FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
COMMITTEE REPORT NO. ___ 
3=--=-7 __ 
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·11 
t1AY 11 
P 6 :02 
Submitted jointly by the Committees on Justice ancj.ljwnan Rights; Civil Service and 
Government Reorganization and Finance on 
MAT 1 1 2011 
. 
Re: 
Senate Bill No. _.......;:.:2:...:8::..;1=8_--, 
Recommending its approval in substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 106,297 and 2617. 
Sponsor: 
Senator Escudero 
MR. PRESIDENT: 
The Committees on Justice and Human Rights; Civil Service and Government 
Reorganization and Finance to which were referred Senate Bill No. 106, introduced by 
Senator Francis G. Escudero entitled: 
"AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING THE FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL 
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES" 
S.No. 297, introduced by Senator Antonio F. Trillanes, entitled: 
"AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE COMMISSION ON 
HUMAN RIGHTS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE, SECTIONS 1 AND 5 OF 
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 163" 
And S.No. 2617, introduced by Senator Manny Villar, entitled: 
"AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON 
HUMAN RIGHTS AND CRIMINALIZING FOR THE PURPOSE 
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS." 


have considered the same and have the honor to report them back to the Senate with 
the recommendation that the attached Senate Bill No. 
2818, prepared by 
the Committees, entitled: 
"AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING THE FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION 
OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES" 
be approved in substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 106, 297 and 2617, with Senators 
Escudero, Trillanes, Villar and Drilon as authors thereof. 


Respectfully Submitted: 
Chairmen: 
SEN. FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
Committee on Justice and Human Rights 
Member, Cite. On Finance 
~~---I\-::L 
ONIO F. TRILLANES IV 
Comm ttee on Civil Service and Government Reorganization 
Member, CUe. On Justice 
Members: 
. GUINGONA III 
n Justice and Human Rights 
... ~.--.-::::::::::::==-~~.;-,.;:::~-=~~-~ 
<.:::::-.:==~--~~ 
• .-
--
SEN. LOREN B. LEGARDA 
Cttes. on Justice & Finance 
--1. 
Il ')\L.l\~1 Vt,./ 
SE/.S~RGIO R. OSMENA III 
SEN. FERDIN ND R.1\lARCOS. JR. 
SEN. 
NKLIN M. DRlLON 
SEN. MAN YVILLAR 
CUes. on Justice, ivil Service & Finance 
SEN. 
G" REVILLA. JR. 
ctt,,~rnJustice & Finance 
$l-;.,:, 
(~e ~ 
;;4 
SEW,JOKER P. ARROYO I:;c' ,-
CUes. on Justice & Finance 
t~"Y1 4,--) 
.0 
S~UEL 
"LITO" M. LAPID, 
CUes. on Civil SelVice & Finance 
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SEN. F~~~ 
.. PANGILINAN 
Finance 


fWl~tI~ 
SEN. PIA S. C 
ETANO 
Cttes. on Civil Servi e & Finance 
~~~RA 
Ctte. on Finance 
.----
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::::::::::~~~L ___ 
.~"uuUEL F. ZUBIRI 
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Ex-Officio Members: i 
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\{r.MA 
SEN. ALAN PETER S. CAYETANO 
Senate Minority Floor Leader 
HON. JUAN PONCE ENRILE 
Senate President 
Senate of the Philippines 
Pasay City 
J/!U41M 
S 
. VICENTE 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
2818 
s. B. No. _-=-=--==--=-_ 
'11 
MAY 11 
P 6 :02 
RECEIVEII BY~ 
Prepared by the Committees on Justice and Human Rights; Civil Service and 
Government Reorganization and Finance with Senators Escudero, Trillanes, Villar 
and Drilon as authors thereof 
AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING THE FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF 
THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Commission on Human Rights 
2 
Charter". 
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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 Human 
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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 (1976), and any other 
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international treaties on human rights to which the Philippines is a signatory. 
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1. 
THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS 
A. Nature of the Commission 
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Sec. 4. The Commission as an Independent Office and as the National Human 
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Rights Institution of the Philippines. -
The Commission on Human Rights is an 
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independent constitutional office and is 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 and Instruments pertaining 
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to the effective functioning of national human rights institutions. 
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Sec. 5. Fiscal Autonomy. - The Commission shall always enjoy full fiscal autonomy 
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equivalent to that of the Constitutional Commissions under Art. IX of the 1987 
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Constitution. The approved annual appropriations of the Commission shall be 
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automatically and regularly released. 
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B. The Chairperson and Commissioners 
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Sec. 6. 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) Commissioners 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, who are 
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human rights advocates of known probity, competence and integrity; 
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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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d) Must have an understanding of human rights protection, promotion and advocacy; 
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e) Must not have been candidates, including party-list nominees, for any elective position 
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in any national or local elections, immediately preceding their appointment. 
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Sec. 7. Appointment and Term of Office. - The Chairperson and Commissioners 
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shall be appointed by the President for a term of seven (7) years without re-appointment. 
