THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regukai- Session 
SENATE 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The value of human rights must be inculcated in our youth 
Various sectors in society, the Church included, have acknowledged the urgent 
The subject of Human Rights however is being taught by Philippine schools only 
need for human rights to be discussed with tRe young citizens of our country. 
on a voluntary basis. 
Article XIV, Section 3(1 & 2) of the 1987 constitution slates: 
"(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 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 tile Commission on Human 
Rights as provided in Article XIII, Section 18 (5) to: 
"(5) Establish a continuing program of research, education, and information to enhance 
respect for the primacy of human rights." 
In its Resolution 49/184 dated December 23, 1994, the United Nations General 
Assembly proclaimed the ten-year period beginning January 1, 1995 as the United 
Nations Decade for Human Rights Education. 
To implement the aforesaid constitutional provisions more effectively, and in 
observance of the U.N. Decade for Human Rights Education, this bill is being filed to 
make the teaching of human rights a mandatory part of the curriculum of all educational 
institutions. 
Approval of this bill is earnestly requested 


INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY V'LLAR 
AN ACT REQUIRING THE TEACHING OF HUMAN RIGHTS AS ~
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ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND FOW OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. All public and private schools shall include human rights courses in 
their curricula. NO school shall be established or allowed to operate uniess this 
requirement is complied with. 
SEC. 2. The Departrnent of Education (DepEd), in consultation with the 
Commission on Human Rights (CHR), 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 (DepEd) shall also consult and coordinate 
with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the writing, printing and publication of 
text books, memorials and other reading materials to be issued in the said human rights 
courses. 
SEC. 4. This Act shall be initially implemented within the framework of the 
Budget of the Department of Education (DepEd) 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 tile budget of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the annual 
General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 5. The Department of Education (DepEd), in consultation with the 
Commission on Human Rights (CHR), shall, within six (6) months from the approval of 
this Act, prepare implementing rules and regulations necessary lo 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,