Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 8)
The primary purpose of Executive Order No. 8, series of 1986 is to create the Presidential Committee on Human Rights to assist the President in respecting and fostering human rights in the Philippines.
Mr. Jose W. Diokno is the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Human Rights.
The Committee is purely advisory and consultative, not subject to civil service laws, and membership does not conflict with other public or private positions.
Investigate human rights violations, report findings to the President and the public, propose procedures to prevent future human rights violations.
The Committee investigates cases such as unexplained or forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, massacres, torture, hamletting, food blockades and other human rights violations committed by government officers or their agents.
The Committee can administer oaths, take testimony and evidence, issue subpoenas (including subpoenas duces tecum), grant immunity, hold persons in contempt, call on government agencies for assistance, and adopt rules and hire staff.
Yes, presidential immunity extends to members and staff of the Committee when performing their official duties.
The Committee is composed of specific individuals named in the order including Mr. Jose W. Diokno (Chairman), Mr. Justice Jose B.L. Reyes (Vice-Chairman), Mrs. Zenaida Quezon Avancena, Sr. Marianni Dimaraanaa, Miss Haydee Yorac, Mr. William Claver, and the Judge Advocate General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Yes, the Committee must report its findings to the President and make them public, suggesting actions to compensate victims and punish offenders.
Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00) from the National Treasury is allocated for honoraria, traveling, salaries, and expenses of the Committee.