President Marcos appointed Atty. Beda Epres as the new CHR commissioner, in which the lawyer will now serve the country in terms of human rights until 2029 with his new position.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed a former prosecutor from the Ombudsman's office, Atty. Beda Epres as the new head of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) en banc.
Last September 15, Marcos signed the appointment papers of Epres, which CHR Executive Director Jacqueline de Guia received on September 21, Inquirer reported.
“[CHR] welcomes Atty. Beda Angeles Epres as a new commissioner under the 6th Commission en banc (CEB).
Commissioner Epres is the first of the five anticipated appointments of the new members of CHR Commission en banc, the highest decision and policy-making body of the Commission,” CHR said.
Epres will now serve a seven-year term, which was vacated with the expiration of the term of the former chairperson and and commissioners last May 5.
Epres’ Qualification
Epres graduated from the Far Eastern University (FEU) with a degree in political science. He also graduated from Arellano University’s School of Law in 1995 and passed the Bar that year.
“His career stands on a strong foundation and experience in investigation work. Prior to his appointment, he has long been a civil servant as part of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) since 1997,” CHR said.
Epres started as a Graft Investigator and prosecutor working at the OMB-Military and Other Law Enforcement Officers as he steadily climbed the ladder. In 2008, he also led the Monitoring Team of the OMB Field Investigation Office (FIO), and the following year, he became the head and team leader of the FIO's Intelligence Bureau.
CHR added that Epres’ last post at the OBM was as a Director IV of the General Investigation Bureau-A of FIO I.
“With the track record of Commissioner Epres, CHR welcomes his expertise and credibility in conducting independent probe which is crucial to human rights protection,” CHR said.
Aside from investigations, Epres would like to also advance the rights of older persons and children.
Marcos' appointment as a commissioner will also assist the CHR to preserve its Status "A" certification as a National Human Rights Institution (NGRI) after months of waiting.
“To be recognized globally, NHRIs must adhere to the Paris Principles of independence, pluralism, broad mandate, transparency, accessibility, and operational efficiency,” CHR said.
The appointment of a new CHR Commissioner, especially with one having such a high background, will help the CHR move forward as an independent human rights institution.
“CHR is optimistic that Commissioner Epres will continue to contribute [to] making the Commission a steadfast and formidable institution that caters to all people, especially the weak, vulnerable, and marginalized, and in responding to the present and emerging human rights challenges of our time,” it added.
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