MANILA–Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman has expressed her gratitude to the leadership and members of the Senate and the House of Representatives for the ratification of the P5.768 trillion General Appropriations Bill for 2024.

Pangandaman  is confident that the ratified 2024 General Appropriations Bill will help the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., accomplish its 2022-2028 Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) and 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda. “The swift ratification of our proposed 2024 budget is a testament to the commitment and strong support of our esteemed lawmakers to ensure the enactment of the 2024 national budget on time. We are grateful to the leadership and members of both the Senate and House of Representatives for this development as this will continue to boost our efforts in achieving our development agenda,” she said.

The DBM Secretary highlighted the key MTFF targets that guided the legislative agenda: 6.5% to 7.5% real gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2022; 6.5 to 8% real GDP growth annually between 2023 to 2028; 9% (i.e., single-digit) poverty rate by 2028; at least $4,256 income per capita attainment of upper-middle-income status, among others.

Meanwhile, the 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda has focused on food security, improved transport, affordable and clean energy, healthcare, social services, education, bureaucratic efficiency, and robust fiscal management. The 2024 GAB allocates the largest budget share to the Social Services sector, which encompasses health, education, culture, manpower development, as well as social security, welfare, and employment among other key areas.

 Adhering to the provisions in the 1987 Constitution, the budget for education continues to be given utmost prioritization. It represents 21.7 percent of the country’s GDP, and reflects an increase of 9.5 percent compared to the Fiscal Year 2023 national budget.

The Secretary likewise highlighted the huge chunk of budget allocated for infrastructure spending, which is targeted to remain at 5.0 to 6.0 percent of GDP over the medium term. “Aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we shall continue to support and sustain the momentum of the Build-Better-More Program with a proposed allocation of P1.42 trillion, higher by 6.6 percent compared to this year,” the budget chief emphasized.

Following the ratification of the budget, the bill is scheduled for registration, printing, and subsequent transmission to the Office of the President.

CITY OF MALOLOS-Philippine Daily Inquirer Correspondent and NEWS CORE Bulacan publisher and editor-in-chief (EIC) Carmela Bautista Reyes-Estrope was awarded Outstanding Alumni of Centro Escolar University (CEU) Malolos during its 45th Founding Anniversary celebration and Grand Alumni Homecoming held at its Centrodome in this city on Saturday, Dec. 9. 
Estrope bags the recognition for Professional Achievements. 
Estrope has been in the journalism profession for 30 years now. She graduated at CEU-Malolos with AB Journalism in 1990. 
She has been with the Inquirer for 25 ywars now and publisher/EIC of News Core since its establishment in 2006. 
Estrope took up masters units in History and Journalism in UP Diliman in 1993-1995 and also took up law at San Sebastian College of Law in 1996-1997. 
During her early years in the media, she also wrote for Manila Standard and Philippine Tribune and was assigned in Metro Manila. 
She also had taught journalism in Bulacan State University from 2010-2012 includinh English and journalsim subjects in Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School. 
Estrope has attended more than a hundred seminars on different fields in journalism and had been awarded with Gawad Plaridel several times by the Provincial Government of Bulacan including other distinguished awards. 
On Nov. 13, she received the 16th Brightleaf Agriculture Journalism Awards in Makati City. 
She is also a member of various media groups in the country and had also served as its presidents. She was elected Bulacan President in 2015 and served for two years until 2017. 
She is the immediate past president of the Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA) where she 

was awarded with Outstanding Leadership Recognition during its 45th foundation anniversary celebration in Subic Bay Freeport on Sept. 22.

She is the founding president and chairperson of the newly created Central Luzon Media-Citizen Council which aims to help media members facing complaints of libel by aggrieved news sources and also to remind her rank in the region of the needed accountability and responsibility in the profession to maintain a good and harmonious relationship with their news sources.

