THE proposed ₱1.273-billion budget of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for 2027 will support the independent constitutional body’s work to investigate human rights violations, assist victims, prevent abuse and protect the fundamental rights of Filipinos, House Committee on Appropriations Vice Chairperson and Manila 6th District Rep. Ma. Cristina “Tina” Talavera-Lopez said Wednesday evening.
Talavera-Lopez, who sponsored the CHR budget during plenary deliberations on the proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget, said the allocation provided under the National Expenditure Program represents only around 0.02 percent of the entire spending plan.
“Madam Speaker, allow me to put the CHR budget in perspective through one figure: 0.02 percent. Out of the proposed ₱7.2-trillion National Budget, only ₱1.273 billion—or around 0.02 percent—is provided for the CHR under the National Expenditure Program,” pointed out the lawmaker.
She said that despite its relatively small share of the national budget, CHR’s funding supports functions that directly affect Filipinos, particularly people seeking assistance and protection from human rights violations and abuse.
“Napakaliit po ng hinihinging bahagi ng CHR, but it can make a meaningful difference in its ability to investigate human rights violations, assist victims, prevent abuse, and protect the rights of our people,” Talavera-Lopez said.
The lawmaker stressed that the CHR is an independent constitutional institution entrusted with protecting the dignity and fundamental rights of every Filipino, making sufficient resources important to its ability to carry out its mandate.
“The CHR is not an adversary of government. Kakampi natin ang CHR sa mabuting pamamahala. A strong and independent CHR strengthens accountability, protects the vulnerable, and helps build public trust in our institutions,” she said.
The CHR had originally proposed ₱2.749 billion for 2027. Talavera-Lopez noted that even the Commission’s full proposal would represent only around 0.04 percent of the ₱7.2-trillion national budget.
“0.04 percent is a modest investment for an institution mandated to safeguard the rights of 100 percent of our Filipino people.”
The House, led by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, is reviewing the CHR allocation as part of its examination of how proposed agency budgets translate into services and protections that people can actually feel. Appropriations Committee Chairperson and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela B. Suansing is steering the chamber’s detailed consideration of the national spending plan, consistent with the Speaker’s commitment that public funds must ultimately benefit the Filipino people.
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