PH becomes first Asian country to ratify ILO Convention 190

The Philippines has become the first Asian country to ratify the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, which is seen to benefit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The country earned the distinction when it deposited the instrument of ratification with ILO Deputy Director-General Celeste Drake on February 20, 2024.

"By depositing the instrument of ratification, the Philippines becomes the 38th country in the world, and the first Asian country, to ratify Convention No. 190," the ILO said in a statement on Friday.

According to ILO, Convention 190 sets global standards to end workplace violence and harassment and foster a future of work grounded in dignity and respect.

“The ILO welcomes the ratification of Convention No. 190 by the Philippines. This ratification marks an important step to preventing and eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work," Drake said. 

"It is time to make workplaces free from violence and harassment a reality everywhere, promoting and realizing social justice for all."

During the ceremony held at the ILO headquarters in Geneva, Philippine Labor Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr. Convention 190 "breaks new ground in the boldness of its scope and ambition."

In a statement in November, Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac said the convention "is especially relevant for our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who may face various forms of violence and harassment in their workplaces abroad, such as physical, psychological, sexual, or economic harm."

According to ILO, Convention No. 190 is the first international labor standard to address violence and harassment in the world of work comprehensively. 

"The Convention affirms the fundamental right of individuals to a workplace free from violence and harassment. It introduces the first globally recognized definition of workplace violence and harassment, offering protection to all individuals in the workforce, including interns, apprentices, and those with employer duties or authority. This protection extends across various sectors, including public and private, formal and informal economies, and urban and rural areas," ILO said.

Under the convention, member-states are mandated to adopt, in consultation with representative employers' and workers' organizations, inclusive, gender-responsive strategies for preventing and eradicating workplace violence and harassment. 

"This approach includes prevention, protection, and enforcement measures, as well as remedies, guidance, training, and awareness-raising initiatives," ILO said. 

"Acknowledging the distinct roles of governments, employers, workers, and their organizations, the Convention emphasizes the importance of social dialogue and tripartism in implementing these measures at the national level," it added.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier endorsed the ratification of ILO Convention 190, which entered into force on June 25, 2021, to the Senate in his referral letter dated October 13, 2023.

The Senate on December 11, 2023 unanimously adopted a resolution concurring with the ratification of ILO Convention 190. —KBK, GMA Integrated News