Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINTEHNTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
Republic of the Philippines
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Introduced by Representatives FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ, MANUEL
JOSH "MANNIX" M. DALIPE,  FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS,
BIENVENID0 M. ABANTE, JR., YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ, JUDE A.
ACIDRE
AN ACT STRENGTHENING THH COMMISSION 0N HUMAN RIGHTS (CHR) AS A
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTs INSTITUTION OrHRI) AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Commission on Hulnan Rights  (CHR) is  an independent office created   under the  1987
Constitution and  constituted  on May  5,1987  via Executive   Order No.  163,  s.  1987,  for the
protection and promotion of the human rights  of all persons within the Philippines, as well as
Filipinos  residing  abroad.  Regarded  under  intemational  human  rights  law  as  the  country's
National   Human Rights Institution (NHRI), the CHR plays a vital role in the  protection and
promotion   of  civil,   political,   economic,   social,   and   cultural     rights,I  and   in   addressing
discrimination in all its forms and to bridge the  gap between the rights of an individual and the
obligations and responsibilities of the State2 to respect, protect, and fulfill the same as  enshrined
in intemational human rights instruments.
In its thirty-six years of existence, the CHR has experienced various triumphs   and challenges
through several legislations and series of judicial  interpretations of its Constitutional mandate.
As the human rights situation   of the Philippines is always an issue, the CHR is limited from
exercising  its  full  potential  in  becoming  fully  compliant  to  the  requirements  of the  Pq[is
Principles or the "Principles Relating to the Status of National Human Rights  Institutions."
These  limitations,  however,  do  not preclude  Congress  from  granting the  CHR   "such  other
powers and functions"3 to investigate other cases of violations of  human rights that should fall
within the authority of the Commission.
1 Global Alliance for  National  Human  Rights  Institutions,  Roles  and Types of NHRls,  cJvo/./ob/e cJt
https://nhri.ohchr.org/EN/Aboutus/Pages/RolesTypesNHRls.aspx (last accessed July 04,  2019)
2ld
3 Art Xlll  Section  18  (11),  Section  19 of the  1987 Constitution


The CHR may have been described as a "toothless tiger,"4 but it can always roar.   To make a
resounding roar, the CHR's mandates, powers, and functions  must be further strengthened and
its cardinal role in building a human rights  culture in the country must be fully understood and
appreciated. Hence, this  legislative proposal.
This  bill  seeks  to  strengthen  the  CHR  by  providing  an  effective  and  expanded    structural,
operational and functional independence, in order to meet the  minimum requirement under the
Principles Relating to the Status of National Human Rights Institutions or the (Paris Principles).
It   also     guarantees  the   CHR's   full   fiscal   autonomy  to   ensure  prompt,   immediate,   and
uurestricted  discharge  of its  functions.  It  deflnes  the  general  powers  and    functions  of the
Commission, with full authority to act on a complaint or   777ofw I?rap7.I.o, in all cases of human
rights violations. In addition, it vests the   CHR with the power to issue injunctive reliefs and
legal measures.
The country needs a CHR that is truly independent and with full fiscal  autonomy. Today, more
than ever, we need a more active CHR, one that is  not strapped to the task of investigation or
that cannot recognize cases  of  human rights violations  other than those involving  civil  and
political rights.  We need a CHR that can address the challenge of protecting and promoting  the
human rights of all, especially the vulnerable, the disadvantaged, and the  marginalized sectors
of society.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly  sought.
Representative
First District,
FERDINAND ALHXANDHR A. MARCOS
Representative
First District, Ilocos Norte
MANUEL JOSE ``MA
Represe
Secon
. DALIPH
District, Zamboanga City
4  Hon,  lsidro CariFio  &  Erlinda  Lolarga v. The Commission  on  Human  Rights,  et al.,  96681, The  Lawphil  Project,  (1991).


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINTEHNTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
Republic of the Philippines
HouseBillNo.9790
Introduced by Representatives FHRDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ, MANUEL
JOSE ``MANNIX" M. DALIPE,  FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS,
BIENVENID0 M. ABANTE, JR., YHDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ, JUDE A.
