Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines

06/09/2026

LOOK: Commissioner Faydah M. Maniri Dumarpa served as Chairperson of the Board of Assessors for the Award for Police Non-Commissioned Officers in the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos assessment.

In her message to the semi-finalists, Commissioner Dumarpa emphasized that human rights and law enforcement are not opposing ideals, but complementary responsibilities anchored in dignity, accountability, and service. She underscored that the true measure of policing lies not only in enforcing the law, but in protecting the rights and humanity of every person.

The Conferment Ceremony was held on 4 September 2026, honoring this year's exceptional teachers, soldiers, and police officers whose integrity, compassion, and commitment to public service have made a meaningful and lasting impact in the communities they serve.

06/09/2026

The Commission on Human Rights Regional Office VIII, in partnership with the Leyte Regional Prison (LRP), successfully conducted the Advancing Human Rights Community-Based Dialogue and Learning Session on August 18, 2026, at the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte.

The activity served as a meaningful platform for strengthening awareness and understanding of human rights principles within the corrections setting. The program featured discussions on the roles and functions of the Commission on Human Rights, the Anti-Torture Law, the Nelson Mandela Rules, and the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).

The program commenced with the Opening Remarks of Atty. Marierose P. Alvero-Joaquin, OIC–Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights Regional Office VIII, setting the tone for the day’s discussions and emphasizing the importance of advancing human rights through meaningful dialogue and learning.

The learning sessions were enriched by the expertise of the resource speakers, including Atty. Janeth C. Lentejas, Attorney IV, who discussed the Anti-Torture Law, and C/CINSP Frederick Charles Y. Lim, Chief, Legal Service, Leyte Regional Prison, who served as resource speaker for the Overview of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).

A significant part of the activity was the Open Forum, which provided the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) with an opportunity to directly raise their questions, concerns, and clarifications to the concerned agencies and resource persons. The forum encouraged open communication and meaningful engagement between the PDLs and government representatives, allowing their concerns to be heard and addressed within the appropriate institutional framework.

Also extending their messages of support were Atty. Lee Agerico Avila, representing the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), who conveyed the Office’s continuing commitment to protecting the rights of persons deprived of liberty through access to legal assistance and justice; and SPPO Naresh Norma Y. Heramis of the Department of Justice–Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA), who underscored the importance of rehabilitation, reintegration, and inter-agency cooperation in advancing a humane and rights-based justice system.

The activity concluded with a Closing Message from Superintendent C/SSUPT Ruben R. Formoso of the Leyte Regional Prison, reinforcing the shared commitment to uphold human dignity and promote respect for the rights of persons deprived of liberty.

The participation of the CHR, Leyte Regional Prison, PAO, DOJ-PPA, and other stakeholders reflects the continuing importance of inter-agency cooperation, human rights education, open dialogue, and community-based engagement in strengthening a humane, accountable, and rights-respecting justice and corrections system.

05/09/2026

Commissioner Judge Maria Amifaith S. Fider-Reyes (Ret.) highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to addressing the needs of at-risk mothers and infants during the Kapihan at Kamustahan with the theme “Sustaining Beginnings: Targeted Interventions for the Nutritionally At-Risk Mother and Infant” held on 17 August 2026.

The early stages of life are critical in shaping a child’s health, development, and ability to access future opportunities. Addressing the challenges faced by nutritionally at-risk mothers and infants requires sustained collaboration among institutions, communities, and stakeholders to create environments where families are empowered to access the support they need. Through rights-based and inclusive approaches, we can help build conditions where every child is given the opportunity to thrive.

05/09/2026

RFSSLG–Caraga Holds Virtual Symposium on Human Rights, CHR Caraga Resource Person Discusses Digital Rights

The Regional Federated Supreme Secondary Learner Government (RFSSLG) – Caraga conducted "Know Your Rights, Protect Your Dignity: A Virtual Symposium on Human Rights" on August 1, 2026, gathering learner leaders from across the Caraga Region. The activity forms part of RFSSLG-Caraga's continuing efforts to strengthen youth leadership through human rights education, in line with the constitutional mandate to promote respect for human dignity among all sectors, including the youth.

The symposium reinforced the growing importance of embedding human rights principles in digital spaces, where young people increasingly learn, socialize, and exercise their civic voice. By tackling pressing concerns such as Gender-Based Online Sexual Harassment (GBOSH) and Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), the activity equipped learner leaders with knowledge to recognize, prevent, and respond to these threats, contributing to safer and more inclusive digital communities across schools in the region.

Mr. Oliver Salino, Training Specialist II of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga, served as guest speaker for the symposium, delivering a discussion on "Human Rights in the Digital Environment." He emphasized responsible digital citizenship, online safety, and the protection of fundamental human rights within today's digital landscape. His discussion highlighted the realities of GBOSH and OSAEC as forms of gender-based violence and child abuse facilitated through digital platforms, underscoring how these violations strip children and young people of their dignity, safety, and right to be protected from exploitation. He noted that every child has the right to be safeguarded from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, whether committed in physical or online spaces, and that combating GBOSH and OSAEC requires shared responsibility among learners, schools, families, and government institutions. Learner leaders were encouraged to practice respect, accountability, and ethical behavior across online platforms while looking out for the safety and welfare of their peers.