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Of those first appointed under this Act, the Chairperson shall hold office for seven (7) 
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years, two (2) Commissioners for five (5) years and the other two (2) Commissioners for 
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three (3) years, all without reappointment. In no case shall any commissioner be appointed, 
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re-appointed or designated in a temporary or acting capacity. 
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The term of the Chairperson and Commissioners of the Commission shall start on 
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the day immediately after the end of the previous term, regardless of the date of 
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appointment. Appointment to any vacancy occurring during the term shall be only for the 
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remaining portion of said term. 
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Sec. 8. Prohibition and Disqualification. - The Chairperson and Commissioners 
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of the Commission shall not, during their tenure, hold any other office or employment. 
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Neither shall they engage in the practice of any profession or in the active management or 
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control of any business which in any way may be affected by the functions of their office, 
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nor shall they be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract with, or in any 
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franchise or privilege, granted by the Government and its subdivisions, agencies or 
40 
instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their 
41 
subsidiaries. They shall avoid conflict of interest in the conduct of their office. They shall 
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not be allowed to appear or practice before the Commission for two years follOWing their 
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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 Commissioners 
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may 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. 9. Disclosure of Relationship. - It shall be the duty of the Chairperson and 
2 
Commissioners to make under oath to the best of their knowledge and information a 
3 
written public disclosure of the identities of, and their relationship with the persons 
4 
referred to in the preceding section. The disclosure shall be filed with the Office of the 
5 
Ombudsman before the appointee assumes office and every annual anniversary of the date 
6 
of 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. 
8 
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Sec. 10. Salary, Retirement, Benefits and Other Privileges of the Chairperson and 
10 
Commissioners. - The Chairperson and Commissioners of the Commission shall receive 
11 
the same salary, privileges and benefits as the Chairperson and Members of the 
12 
Constitutional Commissions which shall not be decreased during their term of office. 
13 
Likewise, they shall receive the same retirement benefits to those of the Constitutional 
14 
Commissions as provided by law. 
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Sec. 11. Removal from Office. - The Chairperson and Commissioners of the 
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Commission 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]; 
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(d) Dishonesty, misconduct in office, gross negligence, or dereliction of duty; 
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(e) Commission of any offense involving moral turpitude or an offense punishable by 
24 
prision mayor; 
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(f) Abuse of authority; 
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(g) Such other grounds as may be provided by law. 
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The proceedings for removal shall be initiated by filing a verified complaint with the 
29 
Court of Appeals stating the grounds therefor and alleging the ultimate facts upon which 
30 
the complaint is based. 
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The Court of Appeals shall act on the complaint and conduct the necessary 
33 
investigation and hearing. Thereafter, the Court of Appeals shall dismiss the complaint or 
34 
declare the removal from office of the Chairperson or Commissioner of the Commission 
35 
within ninety (90) days from the date of filing of the complaint. Failure to resolve the 
36 
complaint within said period shall result in its automatic dismissal. 
37 
38 
In deciding upon a complaint for removal from office, the Court of Appeals shall not 
39 
impose any lesser penalty or diSCiplinary action such as suspension, censure, or reprimand 
40 
other than removal from office. 
41 
42 
Any decision of removal from office shall be automatically stayed by the filing of a 
43 
petition for review on certiorari with the Supreme Court. 
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C. Nomination of Chairperson and Commissioners 
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Sec. 12. Nominations Committee. - The President shall choose and appoint the 
48 
Chairperson and Commissioners of the Commission from a list of three (3) nominees per 
49 
position selected by a Nominations Committee to be composed of the following members: 
50 
3 


1 
a) The Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights or if vacant, any 
2 
Commissioner as designated by the Commission En Banc; 
3 
4 
b) The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights; 
5 
6 
c) The Chairperson of the House of Representatives' Committee on Human 
7 
Rights; 
8 
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d) Four (4) members selected by the Commission from any of the following duly 
10 
accredited entities, sectors or groups : human rights non-government 
11 
organizations (NGOs), people's organizations, lawyers' and/or paralegal 
12 
groups, indigenous peoples, the academe; woman, child and family rights 
13 
groups. 
14 
15 
Sec. 13. Selection of Nominees. - The members of the Nominations Committee 
16 
shall each have one vote. They shall meet not later than thirty (30) days before the end of a 
17 
current term or within seven (7) days after the occurrence of a vacancy during a term. They 
18 
shall submit to the President their list of nominees thirty (30) days before the end of said 
19 
term or thirty (30) days after said vacancy. The President shall make the appointment 
20 
within thirty (30) days after the submission of the list of nominees by the Nominations 
21 
Committee. 
22 
23 
The Commission shall provide secretariat support to the Nominations 
24 
Committee. It shall make all proceedings of the Nominations Committee open and 
25 
accessible to the public. Vacancies as well as the list of nominees shall be published in a 
26 
newspaper of general circulation. The Nominations Committee shall adopt its own rules of 
27 
procedure. 
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29 
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Sec. 14. Pluralist Representation. - In the selection of nominees for Chairperson and 
31 
Commissioners of the Commission, the Nominations Committee shall take into 
32 
consideration pluralist representation of Philippine society in the promotion and protection 
33 
of human rights. 
34 
35 
Sec. 15. 
