Many people have a misconception about the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).  As a result, the Commission often gets criticized on matters or issues that are beyond the scope of its mandate.

This is why the CHR is grateful to SAGIP Representative Rodante Marcoleta for clarifying the long-standing misconception on the mandate of CHR.  

"CHR’s mandate is to be a watchdog, monitor, advocate, and educator of the government with respect to human rights" said CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia.

"And just as the government has the primary obligation for our human rights, CHR primarily investigates State agents and representatives should they incur lapses and violations in (discharging) their responsibilities," she added.

De Guia said that even as the CHR investigates cases of human rights abuses, it is still up to the government to ensure that these incidents of human rights abuses and violations are dealt with.

"It is on this view that we agree with Congressman Marcoleta - all human rights violations should be investigated. But with respect to the wisdom of the Constitution, CHR is not a law enforcement agency," she said.

The CHR has vowed to continue working with the government towards building a better relationship in defense of the rights of everyone. However, it stressed that the respect, protection, and fulfillment of human rights remains as the primary obligation of the government agencies with specific mandates.

Upholding Filipinos' right to health is a mandate of the Department of Health (DOH); the right to education is a mandate of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); the right to social security is a mandate of the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); while the protection of people's right to life, liberty, and property is a mandate of the security, law enforcement, and justice sector institutions.