ACIDRE
AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (CHR) AS A
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTs INSTITUTION OrHRI) AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the  House of Representatives  of the   Philippines in Congress
Assembled:
SEC.1. Sfoorf r!.£/c. -This Act shall be known as the "Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
Charter."
SHC. 2. SJ¢Jt7 Po/I.cjJ o# Hw#!a# Rz.g/.ts. -The State values the dignity  of every human person
and guarantees full respect for human rights. It shall   give highest priority to the enactment of
measures that respect, protect and  fulfill the right of all people to human dignity at all stages of
human life.
SEC. 3. De##!.Ji.o# a/ZJz"¢" Ri.givts. -Human rights are the supreme,   universal, inherent,
and inalienable rights to life, dignity, and self-development of every person regardless of race,
sex  and  gender,  nationality,    ethnicity,  language,  religion,  or  any  other  status.  These  rights
include  those  guaranteed  by  the  Philippine  Constitution,  domestic  laws,  and  intemational
human rights  instruments  such  as,  but not  limited  to  the  intemational bill  of rights,  i.e.  the
Universal  Declaration  of Human  Rights,  the  Intemational    Covenant  on  Civil  and  Political
Rights, and the International Coveiiant on  Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights; Intemational
Humanitarian Law  and  all  other existing and  future   human rights  instruments to which the
Philippines is a State Party.


SEC. 4. 7lfot? Co""!.ssz.o# ¢s ¢# J#dcpcHde"f OjjJ?ce. -The  independence of the Commission
on Human Rights,  hereinafter referred  to   as  the  Co77777cz.ssz.o7?,  shall  always be respected  and
upheld.  The Commission shall enjoy full flscal autonomy. Appropriations for the  Commission
shall not be reduced and shall be automatically and regularly  released.
SE:C. 5. The Commission as a National Human Rights Institution.  ~ The Corrrrm:isston is (ha
National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) of the  Philippines in accordance with the Prz.#czP/es
Relating to the Status Of National Institutions (Paris Principles) a:rid cf thor UrlitedNatious (UN)
Resolutions  and Instruments pertaining to the  effective functioning of  NHRls.  As  such, the
State and all its agents  shall ensure and respect the   compliance of the Commission with the
Paris Principles.
SiEIC. 6. The  Commission  En  Bane as a Collegial Body. -The   Corrrrn:ission en banc, as a.
collegial body, is responsible for the promulgation  ofpolicies, decisions, orders, and resolutions
necessary for the efficient   administration of the Commission and for proper execution of its
constitutional mandate.  Every policy, decision, order, or resolution of the   Commission must
bear the concurrence and signature of a majority of the  Members.
In the exercise of its powers and functions, the Commission shall sit and  render its decision e77
bcz7zc, unless otherwise provided in an intemal  resolution, adopted by the Commission e77 bcz77c.
The Commission shall meet regularly. A majority of the Members shall  constitute a quorum.
S)HC. 7.  The  Commission,  Composition,  and  Qualifications. ~ The   Corn::rn:isston sh2A:i be
composed of a Chairperson and four (4) Members who  must be:
a.) natural-born citizens of the Philippines;
b.) at least thirty-five years of age at the time of their appointment;
c.) with proven probity, integrity, and competence in the field of human  rights work;
d.) must not have been convicted by final judgment of any crime  involving moral
turpitude, and
e.) must not have been candidates for any elective position in the  national elections
immediately preceding their appointment.
A majority thereof shall be members  of the Philippine Bar,  who have been   engaged in the
practice  of law  for  at  least  ten  years.  The  composition must    observe  gender-balanced  and
pluralist representation, which shall be in  accordance with the Paris Principles.


SIEic.  8.  Appointment  and  Term  of  Off:ice  of  the  Chairperson  and     Members  of  the
Commi.ssi.a".  - The Chairperson and Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the
President for a term of seven years  without reappointment.
