"(6) Recommend to Congress effective measures to promote 
human rights and to provide for compensation to victims of 
violations of human rights, or their families. " 
The passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
OY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
SEP -4 
Pi 9 :33 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. _1_5_1_6_ 
.'. 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING THE TEACHING OF HUMAN RIGHTS AS MANDATORY IN ALL 
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - All public and private schools shall include 
human rights courses in their curricula. 
No school shall be established or 
allowed to operate unless this requirement is complied with. 
SEC 2. The Department of Education, in consultation with the Commission on 
Human Rights, shall formulate courses on human rights to be taught as separate 
courses or incorporated in existing subjects now being taught in all levels of 
education throughout the country. 
SEC 3. The Department of Education, shall also consult and coordinate with the 
Commission on Human Rights in the writing, printing and publication of 
textbooks, manuals and other reading materials to be used in the human rights 
courses. 
SEC 4. This Act shall be implemented initially within the framework of the budget 
of the Department of Education, fo~ the year it is enacted into law. As far as 
practicable, the funds required therefor shall be drawn from its appropriations for 
policy formulation, program planning, standards development and instructional 
materials development. 
Thereafter, such amounts as may be necessary for the implementation of this Act 
shall be included in the budget of the Department of Education, in the annual 
General Appropriations Act. 
SEC 5. The Department of Education, in consultation with the Commission 
on Human Rights, shall, within six (6) months from the approval of this Act, 
prepare the implementing rules and regulations necessary to carry out the 
provisions of this Act. 


SEC 6. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its publication in at 
least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,