Composition of the Commission
- Government Sector Members:
- Vice President of the Philippines (Chairman)
- Prime Minister (Vice Chairman)
- Minister of Justice
- Minister of National Defense
- Minister of Cultural Minorities
- Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Private Sector Members:
- President, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
- President, Civil Liberties Union of the Philippines
- President, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines
- President, Federation of Free Farmers
- President, Civic Assembly of Women of the Philippines
- President, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines
- President, Ulama Association of the Philippines
- President, Association of Christian Churches of the Philippines
Secretariat Services
- Provided by the Office of the Vice President for the Commission.
Functions of the Commission
- Prepare an integrated program to protect human rights in the Philippines.
- Plan and coordinate all activities relevant to human rights protection.
- Supervise implementation of plans and programs in political, economic, civil, social, and educational fields.
- Manage funds allocated for the Commission.
- Conduct continuing evaluation of human rights protection activities.
- Undertake studies to prevent discrimination against human rights and fundamental freedoms, referring to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Perform other necessary functions to protect human rights and advance social justice.
Powers of the Commission
- Call upon government ministries and local governments for assistance.
- Promulgate, implement, and enforce government policies on human rights.
- Review, coordinate, integrate, and approve agency resolutions, rules, and decisions on human rights.
- Custodian of all files and records on human rights violations.
- Grant allowances, per diems, and fix salaries of officials and staff in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Funding Provisions
- Budgetary allocations to be set aside and released from the Office of the President’s funds.
- Requires approval of the Office of the President.
Duration and Existence
- The Commission to constitute itself immediately upon issuance.
- The Commission shall exist for five (5) years unless earlier abolished by the President.
Repealing Clause
- All laws, decrees, orders, proclamations, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this Decree are repealed or modified accordingly.
Separability Clause
- Any unconstitutional provision shall not affect the validity of the rest of the Decree.
- Remaining parts must still be capable of full effect to accomplish the objectives.
Effectivity
- The Decree takes effect immediately upon issuance.