CHR to press on with rights education despite vetoed creation of Human Rights Institute

The Liwasang Diokno features a 30-tier fountain representing the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the background is the statue of human rights champion and former senator Jose “Ka Pepe” Diokno.

The STAR / Janvic Mateo, file

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission of Human Rights said it is "saddened" by President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to veto the establishment of the Human Rights Institute, but vowed it will continue to make human rights education accessible to people.

Duterte rejected a provision in Republic Act 11639 or the General Appropriations Act of 2022 that establishes the HRI, a flagship program of the CHR. The president said no "appropriation is provided for the purpose," meaning there is no funding set aside for it.

In a statement Tuesday, CHR Commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit maintained the item appropriation is for the discharge of the agency’s constitutional mandate.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/01/04/2151759/chr-press-rights-education-despite-vetoed-creation-human-rights-institute