Consultative Committee proposes protection for socio-economic rights in the Philippines' Constitution

The Consultative Committee (Con-Com) is proposing to include “Rights of the Poor” in the federal constitution. Retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who chairs the committee, said they want to expand the present bill of rights to include the right to education, health, and decent housing. The aim is to help alleviate poverty in the country. Government data shows more than 26 million Filipinos are living in extreme poverty. “We find these three socio-economic rights the most urgent rights on the part of the poorer sectors of our society,” said Puno. Under the proposed provision, the government will be obliged to ensure these rights are realized and protected.
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