Chiz backs prosecutorial powers, witness protection program for CHR

Senator Chiz Escudero yesterday said the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) should have prosecutorial powers and its own witness protection programs (WPP) in order to fully realize its mandate under the constitution as guardian of human rights.

Escudero, chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said that the CHR has always been regarded as a "toothless tiger" because its powers are limited to making recommendations on human rights cases.

"This is also the reason witnesses and whistleblowers are afraid to go to the commission, especially when those involved are powerful and identified with the administration," he said in a statement.

Escudero filed Senate Bill 1437, which seeks to grant prosecutorial powers to the CHR, is now conducting hearings on the measure.

The Supreme Court has ruled in an earlier case that the CHR can only make recommendations, rendering the commission powerless to go after violators of human rights.

"Of what use are the CHR's investigations into human rights violations if it cannot affirm its findings through prosecution?" Escudero said.

In proposing the creation of its own WPP, Escudero said that human rights cases usually involve "guardians of the law", rebels, or influential people.

"These are, it is said, extraordinary times that call for extraordinary measures. We have to assure these witnesses that they will be protected from harm, otherwise no one will dare challenge the culture of impunity prevailing in this country," he said.