BUSINESS GROUPS and unions expressed support on Wednesday for increasing the budget of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to allow it to look into more labor-related human rights violations and provide support to victims.
In a joint statement, six business groups led by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said more funding will give the CHR the resources to better monitor labor-related human rights violations.
They said more funding is needed to support a witness protection program pending the resolution of the cases, as well as to expedite the release of reparations to victims.
“We reiterate our earlier call for the government to continue the investigation, prosecution, and disposition of all labor-related cases affecting freedom of association and collective bargaining, without delay and in the interest of justice,” according to the joint statement.
The Department of Budget and Management approved a budget of P1.07 billion for the CHR in the National Expenditure Program 2025.
This excludes the P53.55 million for the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission, bringing total appropriations for the CHR to P1.12 billion.
The groups also proposed that the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) for the Protection of the Freedom of Association and Right to Organize of Workers, which was established through Executive Order No. 23, offer quarterly progress reports.
“Such a regular interface may serve as a means to be updated and apprised on the progress made by the IAC in the discharge of its functions,” the groups said.
The six groups also requested a review of the continued operations of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict to avoid overlaps with other agencies.
The joint statement was also signed by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., the Federation of Free Workers, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