Non-Government and People's Organization Representatives to the 
36 
Nominations Committee. -
The duly accredited human rights non-government 
37 
organizations (NGOs), people's organizations (PO's), lawyers' and/ or paralegal groups, 
38 
representatives from indigenous peoples, representatives from the academe, as well as 
39 
woman, child and family rights groups shall from among themselves choose the four (4) 
40 
representatives to the Nominations Committee in a meeting attended by an authorized 
41 
representative of the Commission. In the absence of a selection procedure agreed upon by 
42 
said organizations, the Commission shall promulgate the rules of procedure to govern the 
43 
selection of the four (4) representatives by the accredited organizations. 
44 
45 
46 
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II. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS 
48 
A. General Powers and Functions 
49 
50 
Sec. 16. General Powers and Functions of the Commission. - The Commission on 
51 
Human Rights shall have the following general powers and functions: 
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53 
a) Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human 
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rights violations; 
b) Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure and cite for direct 
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, 
provided prior coordination is had with the agenCies of government 
concerned; 
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; 
1) 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; 
5 


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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; 
0.) Appoint its officers and employees in accordance with law; and 
p.) Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided 
by law. 
B. Investigation 
14 
Sec. 17. Investigative Powers and Functions. - The Commission shall exercise 
15 
primary and original jurisdiction to investigate, on complaint or motu proprio, cases of 
16 
human rights violations to include civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. In 
17 
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). 
Any 
investigation being conducted by any other body shall not be a bar to the 
investigation 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) Request and require the assistance and cooperation 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 
prosecutorial functions. In this regard, the 1997 Revised Rules of 
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1 
Procedure shall apply suppletorily. 
2 
3 
Sec. 18 . Imprescriptibility of Human Rights Violations. - The investigation of 
4 
human rights violations shall not be subject to any statute of limitations or prescriptive 
5 
period. 
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Sec. 19. Scope of Preventive Measures. - The preventive measures under Article 
8 
XIII, Sec. 18 (3) of the Constitution that may be issued by the Commission in the 
9 
investigation of cases involving all forms of human rights violations shall include the 
10 
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; 
26 
c) Order to transfer persons deprived of their liberty and in danger of 
27 
reprisal or retaliation due to the filing of a complaint in connection with 
28 
his/her detention, in order to secure safety of his/her person; 
29 
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d) Restraining order prohibiting respondent, any unites), personnel or 
31 
persons under his/her immediate supervision from entering the 
32 
immediate vicinity of the affected area or residence of any person who's 
33 
human rights are being violated or are in danger of violation and from 
34 
searching the victim or his belongings; 
35 
36 
e) Injunction ordering respondent to refrain from committing any and all 
37 
acts that would tend to cause irreparable harm and have the immediate 
38 
effect of rendering the investigation of the Commission moot and 
39 
academic. 
40 
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Sec. 20. Scope of Legal Measures. - The legal measures under Article XIII, Sec. 18 
42 
(3) of the Constitution that may be provided by the Commission shall include the 
43 
following: 
44 
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a) Mandatory protection orders (MPO's) directing government security 
forces, other government agencies, or private institutions to provide 
specific protection to victims of human rights violations; 
b) Orders deputizing government offices and private institutions and 
organizations for the purpose of providing protection; and 
c) Orders deputizing government and private lawyers as counsels de officio 
to ensure that the human rights of the victim are not further violated; and 
7 


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d) Any order the purpose of which is analogous to any of the 
3 
foregoing. 
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Sec. 21. Grant of Immunity. - The Commission may grant immunity from 
7 
prosecution to any person whose possession and production of documents or other 
8 
evidence may be necessary to determine the truth in any hearing, inquiry or proceeding 
9 
under such terms and conditions as it may determine taking into account the pertinent 
10 
provisions of the Rules of Court and its own rules. The immunity shall only be granted 
11 
after a determination of the relevance, veracity and authenticity of the evidence sought to 
12 
be presented by the Commission. The immunity granted shall be revoked on account of 
13 
evidence presented to be true but which is, in fact, false and spurious and without which 
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the Commission would not have granted immunity. 
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Sec. 22. Preventive Suspension. - With the exception of Members of Congress, the 
17 
Judiciary, and impeachable officials, the Commission may preventively suspend any 
18 
officer or employee including but not limited to elective or appointive public officers or 
19 
employees, including Members of the Cabinet, local government, government-owned-or-
20 
controlled corporations and their subsidiaries, pending an investigation, provided it 
21 
determines that (a) the evidence of guilt is strong; (b) the charges would warrant removal 
22 
from the service; and (c) the respondent's continued stay in office may prejudice the case 
23 
filed against him/ her. 
24 
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The preventive suspension shall be immediately executory, unless restrained by 
26 
the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court and shall continue until the case is terminated 
27 
by the Commission; Provided, that said suspension shall not be more than sixty (60) days 
28 
without pay, except when the delay in the disposition of the case by the Commission is 
29 
due to the fault, negligence or petition of the respondent, in which case the period of such 
30 
delay shall not be counted in computing the period of suspension herein provided. 
