| Type of parliamentary body |
Specialized |
| Nature |
Permanent |
| Related to chambers |
Kapulungan Mga Kinatawan
|
| Date of creation |
1987 |
| Last renewal date |
|
| Mandate |
Under the Rules of the House, the Committee has jurisdiction over "all matters relating to the enhancement or protection of human rights of all persons in the Philippines and of Filipinos abroad; assistance to victims of human rights violations and their families, and the prevention or punishment of violations thereof". This mandate covers the preparation of legislative proposals and their promotion through the legislative process. The Committee also evaluates the compliance of government agencies with international standards. It is further involved in information dissemination, education campaigns and advocacy programmes through conferences and fora. The Committee has adopted a pro-active stance in addressing human rights issues through inquiries to promote better legislation. |
| Membership |
The Committee is composed of 25 regular members elected in plenary for a term of three years (term of Congress) or until replaced in case of a change in the representation of the political parties in the House. |
| Working methods |
Normally, the Committee adopts a legislative agenda as soon as it is constituted. The Committee secretariat helps in the drafting of the internal rules of the Committee for its adoption. The secretariat also organises its meetings, public hearings or inquiries. Hearings are usually public but the members may decide to hold executive sessions as the need may arise. The Committee secretariat ensures implementations of decisions. Committee reports are submitted for plenary adoption. |
| Relations with other parliamentary bodies |
The Committee submits its reports on bills or cases investigated to the Committee on Rules which prepares them for plenary consideration. Other parliamentary bodies are contacted in case of common concerns. |
| Relations with external bodies |
The Committee has a close working relationship with the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (NHRI), the Department of Justice, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. It has a close working relationship with both international and local NGOs. |
| Subjects dealt with |
These include: the abolition of the death penalty (top priority); criminalisation of torture; criminalisation of disappearance (enforced/involuntary); criminalisation of summary execution; establishment of an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Human Rights Mechanism; ratification of the treaty on International Criminal Court (advocacy); prohibition against the public display of arrested persons in a humiliating and degrading manner; militarisation; killings of party-list organisation coordinators. |
| CONTACT INFORMATION |
| Main address |
House of Representatives
Constitution Hills
QUEZON CITY
|
| Phone |
Tel.: (632) 931 5979, (632) 931 5001 local 7619 |
| Fax |
Fax: (632) 931 5595
|
| E-mail |
humanrights_cttee@yahoo.com |
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PRESIDING OFFICER(S)
|
| Name |
Mr. Bienvenido Abante |
| Notes |
Chairperson |
| Name |
Mr. Roseller Barinanga |
| Notes |
Vice-Chairperson |
|
SECRETARY
|
| Name |
Mr. Fely Domingo Parcon |
| Notes |
Acting Committee Secretary |