BONGABON, Nueva Ecija— Officers and members of the Central Luzon Media-Citizen Council (CLMCC) raised concerns on the re-strengthening of community papers in the region and the re-empowering of the traditional media over ”social media news reporting” during its Organizational Workshop held on Saturday, Dec. 9 in this town. 
Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Central Luzon Governor Maria Imelda Quiambao-Tuazon with Pampanga IBP President Alejandro Buan, former IBP Pampanga President Gener Endona and former Philippine Daily Inquirer Correspondent, Atty. Jo Clemente of Tarlac IBP assured Carmela Reyes-Estrope, 

president of the CLMCC and Correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and publisher editor-in-chief of NEWS CORE Bulacan in addressing the re-strenthening of community newspapers in the region particularly in the re-accreditation before the regional trial courts. 
Estrope had earlier experienced court re-accreditation concerns and problems together with other Bulacan local weeklies. One single fellow publisher opposed all their re-accreditation and were favored by the court to the detriment of all the local newspapers in favor of the single oppositor. 
The newspapers opposed have already successfully operated earlier after they were approved by the court and were only seeking re-accreditation. 
Quiambao said the matter can be brought up with the Office of the Court Administratof of the Supreme Court. 
Philippine Press Institute (PPI) Executive Director Ariel Sebellino also assured publishers of community papers in the region with the same dilemmas of his support in raising the concern to the proper high authority. 
Vic Vizcocho Jr., vice president of CLMCC and president of Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA) wants a regulation among “social media news reporting”. He said anybody could just make a social media page and post incident reports or events in news writing forms and claim themselves as “journalists” and or as a legitimate “news company” when unlike the genuine reporters or media companies whose business names are registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), secured and paid business permits and taxes with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and loacal government units, they do not have any obligation to the government and have no real identity of their own except the page name in the social media. 
Vizchoco added that worse, they are not real and actual reporters and journalists. 
Other than members of the IBP, the CLMCC is also composed of representatives from the academe, semi-media, religious, business group, agriculture or the farmer’s group, Indegenous People (IP) and the student or the youth. 
The following are the officers and members of the CLMCC: 

Estrope and Vizcocho as president and vice president respectively. Rogie Pangilinan, a reproter from Pampanga as secretary, Jason de Asis from TV in Aurora and Philippine News Agency (PNA) as treasurer, Dyan Grace Crespo of Bulacan State University from the acaemde and semi-media and Erick Silverio of Manila Tomez as auditors and Aileen Sanchez of Radyo Bandera in Zambales as PRO. 

The Baord of Trustees are Chairman Atty Jo Clemente, Vice Chair Atty. Maria Imelda Quiambao-Tuazon, Secretary Atty. Gener Endona and Atty. Alejandro Buan, Atty.  Angelo Lopez, Nenita L. Carlos, Melicia DC Ciriaco, Mark Anthony Miranda

 and Ronilo Gines. 

The following are the committees and their respective chairman: Grievance and Review Committe, Atty. Maria Imelda Quiambao-Tuazon, Atty. Aljandro Buan, Atty. Gener Endona, Atty. Jo Clemente and Atty. Angelo Lopez III. 

For the Membership Committee, Carmela Reyes- Estrope, Melicia DC Ciriaco and Fr. Arvin Ray Jimenez. 

For the Ways and Means Committee, Benjanin Antonio III, president of Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Nenita Carlos, Chairman of the Council of Leaders of the CLMA, Ronilo Gines from the agriculture sevtor and Lilibeth Alcaraz of Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). 

For the Social Media Engagement Commitee, Aileen Sanchez and Mark Miranda, from Wesleyan University in Nueva Ecija and President of CLMA Nueva Ecija and Clarence May de Guzman, a journalism student from Bulacan State University.  

For the Election Committee, Atty. Alejandro Buan and Atty. Angelo Lopez III and Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Councilor Edwin Abuque of Porac, Pampanga. 

The PPI through Sebellino and its complete training team in partnership with the International Media Support (IMS) group under its head in the Philippines Che delos Reyes are intensifying the establishments of the Media-Councils in the country both for the protection and accountability of the media members and maintaining their harmonious and good relationship with their sources from the community sectors through responsible journalism. 

DASMARINAS, CAVITE – Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives seized P2-million worth of shabu from three arrested woman peddlers in a buy-bust operation in a mall parking area in this town on Monday, Dec. 11.

