CHR bares appointment of Beda Epres as commissioner

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday announced the appointment of lawyer Beda Angeles Epres as new commissioner under the 6th Commission en banc.

In a press release, the CHR welcomed Epres' appointment, saying that Epres is the first out of the five anticipated designations of new members of the agency's en banc.

"With the track record of Commissioner Epres, CHR welcomes his expertise and credibility in conducting independent probe which is crucial to human rights protection," the CHR said.

"Aside from focusing on investigations, which touches on CHR's protection mandate, Commissioner Epres would also like to advance the rights of older persons and children," the CHR added.

The Palace has also confirmed Epres' appointment.

According to the CHR, the appointment letter, dated September 15, 2022, was signed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and was transmitted to the CHR on September 21, 2022.

Epres is set to serve a seven-year term, which is from 2022 until 2029.

The CHR is optimistic that Epres would continue to contribute "in making the Commission a steadfast and formidable institution that caters to all people, especially the weak, vulnerable, and marginalised, and in responding to the present and emerging human rights challenges of our time." —KG, GMA News