QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 2036)
The primary purpose of Presidential Decree No. 2036 is to create the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines and define its powers and functions.
The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines is attached to the Office of the President for general direction and coordination.
The government sector of the Commission is composed of the Vice President of the Philippines as Chairman, the Prime Minister as Vice Chairman, and the Ministers of Justice, National Defense, Cultural Minorities, and Foreign Affairs as members.
The private sector members include the Presidents of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Civil Liberties Union of the Philippines, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Federation of Free Farmers, Civic Assembly of Women of the Philippines, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Ulama Association of the Philippines, and the Association of Christian Churches of the Philippines.
The Office of the Vice President provides secretariat services for the Commission.
Three specific functions of the Commission are: (a) Prepare an integrated program to protect human rights in the country; (b) Plan and coordinate activities relevant to the protection of human rights; (c) Receive and disburse funds allocated for the Commission.
The Commission may call upon government ministries and agencies, including local governments, to assist in implementing its functions; promulgate, implement, and enforce government policies relevant to human rights; review and approve resolutions, rules, and regulations concerning human rights; and act as custodian of all human rights violation documents.
The Commission is to exist for five years from the issuance of the decree unless it is abolished earlier by the President of the Philippines.
Funding for the Commission will be set aside and released from the funds of the Office of the President, subject to approval by the Office of the President and the Ministry of the Budget.
All laws, decrees, orders, proclamations, rules, regulations, or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this decree are repealed or modified accordingly.