Of those first appointed under the enactment of this Charter, the  Chairperson shall hold office
for seven (7) years, two Members  for six (6)   years and the other two  Members for five (5)
years.  The term of the Chairperson and Members shall start on the day immediately after the
end  of the previous one, regardless of the date of appointment.  In no case shall any Chairperson
or  Member  be  appointed,  reappointed,  or    designated  in  a  temporary,  part-time,  or  acting
capacity. Appointment to any vacancy occurring during the term shall be only for the unexpired
portion of the term of the predecessor.
Vacancies in the offices of the Chairperson and of the Commissioners  shall   be filled within
ninety (90) days from its occurrence. However, the  incumbent Chair or Member shall hold the
position until such time  appointment was made by President for the same position
S;E,C.9 . Selection Process for the Chairperson and Members of the Commission. -The s:I+fmg
Chairperson and the Members of the  Commission shall act as the Selection Committee for the
appointment of the  new Chairperson and four (4) Members of the Commission.
The Selection Committee shall convene immediately, as soon as vacancy   exists or when the
term of the current Commission Members ends within six (6)   months or when an impending
vacancy occurs. The Committee shall develop  its own rules of procedures for the selection of
nominees for the position of  Chair and Commissioners, in accordance with requirements of an
open,  transparent and merit-based selection process, as mandated by the Paris  Principles. The
conduct of consultations with human rights organizations   and other relevant stakeholders for
the selection of the new members of the  Commission En Banc shall form part of the rules and
procedures.
SELC.   10.  Prohibition   and  Disqualiification.  -  The  Chdiaperson  arid     Members   of  the
Commission shall not, during their tenure, hold any other  office or employment. Neither shall
they engage in the practice of any   profession or in the active management or control of any
business, which in  any way may be affected by the functions of their office, nor shall they be
financially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract with, or in any  franchise or privilege
granted  by  the  Government  and  its  subdivisions,    agencies,  or  instrumentalities,  including
government-owned or controlled  corporations or their subsidiaries.
Thc`}  sliall avoiu .oiiflict of iiiterest in the conduct of their office. They shall  not be allowed to
appear or practice before the Commission within one year   following the completion of their
term of office, resignation, or any other  manner of separation from office.
No spouse, common-law partner, or relative by consanguinity or affinity  within the fourth civil


degree,  or  business  or  professional  partner  of the    Chairperson  or  Members,  may  transact
business directly or indirectly with   the Chairperson or its Members, or appear as counsel or
agent of a party in  any matter pending before the Commission.
These prohibition and disqualification shall apply during the tenure of the  official concerned
and one year thereafter.
S;Eic.11. Salary, Retirement, and Other Privileges of the  Chairperson and Members. -The
Chairperson  and  Members  of the    Commission  shall  receive  the  same  salary,  retirement,
privileges, and  benefits as Court of Appeals Justices, and their salaries shall not be  decreased
during their term of office.
Upon the death of a retired  Chairperson or Member,  his  or her surviving legitimate   spouse
and/or dependent  children shall be  entitled to receive,  on a monthly basis,  all the retirement
benefits  that  the  deceased  retiree  was  receiving  at  the  time  of his  or  her  death    under  the
provisions of applicable retirement laws.  The surviving legitimate   spouse   and/Or dependent
children shall continue to receive such retirement benefits during his or her  lifetime or until he
or she remarries.
"Dependent  children",  as  used  in  this  section,  refers  to  a  legitimate,  illegitimate  or  legally
adopted child who is chiefly dependent on the said deceased Chairperson or member of the CHR
if such  dependent  child  is  not  more  than  twenty-one  (21)  years  of age,  unmarried  and  not
gainfully employed, or if such dependent child, regardless of age, is incapable of self-support
because of any mental or physical defect or condition.
SHC. 12. Sfrwcfwr¢/ Org¢"!.z¢fi.o". -The Commission shall have the  following offices in the
Central  Office:  Office  of the  Chairperson,  Offlces  of    the  Commissioners,  Office  of the
Executive Director,  Office of the   Commission Secretary, Planning and Management Office,
General     Administration   Office,   Financial   Management   Office,   separate   offices   for  the
performance of its powers and functions,  (which shall include but not limited   to offices  for
human rights protection services, human rights education and  training services, human rights
prevention  and  visitorial  services,  human     rights  policy  advisory  services),  regional  and
provincial offices and such other offices as the Commission may establish in  accordance with
its functions.
