children are a special concern. The Government is taking definitive steps to address human development an in concerns integrated the through manner, formulation of a social development framework which will guide the planning and programmina of human development-related activities. rules of procedure and cite for contempt for violations thereof; provide legal measures for the protection of human rights of all persons within the Philippines; provide for preventive measures and legal aid services to the underprivileged whose human rights have been violated or need protection; exercise visitorial powers 27. Starting in 1986, the Government has more explicitly over jails, prisons or detention facilities and request the assistance of any government agency in the focused performance on poverty alleviation as a goal of national development efforts. In 1988, poverty incidence among Filipinos was 45.5 per cent, 3.8 percentage points lower than it was in 1985. As of 2003, poverty incidence had gone down to 30.4 per cent. 28. The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (1986), the Presidential Commission to Fight Poverty (1993), and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (2000) were established by the Government as agencies to engage in poverty alleviation and people empowerment. D. General legal framework within which human rights are protected of its functions; establish a continuing programme of research, education and information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights; recommend to Congress effective measures to promote human rights; monitor Government's compliance with international treaty obligations on human rights; and grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony, or whose possession of documents or other evidence, is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any investigation conducted by it, or under its authority. 32. The Office of the Judge Advocate General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has jurisdiction over complaints against enlisted men. However, under Republic Act (RA) 29. Fundamental human rights have been an integral part of the Philippine Constitution. The Malolos Constitution adopted in 1898, the 1935, 1973, 1986 {also known as Freedom Constitution) and the 1987 Philippine Constitutions all contained a Bill of Rights. Two of the State policies embodied in the Constitution are respect for the dignity of every human person and protection of the basic civil and political rights of the people against State encroachment and abuses. The Bill of Rights specifically prohibits the use of torture, force, threat or intimidation or any other means which No, 7055, “An Act Strengthening Civilian Supremacy Over the Military By Returning to the Civil Courts the Jurisdiction Over Certain Offenses Involving Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines”, members of the AFP, other persons subject to military law, including members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Units, who commit crimes or offenses penalized under the Revised Penal Code, and other special penal laws, regardless of whether or not civilians are co-accused, victims or offended parties, shall now be tried by the proper civil courts. vitiates the free will ofa person and mandates Congress to pass laws to compensate victims of torture. 33. Republic Act No. 6975 specifies the administrative disciplinary machinery applicable to the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Complaints against any PNP member may be brought before 1. Judicial, administrative and other authorities competent in matters relating to human rights any 30. The 1987 human rights guardian and Constitution enumerates the basic and the judiciary stands as the bulwark of such rights. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies are constitutionally mandated to protect human rights and freedoms of citizens; and ensure the security of the State and its people. 31. The 1987 Commission independent Human created Rights constitutional the (PCHR). (a) chiefs of police, where not less than 16 days but not exceeding 30 days; (c) People's Law Enforcement Board or PLEB where the body Philippine It is mandated an to investigate, on its own oronthe complaint by any party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and Political rights; adopt following: offense is similarly punishable for a period exceeding 30 days or by dismissal. Constitution on of the the offense is punishable by the withholding of privileges, restrictions to specified limits, suspension of forfeiture of salary for a period not exceeding 15 days; (b) mayors of cities and municipalities, where the offense is similarly punishable for a period of its operational guidelines and 2. Remedies available to individuals rights had been violated whose human 34. Under the Philippine Rules of Court, a person who has been unlawfully detained or deprived in any other PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT'S 2ND To 4TH PéRioDiG REPORT 69