Sen. Robinhood Padilla is seeking to declare the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as an independent office through an amendment to the 1987 Constitution in an aim to bolster its independence.
On Monday, Jan. 20, Padilla filed a Resolution of Both Houses No. 11, which amends Sec. 17 (Human Rights) of Art. XIII (Social Justice and Human Rights) to create "an independent office called the Commission on Human Rights."
"It is essential to recalibrate the nation's social justice and human rights policies in response to the evolving challenges posed by globalization, which introduces various forms of human rights violations, while simultaneously upholding the overarching tenets of human dignity as enshrined in the Constitution," he said in his resolution.
He particularly stressed the need for the CHR's fiscal autonomy so it can manage its financial resources without undue interference or control from outside entities.
The CHR is an autonomous body established by the 1987 Constitution and formally constituted on May 5, 1987 - pursuant to Executive Order 163.
It is instrumental in safeguarding civil, economic, social, political, and cultural rights.
Also, it has added responsibilities under at least 16 special laws and one executive order, including the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012 (RA 10353); Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act (RA 11188); ANti-Torture Act of 2009 (RA 9745); Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710); and Mental Health Act (RA 11036).
"Ensuring the CHR's complete fiscal independence is vital for the unhindered and efficient fulfillment of its responsibilities, thereby aligning its operations with the Commission's established mandate and other responsibilities," Padilla said.