THE  city of Muntinlupa has taken another important step in establishing itself as a premier city in terms of livability and quality of life–this time, in the area of safeguarding basic human rights.

The local Sangguniang Panlungsod recently approved Ordinance No. 2024-225 providing for the establishment of the Muntinlupa City Human Rights Action Center (MCHRAC) to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights within the city’s jurisdiction.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon lauded the passing of Ordinance 2024-225 as an important step in ensuring the rights of Muntinlupeños as well as visitors and transients, especially in specific situations.

The measure was created in response to a joint memorandum circular of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) calling for a streamlined and strengthened human rights strategy and rule of law approach.

The MCHRAC, together with its implementing Human Rights Action Team (HRAcT), is mandated to increase awareness and ensure observance of human rights, as well as the implementation of the rule of law and adequate access to justice. It operates under the supervision of the Office of the Mayor.

Section 50 (b)(1) of the Local Government Code provides for the establishment of the Human Rights Committee as one of the standing committees of the Sangguniang Panlungsod in order to create policies that protect and promote human rights.

In 2014, the city took this a step further by establishing the Barangay Human Rights Action Center (BHRAC) under Ordinance 2014-048 to promote human rights at the community level as well as investigate possible violations.

As such, Ordinance 2024-225 is further expected to strengthen the already existing BHRAC by consolidating a human rights strategy at the city level through the creation and implementation of the MCHRAC.