The Commission on Human

Rights

Legal Basis
Sections 17-19, Article XIII Philippine Constitution

Executive Order No. 163 May 5, 1987 (Declaring the effectivity

of the creation of the Commission on Human Rights as provided
for in the 1987 Constitution, providing guidelines for the operation
thereof, and for other purposes.)

Membership
The Commission shall be composed of a Chairman and four
Members who must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and
a majority of whom shall be members of the Bar.

Powers and Functions

Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of
human rights violations involving civil and political rights;

Who is the government agency tasked to investigate crimes?

CIDG? NBI? ISAFP? NPS?

Who is authorized to file criminal cases in court?

Powers and Functions

Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and cite
for contempt for violations thereof in accordance with the Rules
of Court;

Refers to internal rules on investigation.

Powers and Functions

Provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human
rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos
residing abroad, and provide for preventive measures and
legal aid services to the underprivileged whose human rights
have been violated or need protection;

Who provides legal assistance to victims of human rights

violations?
Private lawyers? IBP legal aid? PAO? NPS?

Powers and Functions

Exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention
facilities;

Outside of visitorial hours, who can enter jails, prisons, or

detention facilities?

Powers and Functions

Establish a continuing program of research, education, and
information to enhance respect for the primacy of human
rights;

How many IECs have you attended which was sponsored/hosted/

organized by the CHR?

Powers and Functions

Recommend to Congress effective measures to promote
human rights and to provide for compensation to victims of
violations of human rights, or their families;

What is the House of Representatives?

Powers and Functions

Monitor the Philippine Governments compliance with
international treaty obligations on human rights;

Reportorial requirements are prepared by the CHR

Powers and Functions

Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose
testimony or whose possession of documents or other evidence
is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any
investigation conducted by it or under its authority;

How does one become a state witness?

Powers and Functions

Request the assistance of any department, bureau, office, or
agency in the performance of its functions;

What is public service?

Powers and Functions

Appoint its officers and employees in accordance with law; and

Inherent administrative power of agencies except those

exclusively reserved for the president

Powers and Functions

Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided
by law.

Residual powers