Commission on Human Rights (Philippines)

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) of the Philippines is an independent national human rights institution (NHRI) created under the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines. Its primary mandate is to investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights.

The CHR's powers include the following:

• Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights.
• Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and summon witnesses and require the production of documents, records, and other evidence.
• 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 assistance services to the underprivileged whose human rights have been violated or who need protection.
• Exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities.
• Establish a continuing program of research, education, and information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights.
• Recommend to the Congress effective measures to promote human rights and to provide compensation to victims of violations of human rights, or their families.
• Monitor the Philippine Government’s compliance with international treaty obligations on human rights.
• Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.

The CHR is composed of a Chairperson and four Commissioners. They are appointed by the President of the Philippines and serve for a term of seven years without reappointment. The Commission is independent from the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.

While the CHR can investigate human rights violations, it does not have the power to prosecute offenders. Its findings are recommendatory in nature and are usually referred to the appropriate government agencies, such as the Department of Justice or the Office of the Ombudsman, for further action. Despite its limited powers of prosecution, the CHR plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights in the Philippines. The CHR has faced challenges, including resource constraints and debates over its mandate and effectiveness.