The Commission shall have regional offices in every region, each of which shall be headed by
a Regional Director and each shall have their own office
building. The regional offices will include the geographically grouped regional offices and the
Cordillera Administrative Region.  The National Capital Region shall be divided into four (4)
districts each shall also be headed by a Regional Director.
The Commission shall also have a provincial office in every province. These
Provincial Offices shall be under tlie direct supervision of the Regional
Office having territorial jurisdiction over them.


The authority and responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the  Commission and for the
discharge of its powers and functions shall be vested   in the Commission En Banc, who shall
have supervision and control of the  said office.
The Commission may affect changes in the organization as the need arises,  Provz.c7ec7, that such
reorganization shall be funded out of the persormel  services appropriation of the Commission.
SIHC. L3. Privileges and Emoluments Of Commission Off:lilcials and  Employees. -A;Il officiaLls
and employees of the Commission shall receive  emoluments and privileges, which shall not be
less than those given to their  counterparts in Constitutional Commissions.
SEC.14. Powers ¢#d Fw#cfl.o#s a/ffoe Commi.ssi.o#. -The   Commission shall promote and
protect all human rights,  including civil,   political, economic,  social, and cultural rights,  and
shall have the following  general powers and functions:
(a) Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of violations of human rights;
(b) Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure and cite for   contempt any person
for violations thereof or its lawful orders and, for this  purpose, the Rules of Court shall have
suppletory application;
(c) Provide appropriate legal  and preventive measures, which include but   not limited to the
following:
1. legal assistance and counseling to victims;
2. directing concerned goverrment agencies in giving protection   to victims of
human rights violations;
3. issuing cease and desist orders;
4. Pctitlor\ the Court for `Nrfu of habeas corpus, Writ Of Amparo, Writ Of Habeas Data,
Wrz.f o/Kcz/z.ATczscz7t,  and any other protective writs,  in behalf of the victims of human
rights   violations; and
5.  Issue continuing mandamus for the protection of human rights of all
persons within the Philippines,
(d) Provide legal aid services to the underprivileged whose human rights  have been violated or
need protection.  Clients needing legal   assistance/representation may  also be referred to  the
Public Attomey's  Office or Legal Aid Offices, as may be necessary and appropriate;
(e) Exercise unannounced, unhampered, unrestricted visits over jails,  prisons, camps, custodial
or detention facilities, places of confinement, safe houses, and similar  places of deprivation of
liberty;


(I) Establish a continuing program of research, education, and information  to enhance respect
for the primacy of human rights. The CHR shall coordinate  with DepED, CHED, the Philippine
Judicial Academy, the Legal Education   Board,  and other State Colleges and Universities to
ensure the objective of above stated;
(g) Recommend to Congress effective measures to promote and protect  human rights;
(h)  Recommend effective measures to provide for compensation   to victims of violations of
human rights, or their families;
'`i) Mojl  itor tFi    T'hilipii;iie govcmment's compliance with intemational  treaty obligations on
human rights ;
0.)  Report  to  international  human  rights  mechanism  on  all  aspect  relating  to
govemment' s compliance to its treaty obligations;
(k)  Grant  immunity  from  prosecution  to  any  person  whose  testimony  or    possession  of
documents  or  other  evidence  is  necessary  or  convenient  to     determine  the  truth  in  any
investigation conducted by it or under its  authority;
(I) Request the assistance of any departmeiit, bureau, office, or agency in  the performance of
its functions;
(in) Call on government departments, bureaus, offices or agencies to comply  with its
obligations under the intemational human rights obligations;
(n) Perform its Gender and Child Ombud roles, as well as to ensure that the  status, rights, and
interests  of the  marginalized  and  vulnerable  sectors,  are    upheld  in  accordance  with  the
Constitution, laws, and intemational  instruments on human rights;
(o) Issue human rights advisories, positions papers / opinion on all matters  affecting the human
rights of all persons, directed to concerned agencies of  goverrment for their consideration and
implementation;
(p) Issue Human Rights Clearances and Certificates of No Pending Human  Rights Case;
(q) Appoint its officers and employees in accordance with law;  and
(r) Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.


