Messages iii MESSAG E Jose Luis Martin C. Gascon Commission on Human Rights Philippines I t is my privilege to present, on behalf of the Commission on Human Rights, these Gender Ombud Guidelines, and to extend both heartfelt thanks and warm congratulations to the women’s rights advocates from the Commission, its partners from the Philippine Commission on Women, other government agencies, and civil society whose steadfast work on ending all forms of discrimination against women has made this possible. These Guidelines provide a comprehensive tool kit to address gender-based discrimination and violence in a variety of situations by identifying legal remedies, describing procedures, and creating a case referral mechanism aimed at ensuring that all complaints of gender-based discrimination or violence are heard. With these Guidelines, and the commitment and resolve of all many invaluable partners, other stakeholders, as well as our advocates within the Commission, we hope to give full recognition and fulfilment to the obligations under the CEDAW and the many laws that have been enacted for the protection and empowerment of all Filipino women, whether this be within the home, the community, the workplace, the courtroom, and in all public and private spheres, as they struggle for equal participation in all aspects of their daily life. Mabuhay ang Kababaihang Pilipino! JOSE LUIS MARTIN C. GASCON Chairperson (June 2015 - May 2022) Commission on Human Rights Philippines CHR Gender Ombud Guidelines