DLSU prof and historian explains why our country doesn't need CHR

CHR chair Chito Gascon

Van Ybiernas, a professor of history at the Dela Salle University through his Facebook page opined that the Philippines doesn't need a Commission on Human Rights.

Ybiernas' statement came after the Congress Budget hearing on Tuesday in which the body allotted but a mere Php 1,000 as annual budget for the CHR.



"With the House of Representatives giving the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) a 1,000-peso budget, I reiterate my opinion that the CHR is an obsolete institution with superfluous and redundant functions," he said.

This amount is from a budget of Php 3.767 trillion for 2018.

Van Ybiernas

The others that were given the same amount of allotment are the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples and the Energy Regulatory Commission.

"With the House of Representatives giving the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) a 1,000-peso budget, I reiterate my opinion that the CHR is an obsolete institution with superfluous and redundant functions.," Ybiernas said.

"Our country doesn't need a CHR. We need a more effective, efficient and independent Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Justice, Internal Affairs Service of the PNP, AFP Judge Advocate General's Service, Civil Service Commission," he added.



Ybiernas opined that these offices are better suited to protect the human rights of Filipinos.

The CHR was instituted in the 1987 Constitution, following the rise of human atrocities during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos. Since then it has served as a venue for human rights victims, especially those of humble origins. The CHR serves many functions, one of which is the representation of victims and the checking of conditions in the country's penitentiaries and prisoners.

The budget is set to be decided on by the senate after the Congress has already approved it in their second reading.

Source: Van Ybiernas

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