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The respondent official or employee preventively suspended from office shall 
33 
receive no salary or compensation during such suspension. However, upon subsequent 
34 
exoneration and reinstatement, he shall be paid full salary or compensation including 
35 
such emoluments, benefits and privileges accruing during such suspension. 
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In the case of a suspended elective official, upon expiration of the period of 
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preventive suspension, he shall be deemed reinstated in office without prejudice to the 
39 
continuation of the proceedings against him which shall be terminated within one 
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hundred twenty (120) days from the date the official was formally notified of the 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 subpoena or 
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subpoena duces tecum. 
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Sec. 23. Referral to Disciplining Authority. - The Commission may endorse 
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and/ or 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 
7 
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. 24. Motu Proprio Dismissal. - The Commission may dismiss, motu proprio, a 
11 
complaint for the investigation of human rights violations on any of the following 
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grounds: 
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a) The complaint pertains to a matter outside of the jurisdiction of the 
15 
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. 25. Investigation by Regional Offices. - The proper regional office of the 
22 
Commission shall investigate complaints faIling within its territorial jurisdiction unless the 
23 
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 
26 
are immediately executory. Within ten (10) days after concluding the investigation, the 
27 
regional office shall render the appropriate order, directive or resolution subject to appeal 
28 
to the Commission en banc pursuant to its rules. 
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C. Prosecution 
31 
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Sec. 26. Concurrent Limited Prosecutorial Powers and Functions. -
The 
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Commission shall exercise concurrent prosecutorial powers and functions as herein 
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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 
40 
by the Department of Justice or Office of the Ombudsman for purposes of preliminary 
41 
investigation. Thereafter, the Commission shall conduct the preliminary investigation and 
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upon a finding of probable cause, issue a resolution for the filing of the appropriate 
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information and prosecution of the offense! s found to exist. 
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For this purpose, the Commission shall have the power to deputize government 
46 
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 only to the following cases: 
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A.) When committed by State Actors - in cases where the offender is a public 
53 
officer as defined under Article 203 of Republic Act No. 3815, otherwise known 
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as the Revised Penal Code as amended, and acting in his capacity as such, or 
any person acting on behalf or under the immediate control of the State and its 
agents, and where the human rights violation constitutes a criminal offense 
under the Revised Penal Code and special laws, as follows: 
6 
a) Use of physical, psychological and degrading punishment, torture, force, 
7 
violence, threats, and intimidation; 
8 
9 
b) Extra-judicial killings, summary executions, and "massacres" or mass 
10 
killings; 
11 
12 
c) Violations of the right to be secure from unreasonable searches and 
13 
seizures, including involuntary or enforced disappearances; 
14 
15 
d) Violations of the rights of persons arrested, detained, or under custodial 
16 
investigation, including deprivation of the rights of political detainees; 
17 
18 
e) Violations of the right to a speedy, impartial and public trial or disposition 
19 
of cases; 
20 
21 
f) Hamletting, 
forced 
evacuation 
or 
eviction, 
illegal 
demolition, 
22 
development aggression and other violations of the right to travel and to 
23 
freely choose one's abode and change the same; 
24 
25 
26 
27 
g) Violations of the right to peaceably assemble, free association, and to 
petition the government for redress of grievances; 
28 
h) Violations of the right to worship and the free exercise of a religion; 
29 
30 
i) Violations of the right to privacy; 
31 
32 
j) Violations of civil and political rights of persons suspected, detained for, 
33 
and! or accused of the crime of terrorism or conspiracy to commit 
34 
terrorism; and 
35 
36 
k) Political, religious, racial, ethnic, social or sexual persecution, oppression, 
37 
or harassment committed with acts constituting offenses punished under 
38 
the Revised Penal Code and special laws. 
39 
40 
41 
B.) When Committed by Non-State Actors - Non-state actors are persons, other 
42 
than public officers, belonging to and acting on behalf or under the immediate 
43 
control of a juridical or non-juridical person, whether legitimate or illegitimate, 
44 
including but not limited to the following: 
45 
46 
a) Armed groups, bandits, warlords and private armies; 
47 
48 
b) Criminal organizations and groups; and 
49 
50 
c) Multi-national, foreign and domestic corporations, and other business 
51 
entities. 
52 
53 
10 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
C.) When Committed Against Vulnerable Persons - in the investigation and 
prosecution of the following offenses as penalized under the Revised Penal Code 
and special laws when committed by any person against any member or group 
of vulnerable persons, as defined herein: 
a) Involuntary servitude constituting Crimes Against Personal Liberty and 
Security under the Revised Penal Code; 
10 
b) Crimes penalized under Republic Act No. 7610, or the "Special Protection 
11 
of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act;" 
12 
13 
c) Crimes penalized as Infanticide and Abortion under the Revised Penal 
14 
Code; 
15 
16 
d) Crimes penalized under Republic Act No. 9262, or the "Anti-Violence 
17 
Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004;" and 
18 
19 
e) Crimes penalized under Republic Act No. 8371 or the "Indigenous 
20 
Peoples Rights Act of 1997." 
21 
22 
23 
Vulnerable persons shall include children, the unborn, women, elderly, persons 
24 
with disabilities, migrant workers, indigenous peoples, and ethnic and religious 
25 
minorities. 
