CHR asks for more budget for new laws

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Monday asked the House of Representatives for additional P34 million in their proposed budget for the implementation of new laws.

During the budget briefing in the House of Representatives on Monday, CHR Chair Loretta Rosales said the additional budget is for the following new laws:

CHR head Etta Rosales INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

Anti-Torture Act – P10 million
Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act – P4.7 million
Magna Carta of Women Act – P5.1 million
International Humanitarian Law – P5.25 million
Anti-Enforced Disappearance Act – P3 million
Anti-Trafficking Law – P3 million
Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act – P3 million

In the presentation, Rosales said these new laws were not implemented “due to lack of government budget support.”

“New laws have been passed but did not provide for additional human rights resources. Kailangan talaga namin yan dahil maraming bagong batas (We need those funds badly because there are new laws),” Rosales told lawmakers.

Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez told Rosales that he would move for the realignment of the needed funds for new laws.

The commission has also asked Congress to redefine savings so it could use its unspent funds for the new programs.

Without the additional funds, the CHR in the National Expenditure Program has asked for P341.45 million (including Retirement and Life Insurance Premium), or down from its 2014 budget at P347.8 million.

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