CHR gets new chairman, Palpal-latoc to serve up to 2029

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday announced the appointment of lawyer Richard Palpal-latoc as the chairman of the body tasked to investigate all forms of human rights violations related to civil and political rights.

As chairperson, Palpal-latoc will take the helm of the 6th Commission en banc. 

“Marking its 35th year, Chairperson Palpal-latoc assured further strengthening CHR, particularly its mandates on human rights protection, promotion, policy, and prevention, to create a lasting legacy and meaningful impact in the lives of each and every Filipino,” the commission said in a statement.

“He signified a strong desire to expand the Commission’s work in the arena of economic, social, and cultural rights, alongside his core advocacies in upholding the rights of families, children, and women,” it said.

Palpal-latoc will serve a full seven-year term from 2022 to 2029. His appointment paper was signed by the President on September 15.

Prior to his designation, Palpal-latoc served as the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs under the Office of the President.

He also served under several government agencies including the  Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IV-A where he worked as a lawyer and under the Office of the Ombudsman where he served in various positions, particularly as a Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer.

In 2020, he was appointed as Assistant City Prosecutor at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City.

Apart from  Palpal-latoc, the CHR also announced the appointment of lawyer Beda Angeles Epres as its new commissioner earlier in the day. —NB, GMA News