26 
27 
28 
D. Monitoring 
29 
30 
Sec. 27. Monitoring Powers and Functions. -
In the exercise of its mandate to 
31 
monitor the Government's compliance with its international human rights treaty 
32 
obligations, the Commission shall have the following powers and functions: 
33 
34 
a) Require any department, bureau or office, subdivision, agency or 
35 
instrumentality of the Government to submit compliance reports on 
36 
international human rights treaty and to furnish the Commission copies 
37 
thereof within thirty (30) days from submission to the United Nations and 
38 
other international bodies; 
39 
40 
b) Conduct inquiries on the manner of implementation by the Philippine 
41 
Government of specific human rights treaty obligations; 
42 
43 
c) Summon any public official to explain on the measures undertaken by his 
44 
or her agency in order to comply with the State's international treaty 
45 
obligations on human rights; 
46 
47 
d) Enter and inspect the premises of any government agency or office, 
48 
specifically police and military stations, installations, camps, bases, and 
49 
training schools and access books, records, files, documents or papers 
50 
located in the above-mentioned office and facilities; 
51 
52 
e) Study and recommend to the government international human rights 
53 
treaties or instruments for its signature, ratification or accession; 
11 


I 
2 
f) Make timely and regular submission of independent reports to international 
3 
human rights treaty bodies and other international human rights 
4 
mechanisms; 
5 
6 
g) Advise and assist the government on clearly-identified gaps in human 
7 
rights treaty compliance; 
8 
9 
h) Capacitate stakeholders to enable participation in monitoring human rights 
10 
treaty compliance by the government; 
11 
12 
i) Delegate to its deputies, investigators or representatives, such authority or 
13 
duty which shall ensure the effective exercise or performance of its 
14 
monitoring functions; and 
15 
16 
j) Recommend and institutionalize best practices and incentives for human 
17 
rights advocates and institutions. 
18 
19 
Sec. 28. Other Monitoring Functions. - The Commission shall likewise monitor 
20 
observance by non-state actors of human rights obligations arising from agreements 
21 
entered into with the government, as well as unilateral declarations and similar 
22 
undertakings. 
23 
24 
Sec. 29. Annual Report. - The Commission shall prepare and make public an annual 
25 
report on the findings of its monitoring activities with regard to the state of the 
26 
Government's compliance with its international human rights treaty obligations. The 
27 
report shall include, but not be limited, to the following: 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
40 
41 
42 
43 
44 
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. 
45 
E. Education and Advocacy 
46 
47 
Sec. 30. Education and Advocacy in Government. - The Commission shall 
48 
undertake a program of human rights promotion and advocacy through education and 
49 
training to promote and increase respect for the primacy and dignity of human life in all 
50 
its stages and the protection of human rights in coordination with the different agencies of 
51 
the government. It shall likewise administer a mandatory and continuing human rights 
52 
education program for the military, police and other law enforcement agencies, as well as 
53 
public school teachers, and shall, for this purpose, draw up the components of the 
12 


program, accredit course and training providers, and issue certificates of completion to 
2 
those who have successfully completed the program. 
3 
4 
Sec. 31. Education and Advocacy in Civil Society. - The Commission shall also 
5 
undertake human rights education, advocacy, and information campaign programs 
6 
among sectors of civil society, particularly the vulnerable, marginalized and 
7 
underprivileged groups. In conducting this program, the Commission shall actively 
8 
cooperate and coordinate with human rights non-government organizations, lawyers' 
9 
groups, the academe and people's organizations of the concerned sectors of civil society. 
10 
11 
Sec. 32. Research. - The Commission shall undertake a continuing research and 
12 
study on select human rights issues for purposes of recommending policy reforms, as well 
13 
as administrative and legislative measures that will also address economic, social and 
14 
cultural rights. 
15 
16 
Sec. 33. Coverage of Programs. - The Commission shall prescribe the scope and 
17 
coverage of education, advocacy, information and training programs on human rights, 
18 
and which will be provided for in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act. 
19 
20 
21 
F. Other Powers and Functions 
22 
23 
Sec. 34. Witness Protection Program. - The Commission shall strengthen its 
24 
witness protection program, including the provision of security, shelter, relocation and 
25 
livelihood assistance to witnesses and their families 
26 
27 
Sec. 35. Financial Assistance Program. - The Commission shall enhance its 
28 
financial assistance program to victims of human rights violations and their families. 
29 
30 
Sec. 36. Legal Assistance Program. - The Commission shall implement a legal 
31 
assistance program to benefit victims of human rights violations in coordination with 
32 
human rights organizations and lawyers' groups, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and 
33 
Philippine law schools. 
34 
35 
Sec. 37. Protection of Filipinos Abroad. - The Commission shall undertake 
36 
measures for the protection and promotion of human rights of Filipinos living abroad. It 
37 
shall coordinate with Philippine Embassy or Consulate officers as well as private 
38 
individuals of known probity and active involvement in human rights work, or foreign-
39 
based human rights and migrant workers' non-government organizations in countries 
40 
where the incidence of human rights violations of Filipinos is widespread and 
41 
commonplace, including traditional host countries of Overseas Filipino Workers, for 
42 
purposes of monitoring the status of human rights of Filipinos living abroad, establishing 
43 
networks among Filipinos to promote protection of human rights, reporting cases of 
44 
violations thereof, facilitating the remedial measures of victims and coordinating with 
45 
respective agencies to provide counselling and financial aid. 
