-. 
SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
First Regular Congress 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 
1225 
'13 
~UG -6 P 4 :51 
k.c"'v,, .... ,-t ". 
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G, EJERCITO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Global trend suggests that the people regardless of nationality or ethnic origin should be 
aware of the basic human rights of each individual ranging from the right to life, liberty, 
food, shelter, education, and among others. In fact, international treatises, covenants, 
agreements, laws were crafted, passed and signed by different States just to make sure 
that the basic precepts of these international laws and agreement will be observed and 
enforced by the concurring States. 
In the Philippines, albeit the fact that our government has been a signatory to a number 
of these covenants and treatises, we still have problems in terms of observance and 
enforcement as human rights abuses still rampant throughout the country. Many of our 
countrymen are passive to report human rights abuses because of fear, ignorance and 
lack of support from the government. 
No less than the 1987 Philippine Constitution under Article XIII, Section 18 (5) and (6), 
succinctly provides, that: 
"(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. " 
Thus, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO 


.it'natr 
SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
'1M.;, of HI" ,> .. rtt.~. 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
IU:IG -6 P 4 :57 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. __ 
1_2_2_5_ 
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO 
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, for 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,