The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed its full support to the consolidated Senate Bill (SB) No. 2766, the proposed law on Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act, that would protect all Filipinos, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized groups, from all forms of discrimination.
In a statement, the CHR said the passage of SB 2766 into a law is crucial as Filipinos have diverse demographics, cultures, and ethnicities. Once enacted, it said Filipinos will be given a chance to foster greater understanding and respect for their existing differences.
Also, the CHR said that even persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are included in the bill's provisions, as they often face challenges reintegrating into society upon release.
The out-of-school youth are likewise covered as they experience discrimination based on socio-economic status and educational levels, it said.
The bill ensures that PDLs and out-of-school youth are provided with equal opportunities in employment and access to essential services, it also said.
At the same time, SB 2766 seeks to establish redress mechanisms for discrimination cases, including the creation of an Inter-Agency Technical Council on Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity, it added.
"The Commission supports these provisions, as they will enhance access to justice for victims of discrimination. The bill further specifies the acts or omissions considered discriminatory and clarifies when a person can be held liable for discrimination," the CHR declared.
SB 2766 was submitted jointly by the Committees on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development; Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs; and Finance as culled from the proposals aired by Senators Grace L. Poe, Robin C. Padilla, Joel Villanueva, Imee R. Marcos, and Jinggoy E. Estrada.
"We commend the Committee Chairmanship of Senator Imee Marcos for sponsoring this consolidated bill, which aims to prohibit both direct and indirect discrimination based on protected attributes such as age, culture, indigenous identity, racial or ethnic origin, religious belief, sex, gender, sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity, gender expression, disability, health status, and other attributes often subject to stigma and prejudice," the CHR said.
"These acts violate the equal protection clause of the Bill of Rights and the Philippines’ obligations under various international human rights instruments," it added.