SEC.  15.  J"tJcsfz.g¢fz.tJe  Powers  ¢#d  Fz/"cfz.o#s.  ~  The  Commission    shall  investigate,  on
complaint or on its own, cases of human rights   violations. In the exercise of its investigative
function, the Commission shall:
(a) Act promptly on reports or complaints, filed in any form, by any  individual or organization.
Findings of human rights violations shall include  recommendations for appropriate remedies,
and referral to proper  government agencies for the filing of administrative, criminal, or civil
actions. The recommendations may include proposals for legislative,  administrative, orjudicial
refoms. The investigation and other proceedings  conducted by any administrative, judicial, or
quasi-judicial bodies shall not  bar the investigation of the Commission on allegations of human
rights  violations and findings by the Commission must be given weight;
(b)  Investigate alleged violations of human rights,  intemational humanitarian law,  and anti-
terrorism law violations, as provided in pertinent laws;
(c) Compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence, to   place the witness
under oath or affirmation, issue SWZ)poe73czs,  and take  testimony in any investigation or inquiry
conducted by the Commission or  any of its offices;
(d)  Conduct  forensic  and  medical  sciences  in making  findings  of human   rights  violations,
including but not the limited to:  collection of physical   evidence from locations relevant to its
investigation;  assessment  of living    victims  of human  rights  violations  to  determine  their
physical and mental  well-being; and conduct independent examination of the remains of alleged
victims to document any injury and to determine cause and manner of death.  Pursuant thereto,
the  Commission  shall  have  the  authority  to  exhume  and   conduct  autopsy  on  the  aforesaid
human remains, subject to the consent of the family of the deceased, if applicable;
(e) Provide psychosocial support, which includes but not limited to  referral to primary health
care centers with existing mental health programs to victims of human rights violations as well
as human rights defenders  under threat;
(I) Ensure provision of compensation for victims of human rights violations or their families,
as  appropi.iate  aiid  propolfioncll  to  the  gravity  of the  violation  and  the  eircumstaiices  of each
case, resulting from gross violatictns of itltcmational human rights law and serious violations of
intemational  huinanitarian law;
(g)  Provide  safety  to  witnesses,  as  well  as  human  rights  defenders  under    threat.  For  this
purpose, the Commission shall implement and manage a   Witness Protection Service, which
will  provide    security,  shelter,  relocation,  and  livelihood  assistance  to  witnesses  and  their
families, until such time the threat ceases, or when the case can be endorsed to the Depart of
Justice and the witness, or person under threat qualifies for the latter's protection service.


(h)  Grant  immunity  from  prosecution  to  any  person  whose  testimony  or    possession  of
documents  or  other  evidence  is  necessary  or  convenient  to     deterinine  the  truth  in  any
investigation conducted by it or under its  authority;
(i) Cite for contempt of any person for violating the Commission's Rules of  Procedures and
lawful orders. In matters concerning contempt, the Rules of Court shall apply suppletory to the
Rules of procedures of the Commission;  and
¢) Perform such other powers and functions as may be necessary or incidental for the
effective exercise or conduct of its investigative powers.
SEC.16.  y!.s!.forl.a/ powers.  -The  Commission  or  its  duly  authorized    representatives  are
hereby mandated and authorized to conduct regular,  independent, unannounced, unhampered,
and uurestricted visits to or  inspection of all places of detention and confinement.
P/aces o/c7eprz.vcr/j.oJ? o//z.berfy refer to any place of detention,  imprisonment, confinement, or
the placement of a person in  a public or   private  custodial  or rehabilitative  setting under or
within the jurisdiction and  control of the Philippines where persons are or may be deprived of
their   liberty by virtue of an order given by a public authority, at his/her instigation,   or with
his/her consent or acquiescence.
