MESSAGE THE PHILIPPINES was among the States which immediately signed and ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) after it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 18 December 1979. The publication of this compendium of laws on women's rights, particularly the AntiViolence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9262) and the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710), is both timely and pertinent as the Philippines is about to celebrate the 30 anniversary of being a State Paty to the CEDAW having ratified this internati instrument on 05 August 1981. In compliance with the State obligations under the CEDAW to take appropriate measures, including legislation, to ensure the full development and advancement of women and to adopt measures prohibiting all discrimination against women, the laws in this compendium have been adopted. In addition to the legislature, due recognition must also be extended to numerous women's human rights groups, civil society, women advocatees, and government offices who worked together tirelessly in drafting the provisions of these laws which aim to protect women against any act of discrimination. However, the enactment of these laws is not the end goal. In order to achieve the full realization of equality between men and women in the Philippines, these laws must be implemented and monitored continuously and comprehensively. The Commission on Human Rights has a crucial role in this undertaking as it acts as the Gender Ombud under the As Gender Magna Carta of Women. Ombud, one of the duties of the Commission i the investigation of complaints of discrimination and violations of women's rights under the Magna Carta of Women. Although three decades have ratification of the CEDAW, discrimination passed since the against women still continue and there is still of violence prevalence against women. This compendium has been published in order to provide the personnel of the Commission on Human Rights with handy and readily available reference materials when training and research, providing legal advice, and conducting its duties and functions. implementing This compendium ensures that staff and