Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat

01/09/2026

A GRATEFUL FAREWELL TO A LIFE OF SERVICE

Today, the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat of the Office of the President (PHRCS) marks the conclusion of the term of its Executive Director, Usec. Severo S. Catura.

On 31 July 2026, Usec. Nonoy concluded his term as Executive Director of the PHRCS, closing an important chapter of public service marked by years of dedication and commitment to the work of the Secretariat.

Throughout the years, there were meetings to attend, decisions to make, policies to advance, and the everyday demands of public service to carry. These shared efforts formed part of the continuing work of the PHRCS in the service of the Filipino people.

As the Secretariat moves forward, the work will continue and new chapters will begin. The contributions made during the years of Usec. Nonoy's service will remain part of the PHRCS's institutional journey.

The PHRCS extends its appreciation to Usec. Nonoy for his years of service and leadership and wishes him well as he begins a new chapter.

As one chapter closes, another begins. While farewells mark the end of a particular period, the work and the commitment to public service continue.

Maraming, maraming salamat, Usec. Nonoy.

01/09/2026

ADVANCING TRUTH, JUSTICE, AND ACCOUNTABILITY 🕊️

The Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS), represented by its Deputy Executive Director, Atty. Gerald G. Bitonio, joined key stakeholders at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for a crucial Roundtable Discussion on the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012 (RA 10353) and the Ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED).

Co-organized by the CHR Policy Linkages Office, Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND), and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the session brought together government representatives, international bodies, and civil society to address pressing gaps in human rights protection:
-Strengthening RA 10353 Implementation: Addressing institutional challenges, lack of dedicated funding, and key barriers to investigation, prosecution, and victim reparations.
-Bridging Domestic and Global Standards: Exploring how ratifying the ICPPED will complement national law, enhance state accountability, and uphold the rights of victims and their families.
-Fostering Multi-Sectoral Dialogue: Building actionable strategies alongside government agencies, civil society organizations, and international human rights mechanisms to uphold justice and combat impunity.

Protecting human rights requires continuous multi-sectoral collaboration to bridge policy gaps and safeguard the rights to truth, freedom, and dignity.

27/08/2026

BUILDING A FUTURE WHERE BUSINESS RESPECTS EVERY WORKER’S DIGNITY 🇵🇭🤝⚙️

Economic growth must go hand-in-hand with human dignity and labor rights.

During the National Tripartite Dialogue on Responsible Business Conduct, Sustainable Investment, and Trade for Decent Work, convened by the International Labour Organization Country Office for the Philippines (ILO-PH), stakeholders gathered to bridge the gap between commercial strategy and international human rights standards.

A major highlight was the presentation by the Deputy Executive Director of the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (OP-PHRCS), Atty. Gerald G. Bitonio, who broke down the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). The presentation emphasized that respecting human rights is not just a moral obligation or a corporate goodwill gesture—it is an essential duty.

Key Takeaways from the Human Rights Framework:
- The State's Duty to Protect: Ensuring legislative and institutional protections guard against workplace and community human rights violations.
- Corporate Responsibility to Respect: Encouraging enterprises to practice human rights due diligence across their operations and supply chains.
- Access to Remedy: Safeguarding avenues for workers and affected communities to seek redress when rights are infringed upon.

By centering the conversation on Decent Work—fair wages, safe conditions, gender equality, and voice for all workers—government, business, and labor leaders are taking crucial steps toward sustainable development that leaves no one behind.

26/08/2026

PUTTING HUMAN RIGHTS AT THE CORE OF DECENT WORK AND SUSTAINABLE TRADE 🇵🇭✊

Decent work is fundamentally a human rights issue. Today, representatives from government, worker organizations, and employers joined forces at the National Tripartite Dialogue on Responsible Business Conduct, Sustainable Investment, and Trade for Decent Work in the Philippines, organized by the International Labour Organization Country Office for the Philippines (ILO-PH).

Usec. Georgina Ann H. Yang of the Office of the Executive Secretary delivered a keynote message, emphasizing the government's commitment to bridging economic policies with human rights standards, international labor conventions, and inclusive growth.

Key Themes from the Opening Session:
* Protecting Fundamental Rights: Trade and investments must actively safeguard freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages.
* Responsible Business Conduct: Corporate accountability and due diligence are vital to ensuring workers' dignity across supply chains.
* Tripartite Cooperation: Meaningful social dialogue among government, labor unions, and private industry remains the foundation for rights-based economic progress.

When human rights guide business and trade policies, progress serves everyone—leaving no worker behind.

📸 Check out the highlights from the opening session below.

26/08/2026

ADVANCING DECENT WORK AS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS 🇵🇭⚖️

Economic growth must go hand-in-hand with human dignity. The International Labor Organization Country Office in the Philippines (ILO-PH) convened a National Tripartite Dialogue on Responsible Business Conduct, Sustainable Investment, and Trade for Decent Work.

Labor rights are human rights. Decent work requires fair wages, safe working environments, social protection, and freedom from exploitation.

