OFWs to enjoy better protection after Senate ratified ILO C190

MANILA, Philippines — Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) are expected to enjoy better protection after the Senate on Monday ratified the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work or C190.

“For overseas Filipino workers who often face vulnerability to exploitation, discrimination and abuse while working abroad, ILO C190 holds particular significance,” said Department of Migrant Workers officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac.

He added that the Philippines, as a leading nation in labor export, can leverage ILO C190 to provide OFWs with enhanced protection.

The convention aligns seamlessly with the Labor Code of the Philippines, the Migrant Workers Act, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, the Anti-Women Discrimination Act, the Magna Carta of Women and other social legislation.

ILO C190 took effect in June 2021 and has been ratified by 36 countries to date. Last Monday, the Senate voted unanimously for the ratification of the ILO Convention.

President Marcos earlier endorsed the ratification of ILO C190 on Oct. 13. Under the 1987 Constitution, treaties and international agreements shall be valid and effective after the concurrence of at least two-thirds of all members of the Senate. – Elizabeth Marcelo