Co-sponsorship Speech: Concurrence of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 (C190) in the Senate

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda delivers her co-sponsorship speech for the concurrence of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 (C190) in the Senate
December 5, 2023

Honorable colleagues, I rise before this esteemed chamber to express my support for the concurrence of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 (C190) in the Senate. I advocate for the endorsement of this significant international treaty as it holds unparalleled importance in advancing the protection of workers against violence and harassment in the workplace, inclusive of gender-based discrimination.

ILO C190 marks a pivotal milestone as the first international instrument to explicitly recognize the fundamental right of every individual to be free from violence and harassment in the world of work. This landmark Convention extends its protective mantle to all workers, irrespective of their employment status, thereby infusing the sphere of labor with comprehensive safeguards against gender-based violence and discrimination. By stipulating the implementation of awareness-raising initiatives aimed at combatting violence and harassment, C190 endeavors to foster work environments that are founded upon the principles of dignity and respect, thus ensuring the fundamental rights and well-being of the global workforce.

Furthermore, in parallel with the significance of ILO C190, I emphasize the complementary relevance of ILO Convention No. 189 (C189), which I sponsored in the 15th Congress, in our pursuit of labor equality and justice. C189 underscores the fundamental principle that domestic workers, akin to their counterparts in other labor sectors, are entitled to basic rights, including reasonable working hours, weekly rest periods, transparent dissemination of employment terms and conditions, and the freedom of association. This solidarity in the assertion of rights underscores our commitment to upholding the inherent dignity and well-being of all workers, irrespective of their occupational category.

Let us collectively affirm our commitment to championing the rights of workers by endorsing this landmark international treaty, thereby reinforcing our dedication to creating a world of work that is free from violence, harassment, and discrimination. In doing so, we ensure that every worker is accorded the respect, protection, and dignity they rightfully deserve.