A key highlight was the presentation by the Deputy Executive Director of the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (OP-PHRCS), Atty. Gerald G. Bitonio, showcasing the 4th Philippine Human Rights Plan (PHRP4). This framework reinforces the state's commitment to embedding human rights-based standards into trade practices, investment policies, and corporate responsibility.

When government, employers, and workers come together in open dialogue, we build a future where economic progress empowers communities and safeguards worker dignity.

📸 Swipe through the photos to see highlights from the dialogue!

18/08/2026

🕊️ UPHOLDING HUMAN DIGNITY IN TIMES OF CONFLICT

From 12–14 August 2026, the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS) joined fellow member agencies of the Inter-Agency Committee on International Humanitarian Law (IAC-IHL) for the Joint IHL Capability Training at Novotel, Araneta City, Quezon City.

From a human rights perspective, strengthening our understanding of IHL is essential to safeguarding human dignity, protecting non-combatants, and ensuring fundamental rights are respected even during armed conflicts. Through collective capacity-building, state institutions reinforce their commitment to international legal standards, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Together, we continue to advance a culture of peace, accountability, and respect for human rights across all sectors. 🤝✨

06/08/2026

EVEN IN WAR, HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMAN DIGNITY MUST NEVER BE COLLATERAL DAMAGE. ✊⚖️

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is not just a set of legal rules or military protocols: it is a fundamental safeguard for humanity when conflict strikes. It exists to limit the suffering of war, protect civilians who take no part in hostilities, and enforce accountability where power is most abused.

When war breaks out, basic human rights face their greatest threat. IHL stands as the line between law and chaos, demanding that even in times of armed conflict, non-combatants, healthcare workers, children, and detainees are treated with inherent dignity and protected from atrocities.



Check out this short International Humanitarian Law info-mercial to learn more about how IHL protects human rights and upholds human dignity in times of conflict:
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03/08/2026

HUMAN RIGHTS DO NOT END AT THE SHORELINE. 🌊🛑

Seafarers are not collateral damage. They are not bargaining chips in geopolitical conflicts. They are fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters working under grueling conditions to keep global trade and supply chains alive. Yet, in maritime hotspots like the Strait of Hormuz, their fundamental right to life, safety, and security is constantly put on the line.

The Philippines, home to hundreds of thousands of global maritime workers, stands firmly behind the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in demanding immediate and concrete protection for seafarers. As enshrined in the landmark Manila Declaration, safe ocean transport isn't just about protecting cargo; it is about respecting human dignity and safeguarding innocent lives at sea.

International conflicts cannot be fought on the backs of defenseless workers. Freedom of navigation must go hand in hand with the unconditional protection of human rights.



Read the full DFA statement here: 👇

23/07/2026

ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH REGIONAL COOPERATION

The Office of the President – Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (OP-PHRCS) provided policy and technical support to the Philippine Representative and Chair of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) during the Special Meeting 1/2026 of the AICHR, held on 17–21 July 2026 in Manila, Philippines.

The meeting brought together the AICHR Representatives of the ASEAN Member States to advance regional cooperation on human rights, strengthen institutional coordination, and discuss initiatives that support the implementation of ASEAN's human rights commitments and the ASEAN Community Vision.

As the Secretariat supporting the Philippine Chair, the OP-PHRCS assisted in the preparation and coordination of the meeting, helping facilitate productive dialogue and collaboration among ASEAN partners. This reflects the Philippines' continuing commitment to constructive regional engagement and to promoting and protecting human rights through cooperation, dialogue, and consensus-building.

Human rights are strengthened when governments work together, share good practices, and pursue practical solutions that uphold human dignity while respecting the diverse legal, social, and cultural contexts of ASEAN Member States.



📄 Read the official AICHR Press Release:

Visit the post for more.

23/07/2026

HUMAN RIGHTS ARE NOT ONLY PROTECTED IN COURTS AND POLICIES, THEY CAN ALSO BE ADVANCED THROUGH RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS PRACTICES.

From the perspective of economic, social, and cultural rights, First Circle Philippines demonstrates how financial inclusion can help empower Filipino entrepreneurs and strengthen local communities.

By providing financing solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), First Circle helps businesses expand operations, sustain jobs, support workers’ livelihoods, and create opportunities for families and communities. Access to fair and transparent financing can contribute to the realization of the right to work, the right to an adequate standard of living, and the broader right to development.

The company’s support for thousands of Filipino SMEs and its initiatives related to sustainability and renewable energy financing also reflect the important role that the private sector can play in promoting inclusive economic growth and community resilience.

A human rights-based approach recognizes that businesses have the responsibility to respect human rights while contributing positively to society. Encouraging examples of financial inclusion and responsible entrepreneurship deserve recognition as part of the broader effort to build a more inclusive, dignified, and opportunity-rich Philippines.

When entrepreneurs thrive, workers gain opportunities, families gain stability, and communities gain hope.

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