Together with RFSSLG-Caraga and its learner leaders, CHR Caraga continues to champion human rights education among the youth, empowering the next generation to know their rights, protect their dignity, and uphold the rights of others in every space they occupy — online and offline.

05/09/2026

Strengthening the protection of children in conflict with the law (CICL) requires not only standards on paper, but also ensuring that these standards are understood and translated into rights-based care and services on the ground.

As part of the Popularization of the CHR Bahay Pag-Asa (BPA) Assessment Tool, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), led by Commissioner Beda A. Epres, Focal Commissioner for Child Rights, together with the Child Rights Center (CRC) and CHR Regional Office VIII, visited Bahay Pag-Asa and youth care facilities in Samar and Tacloban City from 11–14 May 2026.

The regional engagement included learning sessions with BPA personnel and social workers on the use of the assessment tool, as well as dialogues with local government officials. These activities sought to strengthen the capacity of duty-bearers to assess compliance with child rights standards, identify areas for improvement, and reinforce accountability in providing child-sensitive and rights-based services for CICL.

Implemented in partnership with the Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation, the project covers Regions I, VIII, and XII and forms part of the CHR’s continuing efforts to promote, protect, and monitor the rights and welfare of children within the country’s juvenile justice system.

04/09/2026

Education must keep pace with the changing realities of childhood.

CHR Commissioner Beda A. Epres, Focal Commissioner on Child Rights, underscored that ensuring children’s right to education goes beyond simply making schooling available. It also means preparing children to participate meaningfully in a world shaped by rapid technological change, climate challenges, and evolving social realities.

This was his intervention during the 4th meeting, 2nd session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on an Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the rights to early childhood education, free pre-primary education, and free secondary education held on 2 September 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.

CHR continues to support global efforts that advance children’s rights and promote education systems that uphold every child’s dignity, development, and access to equal opportunities.

04/09/2026

Lubos na nagpapasalamat ang Commission on Human Rights (CHR) sa Committee on Appropriations ng Kamara, lalo na kay Rep. Ma. Cristina Talavera Lopez (ALONA Partylist), na sponsor ng CHR budget. Gayundin, nagpapasalamat kami sa mga sumusunod na kongresistang nagpahayag ng kanila buong suporta para madagdagan ang budget ng CHR.

Rep. Percival Vilar Cendana (Akbayan) Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña
Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District of Cagayan de Oro) Rufus B. Rodriguez
Rep Dadah Kiram Ismula (Akbayan) Akbayan Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula
Rep. Ziaur-Rahman "Zia" Alonto Adiong (1st District of Lanao del Sur) . Zia Alonto Adiong
Rep. Renee Louise M. Co (Kabataan Partylist) Renee Co
Rep. Julius Cesar Vijandre Vergara (3rd District of Nueva Ecija)
Rep. Leila M. de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal) Leila de Lima
Rep. Iris Marie D. Montes (Kababaihan Kabalikatan para sa Kapakanan at Kaunlaran ng Bayan)
Rep. Sarah Elago (Gabriela Women’s Party) Sarah Elago

Patuloy ang ating kampanyang , upang mas mapaigting pa ang pagtupad ng CHR sa mandato nitong isulong ang karapatan ng bawat Pilipino.

Makakaasa kayo na ang CHR ay isang Komisyon para sa lahat, lalo na para sa mga naaapi, naisasantabi, at napag-iiwanan sa lipunan.

04/09/2026

Statement of Commissioner Faydah Maniri Dumarpa, Focal Commissioner on the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty, clarifying reports on CHR action on the missing PDL funds at the Correctional Institution for Women

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) clarifies that it never stated that there was “no need” to conduct a separate investigation into the alleged missing funds of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW).

The CHR issues this clarification to ensure that public accounts accurately reflect the discussions during the meeting held on 1 September 2026 among the CHR, CIW, and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

While it was noted during the meeting that BuCor is conducting its own investigation, the CHR reiterated its constitutional independence and declined the proposal to conduct a joint investigation. The Commission remains committed to independently determining and undertaking appropriate action within its mandate.

The CHR has formally communicated with BuCor regarding the inaccurate attribution and account of the meeting through a letter addressed to Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.

The Commission welcomes BuCor’s publicly expressed commitment to openness and looks forward to seeing this fully reflected in practice, including through the timely provision of relevant information and records, appropriate access, and other forms of cooperation necessary for the CHR to independently carry out its constitutional mandate.

The CHR remains committed to establishing the facts and exercising its mandate independently, impartially, and in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws, particularly in protecting the rights and welfare of persons deprived of liberty. #

03/09/2026

| CHR urges stronger safeguards for journalists on Press Freedom Day

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INQUIRER file photo MANILA, Philippines — Marking National Press Freedom Day, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called for stronger safeguards for journalists, citing the country’s 114th

03/09/2026

Aprubado na sa Committee on Appropriations ng House of Representatives ang 2027 budget ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR)!

Taos-pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng mga mambabatas na nagpahayag ng kanilang buong suporta para maipasa at madagdagan pa ang pondo ng Komisyon sa mga Karapatang Pantao.