Republic of the Philippines

Commission on Human Rights

Regional Office – IX
JMS Building, Vitaliano Agan Avenue, Zamboanga City
Tel. No. (062) 993-2869/993-0735

MEMORANDUM

FOR : Atty. Judelyn Macapili

Regional Director
Commission on Human Rights
Regional Office IX

Atty. Arbee A. Arquiza

Head, Legal Division
Commission on Human Rights
Regional Office IX

FROM : Atty. Bensaud O. Degusman

Focal Person for Mental Health

SUBJECT : SITUATIONER FOR MENTAL HEALTH

DATE : 30 June 2022

Ever since the release of our Policy Advisory for Mental Health in 2020, a
number of moves have been made in relation with Mental Health. While the City’s
mental health facilities have yet to improve and be consistent with what is required
by law, local governments have expressed their intentions in making mental health
accessible to its constituents.

CHR Procedure in Mental Health

The Commission is in the process of finalizing its Rules and Procedure in

handling mental health cases. The rules intend to streamline acceptance of cases
involving mental health and provide for financial assistance in appropriate cases.
Meeting of focal persons for mental health have been made since May and the
draft Rules have already been subject of review by the committee.

In the viber group for Mental Health focal persons suggestions have been
made in relation to the Rules. It is hoped that the rules would be issued, finalized
and take effect within the next quarter or semester.
Cases

In the meantime, the general consensus is that there are relatively few cases
in relation with Mental Health as compared to prior years. Nonetheless, those cases
directly have effect on mental health still cannot directly find recourse with the
Commission absent finalization of the Rules.

However, in a more indirect sense, cases involving economic abuse for

VAWC have been affected by the decision of Acharon vs. Court of Appeals which
seemingly required evidence as to the effect of economic abuse to mental health of
the victim. This is an aspect of mental health that is required to be addressed not
only by the Commission but other institutions.
Summary and Suggestions

At any rate, we are on pace to have rules of procedure that could help cases
wherein mental health is an issue. We hope that within the next months we could
have a more streamlined approach to the issues as soon as the rules are in place.

Gracias y Vaya con Dios,

ATTY. BENSAUD O. DEGUSMAN

Mental Health Focal Person