commission on human rights

AS THE chairperson of the SP Committee on Civil, Political and Human Rights, I manifest my support to various initiatives as we commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this December 10. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) officially opened the 2025 National Human Rights Consciousness Week (NHRCW) last December 4 this year at the CHR Central Office, Diliman, Quezon City.

This year’s theme, “Karapatang Pantao: Kasama sa Araw-araw,” highlights the crucial role of human rights in daily life, underscoring the collective duty of government, and the public to uphold these principles in all spaces of society and our respective communities. Hence, we are reminded that human rights should not be confined to grand occasions alone—as they are the everyday foundations of a just, humane, and democratic nation.

This year’s theme challenges all of us to make dignity, equality, and freedom present in the ordinary moments of our collective and personal lives. As a legislator, I am committed to ensure that human rights principles translate into concrete and accessible services.

As a legislator, I also sound the call against corruption because in itself, corruption is a violation of human rights as it deprives people of basic social services, as well as curtailing their civil and political rights. We will continue to oppose all forms of corruption at all levels, condemning especially those involved in flood control projects— tragically showing us how corruption erodes human dignity and why integrity in governance is essential to protecting human rights.

Indeed, this year’s theme “Karapatang Pantao: Kasama sa Araw-araw,” deeply resonates with me as a councilor, as a human rights advocate and as a local legislator entrusted with the responsibility of shaping policies to protect our city’s constituents.

When we craft policies, when we vote on the budget, we are actually deciding on the quality of life of our people. Human rights is not just a principle to uphold, it is the compass that should guide every public servant. In our daily lives, we have to reflect on the evolving needs and challenges of human rights work in the Philippines, as well as in our own city.

For the rest of this term, I am closely working with our Davao City Justice Zone and CHR-XI in advancing rights of PDL or persons deprived of liberty, bringing together government, civil society, and international partners to advance humane treatment and access to justice, including moves to examine emerging human rights issues shaped by technology, climate change, and evolving global challenges.

I call on everyone to observe human rights every day and to live out human rights in every space where we all live, learn, work, and interact. As we commemorate both International Human Rights Day and the 77th Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations, I join the CHR in encouraging everyone to contribute in making human rights real and accessible for all.

Let us all continue building a nation where rights are respected and protected. Let us continue to condemn corruption and every form of injustice that disrespects our rights.

Office of Councilor Pamela Librado-Morata