SEC. 17. Scape a/£cg¢/ A4lc¢swres. - In order to strengthen the exercise   of its investigatory
power, the Commission, including its Regional and  Provincial/District Offices, may issue the
following legal measures as well as  provisional remedies, which shall include, but not limited
to:
(a)  Mandatory  Protection  Orders  (MPOs)  directing  government  security    forces  and  other
government agencies  or private institutions to provide   specific protection to victims  of and
witnesses to human rights violations;
(b) Petition for the protection of the rights persons, such as:
1. Temporary liberty for medical examination (especially for sick   and / or pregnant
persons deprived of liberty; and
2. Such other legal remedies to correct government actions that  encroach on or have the
threat to violate human rights, such as petitions  for certiorari, mandamus, and declaratory
relief;
(c) Other remedies in relation to the protection of the rights of children  such as, but not
limited to:


1. Actions for protective custody of minor-victims of violation of  children's rights;
2. Petitions for involuntary commitment, in coordination with the  concerned social
work and development office; and
3.  Petitions,  motions,  or pleadings to  correct  an error in the   commitment,  detention
and/or taking of custody of children in conflict  with the law (CICL);
(d) Mediation between parties on issues that are and can be subject to  settlement.
SEC.18. A4lo/!z.for!.#g Fzi#cfz.o#s. -In the exercise of its mandate to  monitor the Govemment's
compliance with its international human rights  obligations, the Commission shall:
(a) Monitor and advise government on its responsibilities and obligations  under intemational
human rights treaties to which the Philippines is a  signatory;
(b)  Prepare  its  own  independent  reports  to  the  UN,  human  rights  treaty   bodies,  and  other
intemational human rights mechanisms, including the  Universal Periodic Review and special
procedures  mechanisms,  in relation   to  its  monitoring  of govemment's  compliance with  its
international human  rights obligation;
(c) Make the appropriate recommendations to the concerned goverrment agency with regard
to requests for official visits of Special Procedures  mandate-holders and other treaty and
charter-based mechanisms ;
(d) Recommend ratification of, or accession to, international human rights  instruments, and
ensure their implementation;
(e) Conduct inquiries on the manner of implementation by the Goverrment of specific human
rights obligations;
(I) Request the cooperation of any public official on the measures   undertaken by his or her
agency to comply with the State's international  human rights obligations;
(g) Coordinate with relevant government agencies in terms of its  compliance with intemational
human rights obligations; and
(h)  Undertake  other  activities  as  may  be  necessary  in  the  conduct  of its    monitoring  and
reporting function as an NHRI.
SHC.  19. Offoer J14;o"z.fori.#g Fw#cfi.o#s. - The Commission shall also  monitor observance by
non-state actors of human rights obligations arising   from international and domestic laws or


agreements  entered into with the   government,  as well  as unilateral  declarations  and  similar
undertakings.
Violations  of  human  rights  committed  by  non-state  actors  that  may  be     subject  of  the
Commission's monitoring functions shall include, but not  limited to:
(a) Those committed by rebel groups in relation to intemational humanitarian law;
(b) Those committed by persons, both natural and juridical, in relation to  economic, social, and
cultural rights, such as but not limited to labor,  environment, and demolition of houses; and
(c)  Those  committed  by  individuals  in  relation  to  violations  of rights  and    protections  of
marginalized, disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors.
SIEic. 20. Human Rights Education,   Inf:ormation and Advocacy. -The   Corn:mission shdrl
establish a continuing program of education and  information to enhance respect for the primacy
of human rights through its
education and promotion office, in line with  the 1987 Constitution, domestic laws, applicable
treaty obligations of the  Philippines, and the UN Declaration on Human Rights Education and
Training.
