what makes man/woman you denies man’s (or woman’s) humanity.” • Mr. Balansag explained that the state has the primary obligation to protect the human rights of its citizens. This is articulated in Article 2, Section 11 of the Philippine Constitutions: “…the state values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights”. Given so, the state enforces laws to protect the rights of its citizens. Human rights and laws go hand-in-hand. • The mandate of CHR is to serve as a watchdog of the government and protector of marginalized sector. As a watchdog, it is tasked to investigate on its own, or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights. As articulated in RA 970, CHR also serves as Gender Ombud and is tasked further to investigate violation of anti-trafficking law, investigate and render legal assistance of violation on the rights against torture, and investigate violation of VAWC law and monitor its implementation. • In closing, Mr. Balansag emphasized that the CHR is not anti-government. V. Open Forum | 11:46 AM – 12:10 NN At 11:45 AM, Mr. Balansag’s presentation on Human Rights and CHR mandate concluded. This was then followed by a brief plenary discussion where the CHR team answers the questions raised by the participants. Below are the important points raised during the open forum: • One of the participants asked if it is possible for anyone to file a case against someone who violated the VAWC law. Mr. Balansag explained that the violation of the VAWC law is considered a criminal offense. Anyone can file a case/complaint against the perpetrator. • One participant shared her experience. She mentioned that her husband imposes a curfew on her. One time she was not allowed to enter their home because she got home minutes late from the 6 PM curfew. She wanted to know if this is a violation of the VAWC law and if she can take legal recourse. Atty. Juyo affirmed that what she experienced is emotional abuse and she may file a complaint against her husband if she wants to. At 12:10 in the afternoon, the open forum was closed, and the participants took their lunch. Mr. Peter Niel Arendain led the prayer before meal. 17