Watchdogs: Selection of CHR appointees lacked transparency, consultation

This 2021 handout photo shows community leaders and volunteers in the Save San Roque alliance outside the Commission on Human Rights office in Quezon City.

Save San Roque handout photo

MANILA, Philippines — Appointments to vacancies at the Commission on Human Rights did not include consultations with civil society groups, rights watchdogs said, adding the process of picking commissioners was not transparent.

Former Malacañang deputy secretary Richard Palpal-latoc is the new chairperson of the CHR while former Ombudsman investigator Beda Espres has been named a commissioner. CHR needs three more commissioners.

As rights groups called on the new CHR appointees to show independence and transparency in investigating violations involving civil and political rights, they also noted the lack of transparency and consultation in how they were selected. 

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/10/03/2214002/watchdogs-selection-chr-appointees-lacked-transparency-consultation