Despite the 38 percent reduction in its proposed budget for 2025, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) vowed to continue fulfilling its mandate to protect the rights of all Filipinos "just as how it has always been done."
In a statement, the CHR said that under the 2025 National Expenditure Program, it has been allocated only P1,109,704,000 which is a 38.32 percent lower than the original proposal.
It expressed its gratitude to the House of Representatives as it has successfully hurdled the plenary budget deliberations for the Fiscar Year 2025 budget, with Rep. Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong of the 1st District of Negros Oriental as its sponsor, last Sept. 17.
"We assure the Congress that the budget to be allocated to the Commission will be fully dedicated to promoting a society where every Filipino is guaranteed full protection of their rights, just as how it has always been done," the CHR said.
The CHR said it proposed a total budget of P1,799,158,000 for FY 2025 in order to consistently deliver services based on its four main pillars -- Protection, Promotion, Policy, and Prevention.
"This proposal, aside from the fulfillment of its primary mandate, is meant to also support the Commission’s additional responsibilities under special laws where it has been delegated with an oversight and support role," it also said.
Some of these special laws, the CHR said are the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012 (RA No. 10353), Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act (RA No. 11188), Anti-Torture Act of 2009 (RA No. 9745), The Magna Carta of Women (RA No. 9710), and the Mental Health Act (RA No. 11036).
"A larger funding will also further allow the CHR to align itself with the observations and recommendations of the United Nations, in order to ensure that the Philippines is able to fully comply with human rights standards set at the international level," it added.