PDEA Pampanga Provincial Officer identified the suspects as Catalina Pura, 55; Mayolita Balasabas, 55 and Michelle Villanueva, 26, all from Phase 1, Pabahay Bagtas, Tanza Cavite.

They were arrested in a buy-bust operation at around 5:15 pm inside a mall parking area in Barangay Burol 1.

Recovered from them were 3 pieces of knot-tied transparent plastic containing more or less 300 grams of shabu amounting to P2,040,000.00; one unit cellphone; and the marked money used by the undercover agent.

The operation was jointly conducted by agents of PDEA Pampanga Provincial Office, PDEA Cavite Provincial Office and PDEA RO III RSET.

Arrested suspects are temporarily detained at PDEA RO III Jail Facility in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. 

A charge for violation of section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) in relation to section 26B (conspiracy to sell), will be filed against the arrested suspects.

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The Olivete Farmers Association, organized by the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army, received a rice-harvesting machine worth Php1.8 million from the Department of Agriculture (DA) on December 7 in a simple ceremony held at covered court, PhilMec, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija. 

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. Led the turnover/awarding of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment to Marcos Flores, President of Olivete Farmers Association, together with 1st Lieutenant Jevie J. Sagragao, Executive Officer of Alpha Company, 91IB. 

Said activity was in line with the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization program of the DA. 

Lieutenant Colonel Julito B. Recto Jr., Commanding Officer of 91IB, said that with the agricultural machinery the association received, the rice farmers in Barangay Olivete in Bongabon will no longer worry about harvest losses due to the delays in harvesting their crop because of mechanization. 

“This will also reduce their harvesting costs and will increase their income. This would also address the labor shortage during harvest season, generate more income, and generate more savings from harvesting costs for the members,” Lt. Col. Recto Jr. said.

Agriculture Secretary Laurel said that Nueva Ecija is considered the leading rice-growing province of the country; thus, it is often referred to as the ‘Rice Granary of the Philippines.’  

“I am happy to be with the Nueva Ecija farmers who always give us food, the country’s top producer of palay in our country. With that our government are doing its best to help our farmers to attain high yields. Hindi po matatawaran ang inyong pagsusumikap kung kaya hindi rin kayo nahuhuli pagdating sa pagpapala ng ating gobyerno,” Laurel said.

Meanwhile, Flores expressed his gratitude to the Army, DA, Local Government Units of Nueva Ecija, PHILMECH, and among others for the blessing they received.

“Our gratitude to 91IB for always taking care of us towards the realization of this farm equipment,” Flores said.

Also present during the turnover are other farmer’s associations and cooperatives that also receive the RCEF Mechanization Program.

A sustainability think-tank’s new report forecasts that up to 387 vessel calls will be added annually to shipping traffic in Verde Island Passage (VIP) if all existing and proposed fossil gas plants in Batangas are to come online, raising alarm bells on the potential impacts it poses to what is dubbed as the “Amazon of the oceans.”

The Center of Energy, Ecology, and Development report scopes the potential shipping impacts to the VIP as it is now the epicenter of the fossil gas buildout in the country with eight gas-fired power plants, one commissioned LNG terminal, and eight more LNG terminals being proposed in Batangas.

“The VIP has long been under shipping pressure because of its strategic position in local and international ports. But the Philippine government’s push for gas and its vision of being an LNG Trading and Transshipment Hub of Asia-Pacific has swung open the floodgates for massive plans for gas and LNG in one of the most biodiverse underwater gems in the world. One cannot be alarmed at the VIP potentially buckling under the immense weight of fossil fuel activities on its waters,” said Gerry Arances, Executive Director of CEED.

As of 2022, a total of 76,226 vessel calls were recorded between Batangas, Mindoro, and Marinduque annually. Findings show that the number of vessel calls will increase further due to the forecasted increase of LNG tanker traffic that will deliver the projected LNG demand. Considering only the existing gas plants, up to 85 LNG tankers could be potentially added to annual figures.

By 2024, if the Batangas EERI Combined Cycle Power Plant U1, 2, 3, and 4 comes online as scheduled, up to 128 LNG tankers could be potentially added to annual figures. This figure could grow to 166 by 2027 if VIRES LNG-Fired Power Plant Barge and the ACEN-led BCE Natural Gas-Fired Power Plant come online as scheduled.

