Adopt laws vs child labor, gov't urged

Some 5,000 representatives of the Global March Against Child Labor 2000 picketed the Senate yesterday asking government to adopt the International Labor Organization Agreement 182 that calls for government to eliminate the worst forms of child labor.

The rallyists call for the ratification of Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 6785, both of which embody the principles of the ILO Convention Agreement.

The marchers were led by Presidential Adviser on Children's Affairs Jamby Madrigal, ILO director Richard Szal, Cecilia Debanda and Kailash Satyarthi of the Global March and ILO coordinator Alcestis Mangahas. They held a brief dialogue with Senate President Blas Ople seeking a firmer Senate commitment on the ratification of the measures.

"The government stands to benefit from the ratification of the necessary bills to implement ILO 182 because it is meant to rescue, re-educate and heal exploited children," said Madrigal.

The Philippines is a signatory to the convention, with the country's representative signing it June 17 last year.

Considered the "largest social movement ever for the benefit of children," the Global March Against Child Labor involves thousands of social organizations in over 100 countries working simultaneously for the eradication of child exploitation. Global March is also exploring alternative opportunities for all those affected by the practice.