Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) responded to criticisms over the qualifications and experience of its newly-appointed officials. In a statement released Monday, the CHR said they can maintain independence despite being presidential appointees.
“We wish to assure that, while the president appointed its recent composition as mandated by the Philippine Constitution, the Commission en banc is committed to preserve and uphold the independence of the country’s national human rights institution (NHRI),” the statement read.
The CHR added the composition of the Commission en banc showed they were in line with the principle of pluralism or having people with different beliefs and opinions in one society.
Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc and Commissioner Beda Espres were appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in September. The new human rights chief vowed that the commission, under his leadership, will render speedy justice for all.
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Lawyer Faydah Dumarpa is the latest to join the CHR, after being appointed in December. The commission still needs two more officials to complete its leadership.
CHR did not mention the source of criticism, but human rights and militant groups earlier questioned Palpal-latoc’s background. Human Rights Watch Asia deputy director Phil Robertson called on Marcos to appoint qualified and independent human rights experts. He doubted Palpal-latoc’s experience in defending human rights.
Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes stressed Palpal-latoc’s close relationship with former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez. He also called on Palpal-latoc to uphold the mandate of the commission and show independence from Malacañang.
The CHR maintains the appointment of lawyers from different fields in its leadership will contribute to the fight to uphold human rights in the country.
“CHR respects the vigilance shown by some members of the human rights community regarding the recent appointments in CHR’s leadership. Under a democracy, we expect nothing less and take this as a challenge,” the CHR said.
“To note, it has only been almost four months since the first appointments of the new Commission en banc members were made yet work continues and new directions are already being set,” it added.
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