Philippines has ‘drastically regressed’ in protecting workers’ rights — CHR

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday said the country has “drastically regressed” in protecting workers after the Philippines was named as one of the worst countries in the world for workers. 

According to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Global Rights Index 2019 released in June, the Philippines received a rating of 5, which means there is “no guarantee of rights” for employed persons.

“The Philippines is once again rated as among the top 10 worst countries in the world for working people according to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Global Rights Index 2019,” CHR stressed in a statement.

“It is grievous that our country has drastically regressed in protecting the rights of workers. Considering that this has been the case for two years in a row, the government is expected to have taken urgent actions on this aspect,” it added. 

CHR reiterated that workers have the right to form and join trade unions and that members and leaders of these groups must be given protection. 

“In particular, trade union members and leaders who are in the frontline of claiming rights must be accorded due protection for they are most vulnerable for fighting for the welfare of their fellow workers,” it said. 

“Freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly, including the right to form and join trade unions are guaranteed rights,” it added. 

CHR noted that several attacks against workers happened in 2018 — some of which resulted in deaths. 

“The reprehensible escalation of violence, attacks, and intimidation against workers especially those who are members of union groups did not seemingly wane. In particular, the death of 9 striking sugar farmers last year reflects the grim situation of workers. This year, 14 farmers were killed in Negros Oriental after resisting police arrest,” CHR said. 

“The shrinking of democratic space in the country also exacerbates the cause of workers. Their grievances are tagged as political dissent. Hence, many union groups are subjected to suppression, threats, and harassment,” it also said.

CHR then called on the government to “address the grievances” of Filipino workers, and resolve injustices committed against their ranks.

“May the ITUC report jolt the government into action. Primarily, the injustices committed towards workers in the past years need to be expediently resolved. Proactive efforts must also be done to address the grievances of workers instead of repressing them,” CHR said. 

“There is always a peaceful and democratic way to resolve workers issues both on the part of the government, business, as well as workers, which is why it is essential to always create a safe and enabling space for dialogue,” it added. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)