46 
47 
48 
Sec. 38. Creation of Ad Hoc Truth Commissions. -
The 
Commission 
may 
49 
recommend the creation of an ad hoc Truth Commission on matters of transcendental 
50 
importance, such as widespread and systematic human rights violations occurring over 
51 
prolonged periods of time, or under extraordinarily-repressive conditions, or attended by 
52 
a culture of impunity that is instigated, inspired or orchestrated by public officials, in 
53 
conspiracy with government security forces or State-sponsored armed groups. 
13 


I 
2 
Sec. 39. Issuance of clearances. - The Commission shall issue clearances to 
3 
members of the military, police and other law enforcement agencies prior to, and as 
4 
reqUirement for, their promotion or assumption of office. The Commission may also issue 
5 
clearances for other purposes such as training, education or study grants abroad upon 
6 
proper request of the applicant. 
7 
8 
The Commission shall make its own recommendations to the Commission on 
9 
AppOintments prior to the confirmation of other officials other than those mentioned in 
10 
the preceding paragraph, who are being considered for promotion or appointment. This 
II 
provision shall also apply to other government officers with salary grade 27 or its 
12 
equivalent and higher. 
13 
14 
Sec. 40. Appeals; Prohibition against Injunction. - Orders, decisions or findings of 
15 
the Commission, including determination of probable cause, shall be appealed to the Court 
16 
of Appeals on both questions of fact and law, or on certiorari to the Supreme Court on pure 
17 
questions of law. No restraining order or writ of injunction shall be issued against the 
18 
Commission in the performance of its powers and functions other than those issued by the 
19 
Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. 
20 
21 
Sec. 41. Protection from Harassment Suits; Dismissal. -
The Chairperson, 
22 
Commissioners, officers and employees of the Commission shall be immune from civil or 
23 
criminal prosecution for acts performed in pursuance of their official functions for the 
24 
duration of their tenure. 
25 
26 
Sec. 42. Obstruction. - Any person who, after due hearing, is found to have 
27 
wilfully obstructed or hindered the proper exercise of the powers and functions of the 
28 
Commission, or who wilfully misleads or attempts to mislead the Chairperson, 
29 
Commissioners and the duly designated Commission officials and representatives shall 
30 
be punished for obstruction of justice by the Commission. In addition, he/she shall be 
31 
penalized by a fine not exceeding Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (P25,000.00), at the 
32 
discretion of the Conunission. 
33 
34 
35 
TITLE III. ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE 
36 
37 
Sec. 43. Commission as a Collegial Body. - The Commission composed of the 
38 
Chairperson and four (4) Commissioners, as a collegial body, is responsible for the 
39 
promulgation of policies, decisions, orders and resolutions necessary for the efficient 
40 
administration of the Conunission and for proper execution of its constitutional mandate. 
41 
42 
In the exercise of its powers and functions, the Commission shall sit and render its 
43 
decision en bane. Every such decision, order or resolution of the Commission must bear the 
44 
concurrence and signature of at least three (3) Members thereof. 
45 
46 
The Commission shall meet regularly once a week, or as the Commission may 
47 
direct, or upon call by the Chairperson. A majority of the members, at least three (3), 
48 
constitutes a quorum needed in any en bane meeting of the Commission. 
49 
50 
Sec. 44. The Chairperson as Executive Officer; Powers and Duties. 
The 
51 
Chairperson shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, and shall: 
52 
53 
a) 
Execute and carry out the policies, decisions, orders and resolutions 
14 


approved by the Commission; 
2 
b) Direct and supervise the operations and internal administration of the 
3 
Commission; 
4 
c) 
Sign appointments of subordinate officials and employees made by the 
5 
Commission and enforce decisions on administrative discipline involving 
6 
them; 
7 
d) Make temporary assignments, rotate and transfer personnel in 
8 
accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Law and the policies 
9 
involving them; 
10 
e) Submit an annual budget to the Commission for its approval and 
11 
submission to the Department of Budget and Management and to the 
12 
Congress of the Philippines; 
13 
f) 
Delegate his/her authority, in whole or in part, to other officials of the 
14 
Commission in accordance with Executive Order No. 292, otherwise 
15 
known as the Administrative Code of 1987, and rules and regulations of 
16 
the Commission; and 
17 
g) Perform such other functions as may be authorized by the Commission. 
18 
19 
20 
Sec. 45. Structural Organization. - The Commission shall have the following line 
21 
offices and operating units: 
22 
23 
a) Office of the Chairperson; 
24 
b) Office of the Commissioners; 
25 
c) Office of the Executive Director; 
26 
d) Office of the Commission Secretary; 
27 
e) Legal Office; 
28 
f) Investigation Office; 
29 
g) Human Rights Instruments Compliance And Monitoring Office; 
30 
h) Education, Advocacy And Research Office; 
31 
i) Information System Management Office; 
32 
j) Assistance and Visitorial Office; 
33 
k) Forensic Office; 
34 
I) Planning And Management Office; 
35 
m) Financial Management Office; 
36 
n) General Administrative Office; 
37 
0) Sectoral Rights Offices; 
38 
p) Public Information Office; and 
39 
q) Regional Offices. 
