Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 27) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named new officials of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the first two of five appointments that would fill up the government body.
In a statement on Tuesday, CHR welcomed the appointment of lawyer Richard Paat Palpal-latoc as its new chairperson.
Palpal-latoc will serve a full seven-year term until 2029.
CHR said Palpal-latoc’s appointment paper was signed last Sept. 15.
The 48-year-old lawyer had a stint as Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs under the Office of the President.
He also served as Assistant City Prosecutor at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City.
CHR said Palpal-latoc hopes to expand the organization’s work in economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as strengthen the rights of families, children, and women.
“CHR looks forward to the direction of the institution under Chairperson Palpal-latoc’s leadership. Chairperson Palpal-latoc assured further strengthening CHR which is marking its 35th year, particularly its mandates on human rights protection, promotion, policy, and prevention, to create a lasting legacy and meaningful impact in the lives of each and every Filipino,” it said.
CHR also confirmed in a separate statement the appointment of lawyer Beda Epres as commissioner, who is also slated to serve until 2029.
It said it received on Sept. 21 the appointment letter which Marcos signed on Sept. 15.
According to CHR, Epres’ career “stands on a strong foundation and experience in investigation work” as he was part of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) since 1997.
The 51-year-old served in a number of positions in the OMB, beginning as a graft investigation and prosecution officer. His most recent post was Director IV of the OMB General Investigation Bureau-A.
“With the track record of Commissioner Epres, CHR welcomes his expertise and credibility in conducting an independent probe which is crucial to human rights protection,” the commission said.
It added that Epres intends to advance the rights of children and the elderly.
“CHR is optimistic that Commissioner Epres will continue to contribute in making the Commission a steadfast and formidable institution that caters to all people, especially the weak, vulnerable, and marginalised, and in responding to the present and emerging human rights challenges of our time,” the statement further read.
Marcos still has to appoint three other commissioners of the CHR. All members of the previous commission ended their seven-year term in May.
