QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 163)
It relates to Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution, which creates the Commission on Human Rights as an independent office.
To declare the CHR as now in existence, provide guidelines for its operation, and for other related purposes to give effect to the constitutional State policy on human rights.
The CHR is composed of a Chairman and four Members (five in total).
They must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and at least thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of appointment.
They must not have been candidates for any elective position in the elections immediately preceding their appointment.
A majority of the CHR members must be members of the Philippine Bar.
They cannot hold any other office or employment; cannot engage in the practice of any profession; cannot actively manage or control any business affected by their functions; and cannot be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in any government contract or franchise/privilege.
They are appointed by the President for a term of seven (7) years, without reappointment.
Appointments to any vacancy are only for the unexpired term of the predecessor.
They receive the same salary as the Chairman and Members, respectively, of the Constitutional Commissions. Their salaries cannot be decreased during their term of office.
Examples include: (1) investigating all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights; (2) adopting operational guidelines and rules of procedure and citing for contempt for violations thereof per the Rules of Court; (3) exercising visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities; (4) establishing continuing education/research/information programs on human rights; and others listed in Section 3.
All forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights.
It directs the CHR to provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all persons within the Philippines and Filipinos abroad, including preventive measures and legal aid services for the under-privileged whose human rights have been violated or need protection.
It authorizes the CHR to exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities.
The CHR may request the assistance of any department, bureau, office, or agency in the performance of its functions.
It may grant immunity to any person whose testimony or whose possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its authority.
It is abolished, and the CHR assumes its functions and powers that are not inconsistent with the 1987 Constitution.
Unexpended appropriations are transferred to the CHR, and all properties, records, equipment, buildings, facilities, and other assets are transferred to the CHR.
It takes effect immediately.