A newly created special committee on human rights coordination has been welcomed by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as a positive step that can bring real benefits. Malacañang issued Administrative Order (AO) 22 last week, establishing an inter-agency body tasked with enhancing mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights. This committee operates under the existing Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC).
The special committee is chaired by the executive secretary and co-chaired by the justice secretary, with members including the chiefs of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc emphasized the importance of an integrated government approach in addressing human rights issues in the country.
The CHR is optimistic that the initiative will lead to concrete and meaningful results, particularly in prosecuting cases related to the war on drugs and enforced disappearances, as well as adopting a comprehensive human rights-based approach in various government responses. However, some human rights groups have criticized the newly created body, calling it “toothless” and an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy.
In response, the CHR reiterated its commitment to remaining independent and fulfilling its Constitutional mandate. Despite the concerns raised by rights watchdogs, CHR Commissioner Faydah Maniri Dumarpa believes that the special committee on human rights coordination could enhance government support for the institution’s human rights efforts. The CHR also expressed openness to participating in the coordinating body and hopes that it will gain equal support for passing the CHR Charter bill to strengthen its mandate.