The  Commission  shall  develop  and  implement  a  Human  Rights  Education    and  Training
Program   for   law   enforcement   officers,   education   and   training      institutions,   and   other
government   agencies   in   coordination  with   the     Department   of  the   Interior   and   Local
Government (DILG), the Department   of Justice (DOJ), the Department of National Defense
(DND), the   Department of Education (DepEd),  Commission on Higher Education   (CHED),
Legal Education Board (LEB), Philippine Judicial Academy   (PHILJA), and the Professional
Regulation Commission (PRC) and all other  concerned agencies.
Likewise, the Commission shall develop and implement a Human Rights  Information
Campaigns Program for civil society and the general public.
Sec. 21. Establishment of Human Rights Institute. The Commission shall establish a Human
Rights Institute (HRI). It is an educational and training institute responsible for the promotion,
and education of human rights  and related fields,   with in-house capability in these areas of
specialization. The Institute shall  focus on formal education programs and shall offer certificate
courses on  human rights and related-fields.
SHC. 22. Functions of the Human Rights Institute. -The Institute  shall have the following
functions:


1. Serve as a training institute for investigators, prosecutors, justices, judges,  lawyers, and other
human rights workers in goverrment and civil society  human rights organizations on human
rights and related issues. For this  purpose, it shall provide and implement curricula on human
rights and shall conduct seminars, workshops, and other training programs designed to  develop
human rights knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors;
2. Receive income, legacies and donations for the benefit of its Human  Rights Institute or for
its support or maintenance, which shall be exempt   from the payment of taxes and other fees
and  charges  of the goverrment,  its   branches  and  subdivisions,  and which  shall  constitute a
special fund to be  administered and disbursed solely for the Institute;
3.  Enter into  consortiums  agreements with other educational  and training   institutes  for the
deveh  ,:imen{    , ,d imi L,mentation of its programs on  human rights education; and
4. Advise basic and higher education institutions and regulators on the  teaching of human rights
and related issues including recommending  effective measures to promote human rights.
SEC. 23. Annual Report - The Commission shall prepare and make public   an annual report
on  the  findings  of its  monitoring  activities  with  regard  to    the  status  of the  government's
compliance with its international human  rights treaty obligations. The report shall include, but
shall not be limited to,  the following:
(a) Recommendations for legal, legislative, and institutional reforms for  the greater
promotion and protection of human rights; and
(b)    Adoption    and    implementation   by    the    concerned    government    agency    of       the
recommendations   on  the  protection   and  promotion   of  human  rights     contained   in  the
Commission's policy issuances and case and investigation  resolutions.
The Commission shall directly submit its annual report to the Office of the  President, and the
House of Representatives and the Senate, for consideration of its recommendations.
SEC. 24. Fz.#¢"c!.a/4ssl.sf¢Hce Program. -The Commission may  provide financial assistance
to victims of human rights violations and their  families through a Financial Assistance Program.
The funds necessary for the initial implementation of the Financial   Assistance Program shall
be taken  from  the  current  year's  appropriation  of   the  Commission.  Thereafter,  the  funding
requirement shall be included in  the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 25. £eg¢/ 4ssi.sf¢#cc Program. - The Commission shall maintain   a Legal Assistance


Program  to  benefit  underprivileged  victims  of human    rights  violations,  which  may be  in
coordination with human rights   organizations and lawyers' groups, the Integrated Bar of the
Philippines, the  Public Attomey's Office, and Philippine law schools.
SEC. 26. Profecf!.oH a/Fi.ftyi.#os 4bJ'o¢d. -The Commission shall  undertake measures for the
protection  and  promotion  of human  rights  of   Filipinos  living  abroad  in  coordination  and
cooperation with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW),  Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA), or deputize Philippine Embassy or Consulate officers,   resident private individuals of
known probity  and  active involvement in   human rights,  or foreign-based human rights  and
migrant  workers'  non-government  organizations  in  countries  where  the  incidence  of human
rights  violations against Filipinos is widespread and commonplace, including  traditional host
countries of overseas Filipino workers.
The Commission may establish bilateral or multilateral relationships with other national  human
rights institutions for the protection of human rights of Filipinos.