40 
41 
All the above offices will be headed by an officer with a rank, salary and privileges 
42 
equivalent to a Director IV, except for the Executive Director and who shall have the rank, 
43 
salary and privileges of an Assistant Secretary. All centers will be headed by a Director III. 
44 
Each office may have such divisions as are necessary to carry out their respective functions. 
45 
As an independent constitutional office, the Commission may effect changes in the 
46 
organization as the need arises. 
47 
48 
All officers and employees of the Commission, unless otherwise provided herein, 
49 
shall receive emoluments and privileges that shall not be less than those given to 
50 
comparable positions in any office in the government. 
51 
52 
53 
Sec. 46. The Executive Director. - The Executive Director shall be responsible for 
15 


managing the day-to-day affairs, activities and operations of the Commission, in 
2 
accordance with its policies, standards, rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by 
3 
the Commission. In particular, the Executive Director shall: 
4 
5 
a. Provide direct supervision, control, coordiI1ation and monitoring of all 
6 
activities, functions and operations of both the central and regional units 
7 
of the Commissioner; 
8 
b. Recommend and / or implement administrative and management policies, 
9 
rules ~nd standard operating procedures to be established by the 
10 
Commission; 
11 
c. Recommend and initiate programs, projects and policies which promoted 
12 
productivity, efficiency and effectiveness in the Commission; 
13 
d. Coordinate with different CHR organization units in the information and 
14 
reporting requirement of the Commission; 
15 
e. Resolve operational issues in accordance with the levels of authority 
16 
prescribed by the Commission; 
17 
f. Undertake appraisal on issues/problems and policy recommendations 
18 
requiring decision/ action by the Commission; 
19 
g. Conduct necessary representation with different branches and agencies of 
20 
the government on vital issues/concerns involving the organization, 
21 
operations and programs of the Commission and 
22 
h. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Commission En 
23 
Bane. 
24 
25 
The Executive Director shall be appointed by the Commission and shall be a 
26 
member of the Philippine Bar with proven integrity and competence, and must have been 
27 
involved in human rights promotion and protection activities for seven (7) years. He/she 
28 
shall have the rank, salary and privileges of an Assistant Secretary. 
29 
30 
Sec. 47. The Commission Secretary. - The Commission Secretary, who shall head 
31 
the Commission Secretariat, shall provide executive services to the Commission on its 
32 
regular, special and executive meetings, assistance on policy review and coordination, 
33 
review and appraisal of the programs and other project undertakings of the Commission, 
34 
including technical support on the formulation of guidelines, directives, mandates and 
35 
executive summaries and reports. In addition, the Commission Secretary shall: 
36 
37 
a. Prepare the agenda of meetings of the Commission En Bane and ensure 
38 
complete recording of proceedings; 
39 
b. Develop, recommend to the Commission En Bane, and implement an 
40 
approved disclosure policy for the Commission on Human Rights of the 
41 
Philippines; 
42 
c. Formulate, propose and implement a central records management system 
43 
for the Commission En Bane, and act as the custodian of all records on 
44 
. human rights cases filed with the Commission, including records on 
45 
resolutions, rules, policies, regulations and other decisions, proceedings of 
46 
its meetings, and other pertinent records; 
47 
d. Design, propose and implement a central records management system 
48 
and provide records management orientation 
and assistance to the 
49 
various offices of the Commission; 
50 
e. Prepare and issue directives to concerned offices, by authority of the 
51 
Commission En Bane; 
52 
f. Represent the Commission En Bane in different technical working 
53 
committees of the Commission, as may be directed by it; 
16 


I 
g. Respond to queries from the different central and regional offices on 
2 
matters pertaining to policies, rules and decisions, as authorized by the 
3 
Commission En Bane; and 
4 
h. Perform such other related functions as may be assigned by the 
5 
Commission En Bane. 
6 
7 
The Commission Secretary, who must be at least a degree holder of Bachelor of 
8 
Laws (Ll.B.) or Juris Doctor (JD), shall have the rank, salary and privileges of a Director IV. 
9 
10 
Sec. 48. Duties and Functions of the Offices of the Commission. - The different 
11 
offices of the Commission provided in Section 47 of this Act shall operate in accordance 
12 
with their respective duties and functions assigned them by the Commission subject to 
13 
requirements of efficiency, economy and effectiveness, and pertinent budget and civil 
14 
service laws, rules and regulations. 
15 
16 
Sec. 49. Officers of the Commission. - All officers appointed by the Commission 
17 
who possess the rank or position above Division Chief level and officially performs 
18 
managerial and executive functions, must be Career Executive Service (CES) eligible under 
19 
the Career Executive Service Board or has equivalent eligibility as the Commission may 
20 
establish. 
21 
22 
The Commission may propose additional qualification standards to be submitted for 
23 
approval to the Department of Budget and Management and for information of the Civil 
24 
Service Commission. 
