The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) reported that human rights complaints in the Philippines have evolved from focusing on civil and political violations to social and economic concerns, reflecting a broader understanding of human rights among Filipinos. This was highlighted during a Senate Committee on Finance hearing on the CHR’s proposed 2026 budget.
CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc noted that while the number of complaints has remained relatively constant since 2023, the types of violations have changed. “Almost constant ‘yung number, may mga changes depending on the situation, but nagbabago po ‘yung nature of complaints,” he said. Cases of civil and political rights, like extrajudicial killings and arbitrary arrests, have decreased, while those related to economic, social, and cultural rights—such as gender-based violence, education, food, health, and the welfare of women, children, and the elderly—have risen.
Palpal-latoc explained the shift in context: “Kasi before, ang focus talaga during the previous years, a long time ago, ang focus is civil and political rights. But this time, because of the changes of the times and the expansion of the human rights concept, nagkakaroon ng evolution.” CHR Commissioner Ma. Amifaith Fider-Reyes added that this aligns with the country’s efforts toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), like zero hunger, health for all, and quality education.
“Nage-evolve po kasi bago lang naman po ito noong 1987 bilang pagtugon sa martial law, ngunit alam natin na merong mga karapatang pantao na inherent na po sa ating pagkatao,” Fider-Reyes said. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who presided over the hearing, acknowledged the broadening of the CHR’s mandate. “Typically for a layman, kapag sinabi mong human rights, it’s civil and political. Nung sinabi ng chairperson natin na it’s evolving, natuto ako na nag-iiba rin pala ang demands ng constituents natin,” he said.
Gatchalian also praised the CHR for its efficient case management, with pending complaints dropping from 28,000 to 3,438 in just a year and a half. “I’m commending the commission for this really very efficient disposition of cases,” he said.