RECOMMENDATIONS TO FURTHER MAINSTREAM UNGPs IN THE PHILIPPINES
The CHR has acknowledged that much is needed
to fully adopt the UNGPs on BHR in the Philippines.
The many existing and overlapping laws related to
business and human rights have caused more chaos
than order. Thus, there is a need to undertake more
studies to make these laws complementary, using the
UNGPs as a synchronizing framework.
According to Atty. Jesus Torres of the CHR, the
Commission, alongside with other stakeholders,
should come together and develop a collaborative
platform to minimize the adversarial handling of
cases.7
Also, it is important to establish the indicators that will
be used in monitoring BHR to foster agreements and
understanding in observing these guidelines.
Along this direction, the following activities are
recommended:
n Convene
a multi-stakeholder consultation upon
the development of the National Action Plan on
the UN Guiding Principles on BHR;
n Engage business sector in constructive dialogues
on BHR, and document and disseminate good
practices;
n Conduct
workshops among stakeholders,
particularly the vulnerable sectors to help them
know better their rights, the mechanisms, and
options they have in dealing with investors/
businesses; and,
n For the academe to help in conducting studies
that would strengthen and simplify the adoption
of UNGPs such as a) analyzing the gaps in existing
Philippine laws related to BHR; and b) linking
success of businesses to its observance of human
rights.
The implementation of the UNGPs in the Philippines
is important not only in rectifying business-related
human rights violations, but also in preventing
future injustices given the increasing investments in
agriculture. Complementary policy guidelines should
also be promoted such as the recognition of land right
as a human right.
On a more urgent note, there is need for immediate
response to the adverse impacts of mining and
corporate business operations in ancestral lands that
are affecting indigenous communities. n
Interview with Atty. Jesus Torres, Economic, Social, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) Center Chief, Commission on Human Rights.
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