25 
26 
Sec 50. 
Central Offices - The Commission shall establish Central Offices to 
27 
effect its functional mandates of investigation, legal advocacy, visitoriaL education, 
28 
research and compliance monitoring, and such other functions necessary for the effective 
29 
and efficient performance of its duties. 
30 
31 
Sec. 51. Regional Offices. - The Commission shall have seventeen (17) regional 
32 
offices, as may be further established by law, with two regional offices for Region IV, 
33 
including the National Capital Region (NCR), the Caraga Administrative Region 
34 
(CARAGA), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and the Autonomous Region of 
35 
Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). 
36 
37 
Each Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional Human Rights Director with a 
38 
rank and salary of Director IV, who must be a member of the Philippine Bar, assisted by an 
39 
Assistant Regional Human Rights Director, and such other subordinate officers or 
40 
employees as the Commission may appoint. 
The Assistant Regional Human Rights 
41 
Director shall carry the rank and receive the same salary and privileges of a Director III. 
42 
43 
The Commission may delegate its powers and functions or order the 
44 
implementation or enforcement of its orders, rulings or decisions through the heads of its 
45 
regional offices in accordance with its rules and regulations to be promulgated by the 
46 
Commission. 
47 
48 
Sec 52. Provincial Offices. - The Commission may establish such Provincial Offices 
49 
as may be necessary in the provinces falling under the administrative jurisdiction of the 
50 
Regional Office. The Provincial Office shall be headed by a Provincial Human Rights 
51 
Officer and staffed by such other officers or employees as the Commission may appoint. 
52 
The Provincial Human Rights Officer shall carry the rank and receive the same salary and 
53 
privileges of a Division Chief. 
17 


1 
2 
Sec. 53. Sectoral Rights Offices. - The Commission shall establish offices and 
3 
centers to undertake promotion and protection of the rights of vulnerable sectors, to 
4 
include but not be limited to women and children, as the Commission may deem 
5 
appropriate. 
6 
7 
Sec. 54. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. -
A Joint Congressional 
8 
Oversight Committee is hereby created, composed of the Chairman of the Senate 
9 
Committee on Justice and Human Rights and three (3) other Senators designated by the 
10 
Senate President, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, and three 
11 
(3) other Members of the House of Representatives designated by the Speaker of the House 
12 
of Representatives: Provided, That, of the three (3) members to be deSignated by each 
13 
House of Congress, two (2) should come from the majority and the remaining Member 
14 
from the minority. 
15 
16 
The Joint Congressional Oversight Committee shall have the power to monitor and 
17 
evaluate the implementation of this Act. 
18 
19 
Sec. 55. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Commission shall, within 
20 
sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, formulate the implementing rules and 
21 
regulations in the exercise of its general, investigative, prosecutorial, monitoring, education 
22 
and advocacy powers and functions together with the Department of Justice (DOn, 
23 
Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Interior and Local Government 
24 
(DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Armed Forces of the 
25 
Philippine (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned agencies of the 
26 
Government. 
27 
28 
Sec. 56. Operational Guidelines. - The Commission shall also formulate its 
29 
operational guidelines which shall include, but not be limited to, the functions and duties 
30 
of the Executive Director, the Commission Secretary and the heads of the line offices, the 
31 
implementation and management of its Witness Protection, Financial Assistance and Legal 
32 
Aid Programs, and such other matters as may be necessary for the implementation of this 
33 
Act. 
34 
35 
Sec. 57. 
Franking Privilege. -
All official mail matters and telegrams of the 
36 
Commission addressed for delivery within the Philippines shall be received, transmitted 
37 
and delivered free of charge; Provided, That such mail matters when addressed to private 
38 
persons or non-government offices shall not exceed One Thousand and Twenty (1,020) 
39 
grams. 
All mail matters and telegrams sent through government telegraph facilities 
40 
containing complaints to the Commission on Human Rights shall be transmitted free of 
41 
charge;Provided, That the telegram shall contain not more than One Hundred and Fifty 
42 
(150) words. 
43 
44 
Sec. 58. Financial Report. - The Commission shall make available to the public its 
45 
annual financial statements, including but not limited to, expenditures and sources of 
46 
funds. 
47 
48 
Sec. 59. Transitory Provision. - Nothing in this Act shall prejudice the positions, 
49 
emoluments, security of tenure, qualifications, privileges and benefits of the incumbent 
50 
Chairperson and Commissioners, officers and employees of the Commission upon its 
51 
effectivity. However, officials and employees of the Commission, in aid of its 
52 
reorganization upon the effectivity of this Act, may avail of an early retirement program as 
53 
may be provided for by the Commission. 
18 


I 
2 
Sec. 60. 
Separability Clause. 
If any provlslOn of this Act shall be held 
3 
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and binding. 
4 
5 
Sec. 61. Repealing Clause. - All laws, republic acts, presidential decrees, letters of 
6 
instructions, executive orders, rules and regulations insofar as they are inconsistent with 
7 
this Act are hereby repealed or amended, as the case may be. 
8 
9 
Sec. 62. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its 
10 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
II 
12 
13 
Approved, 
19