Asean endorses Sto. Tomas as ILC president

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has unanimously agreed to endorse Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas as its candidate for the presidency of the 89th International Labor Conference (ILC) in Geneva in June.

In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur Jose Brillantes said the ASEAN labor ministers also sought the support of the region’s dialogue partners Japan, China and South Korea for Sto. Tomas’ candidacy.

The ILC will bring together all labor ministers of all International Labor Organization (ILO) member-countries, including representatives of workers and employers.

The prospects are bright for Sto. Tomas’ bid as it is Asia’s turn to assume the ILC presidency this year. Significantly, no other candidacies from Asia or other regions have so far been put forward, the report said.

The ASEAN made the decision during the recent 15th ASEAN Labor Ministers meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which was attended by all 10 labor ministers of the ASEAN member-countries. — Aurea Calica