CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has welcomed the recent decision of the House of Representatives to restore its budget.
"We are grateful to those who stood firm in championing human rights inside and (outside) of the halls of Congress, as CHR affirms its commitment to advance human rights for all people," said CHR Commissioner Chito Gascon, in a text message to The FREEMAN.
Gascon said they thanked the leadership of the House of Representatives for opening their minds and heart in accepting their arguments about the necessity to continue to fund CHR's work.
He confirmed that he first met with Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas and House Committee on Appropriations chairman Prospero Nograles where they had a frank exchange of views regarding the programs and priorities of their office.
The three then met briefly with House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who reportedly understood his position.
In the course of that “open, frank, & cordial conversation” with the leaders of the House of Representatives, Gascon said they reiterated their views that the Constitution speaks of the CHR mandate to protect the rights of all persons.
Gascon said he explained that the principal role of CHR, as an independent constitutional office, is to serve as an oversight monitoring institution and that CHR is not a law enforcement agency.
Gascon added that he also clarified in that meeting that the CHR already has programs to promote the rights of all individuals – particularly the weak and vulnerable, such as children, women, urban poor, persons with disabilities, persona deprived of liberty, among others.
"Our investigation services (are) primarily, although not exclusively, focused on violations by state authorities. If we were to significantly expand our investigation work beyond violations of state authorities, it will require more funds," Gascon added.
It can be recalled that 119 members of the House of Representatives approved a P1,000 budget allocation for CHR in 2018, causing public uproar.
Senator Panfilo Lacson earlier proposed a P678-million CHR budget for 2018. —/GAN (FREEMAN)