“The projections are gloomy: the center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity in the world will be turned into a conduit of dirty energy. Increased shipping traffic is only a glimpse of the threats from the LNG boom – it is also necessary that we look into the destructive activities attributed to this industry. The VIP and resident coastal communities will suffer from a plethora of potential impacts from pre-construction, construction, and operational phases of the massive gas boom,” said Father Edu Gariguez, Lead Convenor of Protect VIP, a coalition advocating for the protection of the Verde Island Passage.

The strategic position of Verde Island Passage connecting the South China Sea with Tayabas Bay and Sibuyan Sea places its importance on the shipping industry. Gariguez explained that they do not explicitly oppose VIP as a vital shipping route for transportation and trade of goods and resources, rather, emphasize the importance of balancing maritime activities to safeguard marine habitats and resources.

“The Philippines is blessed that we have rich marine resources, such as the VIP. We recognize the need for transportation services provided by the VIP as a vital shipping route. However, there should be a balance in using its waters for maritime activities and protecting its marine biodiversity. Our local and national government should have a thorough review of its shipping routes and ensure that ecologically valuable areas at the VIP should be avoided for maritime industries and no-go zones for LNG developments. Mega-diverse marine areas like the VIP should be under strict monitoring and protection, which is why we are also urging the government to expedite the declaration of VIP as a protected seascape under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area System (ENIPAS) act,” added Gariguez.

According to the study by Climate Analytics, the Philippines must urgently phase out coal-fired power by 2035, and gas-fired generation by 2040 to be able to keep up with the 1.5˚C compatible emissions pathway.

“Although the fight for Verde Island Passage is a fight for global marine diversity, we are not merely advocating for the abolition of fossil fuels just for the sake of VIP alone, but for the bigger picture of our climate crisis. Fossil fuels have already been proven to be detrimental to our climate. The rapid development of fossil gas is hindering the pathway to achieving our 1.5˚C climate objectives. As we call on the Philippine government to safeguard the VIP by discontinuing fossil fuel operations, we also urge major financiers of fossil fuels in the country and across Southeast Asia to cease contributing to our worsening climate crisis and divest their funding from fossil gas,” concluded Arances.

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred governments worldwide to respond with containment policies, with the Philippines having one of the longest and most stringent COVID-19 policies in the world. How effective were these policies in containing the pandemic and providing social and economic support to citizens? This is the question UP Diliman College of Science’s Science, Technology and Society (UPD-CS STS) researchers ventured to answer.

A novel, multidisciplinary approach

STS scientists and faculty members Prof. Benjamin Vallejo Jr, Dr. Rodrigo Angelo Ong and Asst. Prof. Ranjit Singh Rye found a new interdisciplinary approach to the problem: “We just adopted statistical methods commonly used in marine behavioral ecology. After all, government policy response is a set of behaviors that can be standardized and compared with each other. The most significant behavioral responses can be statistically modeled,” Vallejo said.

“Furthermore, a multidisciplinary perspective allows for a better contextualization of how effective the policies are,” he added.

Using standardized policy response measures collated by the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker project (OxCGRT), they assessed the effectiveness of the Philippine response from 2020 to 2022. The OxCGRT includes daily policy response and implementation data from 180 World Health Organization (WHO)-member states,  from 1 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2022.

The STS scientists were able to determine that stringent pandemic policies—including lockdowns, quarantines, stay-at-home ordinances, and travel restrictions—were effective in containing the pandemic within the first 60 days. These are all dependent on law enforcement and a securitized approach. 

Effectivity of lockdowns and vaccinations

Complete lockdowns negatively affected the economy, so there was a gradual and phased relaxing of policies beginning in May 2020. It was during the relaxing of lockdowns with limited mobility starting with essential personnel that the shortcomings of the government’s response became apparent. With lockdowns being phased out, contact tracing and testing became more necessary to immediately contain clusters of infections. The government was least effective in these efforts.

