By Gabriela Baron
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. named lawyer Beda Epres as new Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Commissioner under the 6th Commission en banc (CEB).
Marcos signed Epres’ appointment letter on Sept. 15 and was transmitted to CHR on Sept. 21.
Epres is set to serve a seven-year term–from 2022 until 2029.
Epres, 51, is an alumnus of the Far Eastern University and Arellano University of Law. He was admitted to the Bar in 1995.
Prior to his appointment, he has been a part of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) since 1997.
He started as Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer I working at the OMB-Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices.
In 2008, Epres headed the Monitoring Team of the OMB Field Office (FIO), then became head and team leader of the FIO’s Intelligence Bureau the following year.
He assumed the position of acting director of the OMB Intelligence Bureau-FIO II in 2010 and was finally appointed as director of the same office in 2011 and eventually moved to the Office of the Special Prosecutor and remained in the said office until 2016.
Epres’ last position was Director IV of the General Investigation Bureau-A of FIO I at OMB.
CHR welcomes Epres’ appointment
The CHR welcomed on Tuesday, Sept. 27, the appointment of Epres, lauding his “expertise and credibility” in conducting an independent probe.
“Aside from focusing on investigations, which touches on CHR’s protection mandate, Commissioner Epres would also like to advance the rights of older persons and children,” CHR said.
“CHR is optimistic that Commissioner Epres will continue to contribute in 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.” – ag
