Message of the Chairperson Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines This Annual Accomplishment Report of the Commission on Human rights (CHR) for the year 2022 would probably be one of the most notable reports produced by the institution across decades under different political regimes. Remarkable and historic breakthroughs were going on in the backdrop when data and information for this report were developing from the beginning of the year and throughout its entirety. This report is exceptional too as it contains an account of how the CHR performed its various roles as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) within and despite a period of momentous changes—milestones that were widely perceived as bringing forth lasting consequences to the national life and its future. Coming from such perspective, we take the opportunity and exercise the privilege to present this accomplishment report to all the relevant parties, partners and participants, who join us as stakeholders and collaborators in the task of setting alight continually the human rights path today and the times ahead us. This is on behalf of the CHR, led by the 5th Commission En Banc that was incumbent until 2022, and the current 6th Commission. In 2022, we found ourselves under a new government administration. We are proud to say that despite the political tensions in the last quarter of 2021 and further on following May 9th of 2022, a phase that convulsed decades of history including the CHR’s origins as a distinct progeny of the 1987 Constitution, the Commission as a key stakeholder, remained steadfast in upholding the principle of non-partisanship and independence. In the midst of the highly polarized and embittered campaign undertakings by contenders from across political loyalties and party platforms, the CHR proved itself a true NHRI. It firmly adhered to its inherent commitments as prescribed by international human rights agencies, i.e., the UN Human Rights Council, to reiterate and urge for the exercise of the right of suffrage as a fundamental political right. In the same vein, the Commission appealed that all electoral parties and agencies uphold participatory and informed decision-making, in the interest of post-elections national recovery and reconciliation. Insofar as the present, the panoramic view of the Philippines that we hold and behold under the new government is now ours to further sketch on, refurbish and polish. It is a canvass for our just and legitimate agendas. For CHR, as per its mission and goals, these collective targets will always serve as the ethical compass to guide its many tasks and responsibilities. The very same human rights philosophy and ethics will serve as our platform as we continue to be an independent agency, created and mandated through many years by the Philippine Constitution. While 2022 now stands in history as a landmark year, what we do and accomplish beyond the timelines and in between would spell the difference. We know that we might have to choose between harder and easier ideas and actions to find both remedies and enduring solutions to our problems as a people, including overcoming the many challenges to human rights. The CHR stands vigilant to meet the complexities and crises that will persist while strictly observing and adhering to the powers allowed by its mandate. Let us keep in mind the battle cry statements we have clamored together in 2022—in solidarity, in speeches, and in songs, that inspired and brought us side by side towards our common goal of good governance and a truly representative democracy. Then and now, it is mainly through a rights-based approach to reforms and development—the kind that reaches and benefits the neediest, the most marginalized and vulnerable sectors of society, that the governance we aspire for, can be had. In a statement released on the day the country chose its leaders, the CHR explicitly called on the citizenry to exercise their right of suffrage and cast their vote. On the other hand, we say today and henceforward, “The CHR enjoins you, the people, to exercise, protect and advance ALL of your rights and liberties enshrined in the Philippine Constitution and under all international instruments in force embodying your entitlement to human rights. By the same token, we urge the government and its agencies to respond, to respect, and to fulfil. 3