Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat

PHRCS JOINS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON AGRICULTURAL LANDS AND FARMERS IN THE NAP-BHR

The Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS) took part in the Roundtable Discussion on the Inclusion of Agricultural Lands and Farmers in the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR) held on 23 September 2026 at the Sotogrande Neopolitan Hotel in Quezon City.

Representing the PHRCS, Atty. Gerald G. Bitonio shared an overview of how a NAP-BHR s is developed, including the conduct of a baseline assessment, consultations with stakeholders, identification of priority issues and actions, and the eventual implementation, monitoring and review of the Plan. Also representing the PHRCS at the roundtable was Mr. Abejo.

The RTD was also attended by farmers’ groups, representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, National Anti-Poverty Commission, and Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines. The RTD was organized by NAPC with the collaboration of ANGOC and KAISAHAN.

The roundtable provided an opportunity to discuss how the concerns of farmers, particularly those relating to agricultural land, participation, access to remedy, and the impacts of business activities, can be taken into account in the development of the Philippine NAP-BHR.

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TRANSFORMING COMMITMENTS INTO CONCRETE ACTION FOR RIGHTS-HOLDERS ACROSS OUR REGION! 🌏🤝

The Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS) participated in the 8th UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum (UN RBHRF) Asia-Pacific held in Bangkok, Thailand. Atty. Gerald Gascon Bitonio represented the PHRCS upon the designation of Usec. Georgina Hernandez-Yang, PHRCS Supervising Authority.

The UN RBHRF brought together governments, businesses, civil society, international organizations, workers and other stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to advancing responsible business conduct across the region. Discussions covered National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR), human rights due diligence, responsible supply chains, access to remedy, policy coherence and regional cooperation.

Atty. Bitonio served as a panelist in the 14 September session, “Strengthening Implementation and Institutionalization of Responsible Business Policies: Government Leadership, Peer Learning and Regional Cooperation.” He shared that work on the Philippines’ first NAP-BHR is now moving forward. He also recalled that the development of a NAP-BHR had been raised during the Philippines’ fourth-cycle Universal Periodic Review, with Japan recommending that the country develop a national action plan in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. While a sectoral approach had initially been considered for the Philippine NAP-BHR, he noted that there may be value in taking a closer look at the process, listening to partners and learning from countries that are further along. Thailand, for example, is already implementing its second NAP-BHR for 2023–2027. The experience reinforces an important point that a NAP does not have to be perfect from the outset. It should be able to learn from implementation, adjust where necessary and evolve as circumstances and needs change.

In the 15 September session “Driving Responsible Business: A Japan–ASEAN Dialogue for Competitive and Resilient Business", Atty. Bitonio also highlighted the importance of looking beyond regulation and considering how government can create the right incentives and enabling conditions for responsible business. He stressed that new due-diligence, traceability or reporting requirements should not simply transfer costs and responsibilities down the supply chain to smaller suppliers and MSMEs.

From the Philippine experience, he pointed to existing policy tools that illustrate how government can help create such an enabling environment. These include sustainable public procurement, where social considerations include fair labor practices, respect for human rights and support for MSMEs; Philippine Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, which incorporates minimum social safeguards and provides a simplified approach for MSMEs; and Philippine Green Jobs Act, which provides incentives to businesses generating and sustaining green jobs while defining these as decent jobs that respect workers’ rights and provide fair income and social protection.

He also cited the recent joint mechanism established by the Departments of Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry, and Finance to address imported goods that may be linked to forced labor as an example of the need for greater coherence across labor, trade and supply-chain policy.

For the PHRCS, the UN RBHRF not only provided an opportunity to present the current status of the Philippines’ NAP-BHR development but also to draw lessons from the experiences of governments, businesses, and regional partners on how responsible business policies can be designed and implemented in practice.

ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH SOUND SCIENCE AND EVIDENCE-BASED JUSTICE! ⚖️🔬

The Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS), as a member of the Technical Working Group (TWG) constituted under Administrative Order No. 29 (s. 2025) for the establishment of the National Forensics Institute (NFI), participated in the TWG meeting held on 17 September 2026.

The meeting presented the findings of the validation workshop conducted the previous day, together with updates from the University of the Philippines Manila and the Bureau of Corrections on matters relevant to the continuing work toward the establishment of the NFI.

As part of the next steps, the TWG is scheduled to hold a writeshop on 20 October 2026 to further refine the draft bill on the proposed Philippine National Forensics Act.

The PHRCS was represented by Atty. Gilbert V. Sembrano, Acting Executive Director, with support from Atty. Gerald Gascon Bitonio and Ms. Jenieveve B. Omamos.

STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS!

On September 8, 2026, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP) led by its Chair, Atty. Richard P Palpal-latoc, paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the President's supervising authority to the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS), Undersecretary Georgina Yang.

The meeting served as an opportunity to align their shared goals and foster closer coordination. Joining the discussion were the newly appointed Acting Head - Executive Director Gilbert V. Sembrano, and Deputy Executive Director Gerald Bitonio, of the PHRCS, who both expressed their commitment to bridging continuous, proactive collaborations.

Together, the PHRCS and CHRP remain dedicated to advancing a culture of human rights, justice, and dignity for every Filipino. 🇵🇭⚖️

In Photo 1, from left to right: CHR Commissioners Retired Justice Monina A. Zenarosa, Retired Judge Maria Amifaith S. Fider-Reyes, and Atty. Faydah Maniri Dumarpa; USec. Georgina H. Yang; CHR Chair Atty. Richard P. Palpal-Latoc; PHRCS Executive Director Atty. Gilbert V. Sembrano; and CHR Executive Director Atty. Jacqueline Ann De Guia.

In Photo 2, from left to right: CHR Director Atty. Gemma Parojinog; CHR Commissioners Retired Justice Monina A. Zenarosa, Retired Judge Maria Amifaith S. Fider-Reyes, and Atty. Faydah Maniri Dumarpa; USec. Georgina H. Yang; CHR Chair Atty. Richard P. Palpal-Latoc; PHRCS Executive Director Atty. Gilbert V. Sembrano; CHR Executive Director Atty. Jacqueline Ann De Guia; CHR Director Atty. Krissi Shaffina Twyla Rubin; and PHRCS Deputy Executive Director Atty. Gerald G. Bitonio.

The Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS) extends its warmest birthday greetings to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on the occasion of his birthday on 13 September.

We wish the President good health, strength, and wisdom as he continues to lead the country and to serve the Filipino people, guided by the shared aspirations of upholding human dignity and promoting the well-being of all.

Maligayang kaarawan, Mr. President. Mabuhay po kayo at and Republika ng Pilipinas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!