CHR seeks Congress’ nod for own charter
THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has pushed for the swift passage of various pending bills filed before the House of Representatives, seeking for the establishment of its own charter. In a position paper submitted to the House, the CHR stressed that a legislated charter is necessary to firmly entrench the commission’s mandate, independence and operational foundations in line with international human rights standards. CHR Chairman Richard Palpal-latoc on Thursday reiterated that for nearly four decades, the agency has operated without a legislated charter, relying solely on the Constitution and an executive order issued in 1987. “While these instruments grounded the commission’s creation, they do not provide the full guarantees required of a modern, effective and internationally compliant national human rights institution,” said Palpal-latoc. He said this gap has been repeatedly raised by the United Nations through the Universal Periodic Review, the UN Treaty Bodies and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (Ganhri). He said effective human rights protection requires institutions that remain steadfast regardless of political transitions or shifting priorities. “A commission reinforced by a robust legislated charter serves as a guardian of the people, particularly those with the least access to justice,” he pointed out. Palpal-latoc said the agency strongly supports the core pillars cited in the pending bills, including full fiscal autonomy, operational and policy independence, a broadened mandate covering all human rights and a transparent, merit-based and pluralist selection process for the chairman and commissioners. “These pillars are essential to ensuring that the CHR can function without political pressure and maintain the credibility expected of an independent national human rights institution,” Palpal-latoc said. He called on lawmakers to further strengthen key provisions to ensure full alignment with the Paris Principles and preserve its “Status A” accreditation under Ganhri. The proposed charter likewise strengthens the CHR’s capacity to investigate violations, assist victims and monitor State compliance with international human rights obligations, Palpal-latoc said. It reinforces visitorial powers and enhances legal and preventive measures, enabling swift and independent action, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups, he added.
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