The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the Philippines offers various services aimed at assisting citizens with their concerns, complaints, and grievances, among others.
Whether you need to file a complaint, seek legal advice, or obtain a clearance, this guide will help you navigate the processes smoothly.
CHR Services
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the Philippines provides various services to assist citizens in addressing their concerns, complaints, and legal needs.
1. Filing of Complaints
The CHR facilitates the submission of complaints related to human rights violations.
Citizens can file complaints by filling out the CHR Feedback Form.
The process includes discussing the complaint with a CHR officer, assessing the issues, and endorsing the complaint to the concerned office.
2. Issuance of Clearance
The CHR issues clearances for military and police officers, security sector personnel, government employees, and private citizens.
These clearances certify whether an individual has no record of human rights violations, has such a record, or has pending resolution of violations.
The process involves thorough data checks and verification of records.
3. Legal Advice and Counseling
The CHR provides free legal advice and counseling to individuals and organizations.
This service includes the preparation of pleadings, provision of simple legal advice, and issuance of endorsement letters if the client’s issue does not fall within the CHR’s mandate.
Legal advice can be accessed via email, phone, or in-person visits.
Step-by-Step Guide for Service Availment
1. Filing a Complaint
- Submit/ File Complaint
- Client Steps: Fill out and submit the CHR Feedback Form.
- Agency Action: The CHR officer will discuss the complaint with you and assess the issues/concerns indicated on the form.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 10 minutes
- Person Responsible: CHAD/PACD Officer
- Endorsement of Complaint
- Client Steps: Wait for the endorsement.
- Agency Action: The complaint will be endorsed to the concerned office.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 10 minutes
- Person Responsible: CHAD/PACD Officer
- Receive Feedback
- Client Steps: Receive feedback on your complaint.
- Agency Action: The concerned office will act on the complaint and provide feedback.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: As necessary
- Person Responsible: Concerned Office
2. Issuance of Clearance
For Central Office
Requirements
- Accomplished CHR Clearance Application Form (1 original)
- Passport-size ID Picture (2 pieces, original)
- Personal Data Sheet (1 original)
- Service Record (1 original/authenticated)
- Documentary Stamp (1 piece, PHP 25.00)
Steps
- Submit Application
- Client Steps: Submit the required documents to the Clearance Unit.
- Agency Action: Check for completeness.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 15 minutes (10 minutes if AFP)
- Person Responsible: Chief, ILSD
- Verification
- Client Steps: Wait for the verification process.
- Agency Action: Verify from case database, issue certification, and transmit to the concerned office if necessary.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 2 hours to 2 days depending on the case.
- Person Responsible: Chief, ILSD and other responsible officers
- Receive Clearance
- Client Steps: Receive the clearance or certification.
- Agency Action: Release the clearance/certification.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 5 minutes
- Person Responsible: Chief, ILSD
For Regional Offices
Requirements
- Accomplished CHR Clearance Application Form (1 original)
- Passport-size ID Picture (2 pieces, original)
- Personal Data Sheet (1 original)
- Service Record (1 original/authenticated)
- Documentary Stamp (1 piece, PHP 25.00)
Steps
- Submit Application
- Client Steps: Submit the required documents to the Records Section of the Regional Office.
- Agency Action: Check for completeness.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 15 minutes
- Person Responsible: Administrative Officer IV, Regional Office
- Verification and Certification
- Client Steps: Wait for the verification process and issuance of the certification.
- Agency Action: Verify from case records, issue certification of no pending case or pending case, and transmit documents as necessary.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 1 hour to 2 days depending on the case.
- Person Responsible: Administrative Officer IV, Regional Office; Chief, ILSD; Director, Office of the Commission Secretary
- Receive Clearance
- Client Steps: Receive the clearance or certification.
- Agency Action: Release the clearance/certification.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 5 minutes
- Person Responsible: Administrative Officer IV, Regional Office
3. Legal Advice and Counseling
Via Email
- Send Request
- Client Steps: Send an email to elawyering.ld.chrp@gmail.com to request legal advice.
- Agency Action: Assign a lawyer.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 5 minutes
- Person Responsible: Director, Protection Office or Director, Regional Office
- Discuss and Evaluate
- Client Steps: Provide details and documents regarding your concern.
- Agency Action: Discuss and evaluate the issue with you.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 1 day
- Person Responsible: Chief, External Legal Services Division or Chief, Legal and Investigation Division
- Receive Advice
- Client Steps: Receive legal advice or the schedule of an endorsement letter.
- Agency Action: Provide legal advice or prepare the endorsement letter.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 10 minutes
- Person Responsible: Director, Protection Office or Director, Regional Office
Via Phone
- Request Legal Advice
- Client Steps: Call the Legal Division at (02) 8296-0454 or send a text to (0961) 450 8590.
- Agency Action: Assign a lawyer.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 5 minutes
- Person Responsible: Director, Protection Office or Director, Regional Office
- Discuss and Evaluate
- Client Steps: Provide details and documents regarding your concern.
- Agency Action: Discuss and evaluate the issue with you.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 5 minutes
- Person Responsible: Chief, External Legal Services Division or Chief, Legal and Investigation Division
- Receive Advice
- Client Steps: Receive legal advice or the schedule of an endorsement letter.
- Agency Action: Provide legal advice or prepare the endorsement letter.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 10 minutes
- Person Responsible: Director, Protection Office or Director, Regional Office
Walk-In Clients
- Visit CHR Office
- Client Steps: Proceed to the Legal and Investigation Division at the CHR Office.
- Agency Action: Assign a lawyer.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 5 minutes
- Person Responsible: Director, Protection Office or Director, Regional Office
- Discuss and Evaluate
- Client Steps: Provide details and fill up the necessary forms.
- Agency Action: Discuss and evaluate the issue with you.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 5 minutes
- Person Responsible: Chief, External Legal Services Division or Chief, Legal and Investigation Division
- Receive Advice
- Client Steps: Receive legal advice or the endorsement letter.
- Agency Action: Provide legal advice or prepare the endorsement letter.
- Fees to be Paid: None
- Processing Time: 10 minutes
- Person Responsible: Director, Protection Office or Director, Regional Office
Contact Information
For assistance, you can reach the Citizens’ Help and Assistance Division through the following:
- Email: chad.pasco.chr@gmail.com
- Phone: (02) 8294-8704
- Smart: 0920 506 1194
- Globe: 0936 068 0982
Google Map Location
Conclusion
The CHR is committed to providing efficient and responsive services to the public.
Whether you need to file a complaint, seek legal advice, or obtain clearance, the processes are designed to be straightforward and accessible.
For any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact the CHR through the provided channels.