Amicus Curiae Brief presented by ClientEarth 21 November 2016 Constitution vests the Commission with a primarily investigative function, granting it specific powers to make recommendations to Congress in relation to the effective protection of human rights in the Philippines. Section 18 of Article 13 of the Constitution provides that the Commission shall have the following powers and functions: a. "Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights; b. Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and cite for contempt for violations thereof in accordance with the Rules of Court; c. Provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad, and provide for preventive measures and legal aid services to the underprivileged whose human rights have been violated or need protection; d. Exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities; e. Establish a continuing program of research, education, and information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights; f. Recommend to the Congress effective measures to promote human rights and to provide for compensation to victims of violations of human rights, or their families; 10