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MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Thursday expressed support for a bigger budget for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) slashed the agency’s proposed budget for 2023.
The DBM proposed to cut the CHR’s budget by P118,326,000 in the National Expenditures Program for 2023, compared to the agency’s 2022 budget of 964,703,00. The CHR has appealed to Congress for reconsideration.
READ: Reconsider budget cut, CHR appeals to Congress
“Madame Chair, I would like to manifest my support. Full support, to increase the budget of the CHR for 2023. Increase, hindi pa nga ibalik sa dati, kung hindi i-increase. Kung hindi man i-match sa 2022 budget, at least increase po natin ito,” said Gabriela partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas during the House Committee on Appropriations budget hearing.
Brosas stressed the importance of supporting the CHR, especially for its operating expenses.
Other lawmakers who echoed Brosas’ sentiment were Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, AKO Bikol Partylist Rep. Raul Bongalon, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman (1st District, Albay), Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel and ACT Partylist Rep. France Castro.
“While the entire budget of our country was increased by 5%, from five trillion to five point two six eight trillion, we see the Commission on Human Rights being decreased. That is why, I am going to therefore move for the approval of your budget, following Congresswoman Brosas’ statement… I move to increase the budget of the CHR by at least 200 million,” said Rodriguez.
Castro praised the current performance of the CHR as well, despite its small budget in 2022. She vowed to push for restoring its initially proposed budget in the proper time.
“Never shall we compromise on human rights because that will define us as a people. [On the other hand,] our authorities should always respect human rights,” said Rodriguez.
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