Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 163)
The Commission on Human Rights is created under Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines.
The Commission on Human Rights is composed of a Chairman and four Members who must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines, at least thirty-five years old at the time of appointment, and a majority must be members of the Philippine Bar. They must not have been candidates for any elective position in the immediately preceding elections.
No, during their tenure, the Chairman and Members shall not hold any other office or employment, engage in practice of any profession, or manage any business affected by their office functions, nor have financial interest in any government contract, franchise, or privilege.
They are appointed by the President for a term of seven years without reappointment. If appointed to fill a vacancy, the appointment is only for the unexpired term of the predecessor.
Powers include investigating human rights violations, adopting operational guidelines, providing legal protection and aid, exercising visitorial powers over detention facilities, conducting research and education, recommending measures to Congress, monitoring compliance with international human rights treaties, granting immunity in investigations, requesting assistance from government agencies, appointing personnel, and performing other duties as provided by law.
The Commission on Human Rights has visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities.
The Presidential Committee on Human Rights is abolished and its functions, powers, appropriations, properties, records, and personnel necessary for the Commission are transferred to the Commission on Human Rights.
The approved annual appropriations of the Commission on Human Rights shall be automatically and regularly released.
No, the salaries shall not be decreased during their term of office and are on par with those of the Constitutional Commissions.
The Executive Order took effect immediately upon signing on May 5, 1987.