SEC. 27. Sccz4rrty a/D¢fw. -All documentation and information  collected by the Commission
shall be kept  strictly confidential,  unless the   Commission decides  otherwise in relation to  a
particular document:   Provz.c7cc7, That no sensitive information, whether personal or otherwise,
shall  be  published  without  the  express  consent  of the  individual  or  authority    concerned:
Provz.c7cc7/wr/fecr,  That this provision shall be in accordance with   all  applicable existing and
future  laws,  particularly,  but  not  limited  to,  the    Data  Privacy  Act  of 2012.  Publication  of
sensitive information without the express consent of the  individual or authority concerned will
be dealt with accordingly, which may  include, but will not be limited to, being penalized under
the Data Privacy  Act of 2012.
S)EC. 28. Protection from Criminal and Administrative Liability. -A;ny a.ct/s Trra;de pNIsoa:rut
to  the  functions  and  powers  conferred  upon  the  Commission    under  this  Act  and  other
applicable laws, or in respect of any publication by, or under the authority of the Commission,
of any report, proceeding, or any  other matter under this Act, shall not be a ground for action,
suit or other  legal proceeding against any member or staff of the Commission.
Any legal action filed to harass, vex, exert undue pressure, or stifle any  legal recourse that any
member,  or  staff of the  Commission  has  taken,  or  may   take,  in  the  performance  of their
functions, under this Act and other   applicable laws, if proven in court to have been filed for
any of the   aforementioned purposes, be immediately dismissed with prejudice and the   court
may award damages, attomey's fees, and costs of suit under a   counterclaim if such has been
filed.
SHC. 29. Fr¢#4!."g Prl.tJz./cge. - The Commission may transmit through  ordinary mail and/or
registered mail with return card, free of charge, all  official communications and papers directly
connected with the conduct of its duties, functions, or the exercise of administrative supervision


over its  persomel.
SEC. 30. Fi."¢#c..¢/ Rcporf. - The Commission shall make available to   the public its annual
financial statements and related financial reports as  required by governing oversight agencies.
SEC. 31. 4ppropr!.¢f!.o#s. -In addition to the regular appropriations of  the Commission, the
sum of Two Billion Three Hundred Forty Six Million Million Pesos (P2,346,000,000.00)   for
the initial implementation of this Act shall be included in the armual General Appropriations
Act (GAA),  in the year following its enactment into   law.  Thereafter,  such sums,  as may be
necessary for the full implementation  of this Act, shall be included in the armual GAA.
SEC.  32.   rr¢Hsz.forj;  ProtJisi.o#s.  -  Nothing  in  this  Act  shall  prejudice     the  positions,
emoluments,  security  of tenure,  qualifications,  privileges,  and    benefits  of the  incumbent
Chairperson  and  Members  of  the  Commission,  and     the  officers  and  employees  of  the
Commission upon its effectivity. However,  officials and employees of the Commission, in aid
of its reorganization upon  the effectivity of this Act, may avail of an early retirement program
as may  be provided for by the Commission.
SHC.  33. Jmp/cmc"fz.#g Rw/cs ¢#d jz[cgw/¢fz.o#.  - The Commission   shall,  within sixty (60)
days from the approval of this Act,  formulate the   implementing rules and regulations in the
exercise  of  its  general,     investigative,  monitoring,   education,  and  advocacy  powers  and
functions in  consultation with other concerned government agencies and stakeholders.
SHC. 34. Sep¢r¢bz./dy C/¢wsc. -Should any provision of this Act or part  hereof be declared
unconstitutional,  the  other provisions  or parts  not    affected  thereby  shall  remain  valid  and
effective.
SEC. 35. Repe¢/I.#g CJawsc. ~ All laws,  decrees,  orders,  and issuances, or   portions thereof,
which  are  inconsistent  with  the  provisions  of this  Act,  are    hereby  repealed,  amended,  or
modi fled accordingly.
SHC.  36.  EJj7ccfi.vrty  CJ¢wse.  -This  Act  shall  take  effect  after  fifteen  (15)    days  from  its
complete publication in two (2) newspapers of general  circulation.
Approved,