The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed "high hopes" that the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination created by President Marcos will help address and improve human rights situation in the country.
The President created the committee to improve the mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines. The committee operates under the existing Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC).
For CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc, the issuance of Administrative Order No. 22 that created the committee means that the President taking a whole-government approach to addressing human rights issues in the country.
"An integrated government approach is essential for effectively addressing human rights concerns, complemented by strong partnerships with civil service organizations (CSOs) and other relevant stakeholders," Palpal-latoc said.
"Through this coordinating body, we aim to see increased prosecution of cases related to the war on drugs and enforced disappearances, as well as the adoption of a comprehensive human rights-based approach in various government responses, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts, addressing red-tagging, and safeguarding freedom of expression," he also said.
CHR Commissioner Faydah Maniri Dumarpa, on the other hand, said she hopes that the issuance of AO 22 would translate to increased government support for the CHR's own human rights efforts.
Dumarpa said: "In line with the current administration’s thrust in promoting and safeguarding human rights principles in the country, we are hopeful that this will gain equal support for passing the CHR Charter bill. This will further strengthen the Commission’s mandate, enabling us to provide essential legal aid services, establish mechanisms for strategic litigation to ensure access to justice for victims of human rights violations, and advocate for vital legislation such as the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM). These efforts are all aimed at upholding the human rights principles enshrined in our Constitution."
At the same time, the CHR said the issuance of AO 22 is a "step in the right direction" that will yield meaningful results in championing human rights.
"We are hopeful that these guidelines will pave the way for actions and policies that genuinely serve the interests of the Filipino people, with a particular focus on protecting and uplifting the vulnerable and marginalised sectors of society. We also note the concerns raised by various CSOs," the CHR said in a statement.
For its part, the CHR reiterated its commitment to remain vigilant in its fundamental role as "intermediary" between the government and CSOs. The CHR also extended a helping hand to AO 22, should it be needed, to ensure equal representation among relevant stakeholders.
The CHR likewise affirmed its role as the country’s national human rights institution, adding that it is fully independent and committed to the fulfillment of its Constitutional mandate.
It said: "The CHR serves as the primary institution tasked with monitoring, investigating, promoting, and advocating for human rights in the Philippines. The CHR’s role remains fundamental. Its independence ensures that it can contribute to fulfilling its mandate and core duties without bias or interference."