A LEGISLATOR has lauded the “historic ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work,” making the Philippines the first Asian country to do so.
“On February 20, 2024, we deposited the instrument of ratification with ILO Deputy Director-General Celeste Drake, marking our nation as the 38th ‘State Party’ to ratify Convention No. 190. This underscores our commitment to promoting workplaces grounded in dignity and respect for all workers, particularly our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs),” said OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino.
ILO C190 sets crucial global standards to end workplace violence and harassment in public and private organizations, in urban and rural areas, and in the formal and informal economy. This is a significant step towards creating safer and more inclusive work environments, locally and, especially, for the Philippines workers abroad.
In 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. submitted ILO C190 to Congress for its concurrence. His push for this policy action further underscores this administration’s thrust in promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of OFWs as our migrant workers continue to endure harassment, discrimination, and abuses in their host countries.
“We hope that the Parties’ commitment to the Convention will translate to concrete and positive actions in their respective jurisdictions to uplift the workingmen’s lot, particularly of the migrant workers around the world,” Magsino stated.
“We also hope that our government will seriously review if the host countries where we deploy our OFWs likewise value safe and inclusive workplaces through their countries’ support of global labor standards and if they solemnly abide by it,” she added.