Rationale and Background As a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), the Commission on Human Rights Philippines (Commission) monitors the compliance of the State with its treaty obligations, including the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). As Gender Ombud under Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women (MCW), the Commission likewise monitors the implementation of the MCW and other related laws on women like Republic Act 10353 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) law. Role of NHRIs In the 2012 Amman Declaration and Programme of Action, NHRIs committed to 1) protect and promote reproductive rights without any discrimination; 2) encourage and aid the compilation of an evidence base (e.g., data, inquiries, research) concerning the exercise of reproductive rights and the right to sexual and reproductive health, including but not limited to cases of de jure and de facto discrimination in access to sexual and reproductive health care information and services; 3) encourage and aid the compilation of an evidence base (e.g., data, inquiries, research) concerning the exercise of reproductive rights and the right to sexual and reproductive health, including but not limited to cases of de jure and de facto discrimination in access to sexual and reproductive health care information and services; and 4) promote measures to ensure access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and services and to remove barriers which hinder such access, and support the establishment of accountability mechanisms for the effective application of the laws and the provision of remedies when obligations have been breached. The second quarter of 2016, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, through its Focal Commissioners on Women, Commissioner Karen Gomez- Dumpit and Commissioner Gwendolyn Gana-Pimentel decided to undertake a national inquiry on reproductive health and reproductive rights. The conduct of the inquiry was timely and strategic considering the incoming review of the Philippines’ by the CEDAW Committee and in view of the continuing challenges in the implementation of the RPRH law. 22