Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Brit No. 662°

Authored by Hon. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to make human rights subjects a mandatory part
of the curriculum of all elementary and secondary educational
institutions in the country. Various sectors in society, the Church
included, have acknowledged the urgent need for human rights to be
discussed with the young citizens of the country. It is high time,
therefore, that the value of human rights must be inculcated in our
youth.

Article XIV, Section 3, paragraph 2 of the 1987 of the
Constitution provides:

“(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 ethical and spiritual values,
develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical and
creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and
promote efficiency.”

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 xxx”

The passage of this bill is earnestly sought. *

JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 862

Authored by Hon. 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.

SECTION 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 elementary and secondary
education throughout the country.

SECTION 3. The Department of Education, shall also consult
and coordinate with the Commission of Human Rights in the writing,
printing and publication of textbooks, manuals, and other reading
materials to be used in the human rights courses.

SECTION 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
therefore 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.

SECTION 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.


SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,