CHR: 'Adequate' budget will ensure better protection of Filipinos' human rights

Providing an "adequate" budget for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) translates to better efforts in safeguarding the rights of workers and all Filipinos.

This was the statement of the CHR as it expressed gratitude to the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC) for adopting Resolution No. 2, s. 2024 which calls upon the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), House of Representatives, and Senate to ensure an adequate budget for the commission for the Fiscal Year 2025. 

The NTIPC is the main consultative body for tripartite consultation between the government, employer, and labor sector with regards to labor, employment, and social policies at the national level.

The CHR likewise thanked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its efforts in acknowledging the role of the commission in upholding labor and employment policies.

Through the initiative of the Philippine government, the CHR has been tapped to look into:

a. effective measures to prevent violence against workers and employers

b. immediate undertaking of investigations into the allegations of violence to establish facts, determine culpability, and punish perpetrators

c. operationalization of monitoring bodies

d. assurance that all workers without distinction are able to form and join organizations in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention

With these responsibilities, the CHR has been mandated to  immediately act as an independent and non-judicial body consistent with the High-Level Tripartite Mission (HLTM) recommendation.

"We view this as an opportunity to work on better recommendations and to lobby for policies, which prioritize the rights and dignity of every Filipino worker, parallel to how the concept of human rights progresses over time," the CHR said.

"The Commission guarantees its steadfast commitment in safeguarding the rights of workers. This, however, can only be substantially carried out through an adequate budget in order to further execute our mandate and efficiently work on the HLTM recommendations," it added.

The CHR believes that the grant of Resolution No. 2, s. 2024 endorsed by the NTIPC to the DBM, House of Representatives, and Senate, will only demonstrate the seriousness of the government to pursue its human rights agenda, particularly in the labor sector.

"This is especially important during this period of rebuilding and revitalizing our economy as it is an opportune time to strengthen labor rights, which is foundational to sustainable economy and recovery," the CHR said.

With the passage of the resolution, the CHR will be able to strengthen its partnerships with relevant stakeholders under the provisions of Executive Order 23, or the Interagency Committee for the Protection of the Freedom of Association and Right to Organize of Workers.

A better budget will also translate to the commission's effective response to labor-related concerns and expedition of processes that will allow for the Philippines’ better compliance under International Labor Organization (ILO) and other human rights conventions.

"We also express our high hopes that the said resolution will pave the way towards the full support of the Congress to the increase in the budget of CHR as we continue to embark on initiatives that will enhance the reach and efficiency of our mandate. Adequate budget ensures that we can sufficiently perform additional mandates delegated under newly-passed pieces of legislation," the CHR affirmed.