Gatchalian urges CHR to seek DSWD funds for victims' aid

Senator Win Gatchalian on Thursday urged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure continued financial assistance to victims of human rights violations, amid a limited budget allocation for the agency.

During the CHR’s 2026 budget hearing, Gatchalian suggested that the commission utilize DSWD’s social services funds to help cover the growing demand for financial aid.

“I encourage you to tap into the funds of the DSWD. Their social services program is quite flexible. I suggest that you coordinate with them,” Gatchalian told CHR officials.

The CHR was allotted only P16 million in the proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) for its financial assistance program, far below the P51 million it had originally requested.

CHR officials said the number of financial assistance requests has increased, following the agency’s strengthened coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Justice’s Board of Claims. 

These efforts aim to better facilitate support for victims of human rights violations.

Recent budget deliberations have emphasized the centralization of financial aid under the DSWD for improved monitoring and operational efficiency.

“I agree with this move because it’s hard to monitor; one beneficiary might just go to several agencies,” Gatchalian said, supporting the streamlining effort.