The policy analysis also revealed that the government’s vaccination rollout and prioritization, although with logistical difficulties at the start, was effective in reducing infections in the health workers sector and thus ensuring the delivery of health services The health workers received the vaccine in a shorter timeframe than the rest of the population beginning March 2021. Overall, it can be said that vaccination caused a more positive outcome in the pandemic. 

It was also found that the continuation of travel health checks—such as requiring proof of vaccination, COVID-19 rtPCR tests, and, later, antigen tests—had a low odds ratio to the rate of COVID-19 case increase. This simply means that these requirements lessened the risk of spread of infections across provincial and international borders.

Mask wearing and social distancing

Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as mask-wearing and social distancing, while significantly effective at the local level, were not significantly effective at the national level. The reason is likely related to the differing levels of citizen compliance in communities. Implementation was with the local governments and reflects on political and governance realities. Politicians who implement restrictions without their constituents being consulted and convinced of the necessity of restrictions are likely to lose votes in the next election. In a democracy, citizen engagement with governments remains essential in responding to a crisis such as a pandemic while protecting civil rights according to law. Citizen participation is a central idea in STS in government.

The key role of STS in policy analysis

The UP STS scientists’ work demonstrates that STS approaches to science-informed policy analysis can objectively assess the strengths and weaknesses of government policy. The scientists hope that their study will make policy and governance more effective especially in crises.

Prof. Vallejo is a marine biologist with the UPD-CS Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology; Dr. Ong, a physician, is a professorial lecturer with the Science and Society Program; and Asst. Prof. Rye is with the Department of Political Science of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, UP Diliman. Prof. Vallejo and Dr. Ong also trained under the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA) in Malaysia on science advice and policy analysis.

Reference:
Vallejo B, Ong RAC , Rye, RS (2023) An Assessment of the Philippines government’s Response to the COVID-19 pandemic based on policy response indices. SciEngg 16 (2) 426-436

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, co-sponsor of Proposed Senate Resolution No. 877, hailed the adoption of the concurrence of the Senate to the ratification of International Labor Organization Convention No. 190 (ILO C190) as a new era for advancing workers’ rights and welfare.    

ILO C190 or the “Convention Concerning the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work” provides a global framework to address violence and harassment among workers, including gender-based violence.    

“As early as February this year, we filed a resolution urging the Executive Department to ratify ILO C190, and we are grateful that the President acted immediately and endorsed the convention for immediate concurrence of the Senate,” Villanueva said.     

“Harmonizing our local legislation with our obligations under ILO C190 is a step towards realizing the world we envision — a world where everyone can contribute and thrive without the fear of violence or harassment; a world where dignity reigns supreme,” Villanueva added.    

The Majority Leader believes that the concurrence will help address the violence and harassment at work, both domestic and abroad, especially our Overseas Filipino Workers who remain vulnerable to all types of harassment.    

“Napakarami po sa ating mga kababayan dito at sa ibang bansa ang nakakaranas ng pangmamaltrato at karahasan. Dapat na po itong wakasan,” he stressed.    

According to the Department of Migrant Workers, the top three countries with recorded labor and welfare cases are Riyadh with 65,136, Kuwait with 43,225 and Malaysia with 29,049.    

“Each number represents a Filipino migrant worker who faced maltreatment, mistreatment, contract violation, contract substitution, sexual harassment, or rape, among others,” the Majority Leader said.    

Meanwhile, according to the World Risk Poll 2021, 60% of our workers in the Philippines have experienced violence and harassment in the workplace. Of the women who were victims, 13% were sexually harassed, 9% were psychologically and physically harassed, and 12% experienced all 3 forms of harassment.   

“The Senate’s concurrence to this milestone treaty is not only a commitment but a moral imperative to ensure that no worker, here or abroad, will suffer any form of violence and harassment in the future,” he ended. 

This is the season of merriment and joy, where twinkling lights adorn our homes and the quest for the perfect gift is in full swing. As we immerse ourselves in the festive hustle and bustle, the thought of orchestrating a grand Christmas dinner might seem a tad overwhelming. Fear not, for the culinary delights of the holiday season await you at various eateries, cafes, and grills open at SM Malls in CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela).

SM City Valenzuela, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Grand Central are all set to delight your taste buds with a smorgasbord of delectable dishes ranging from quick bites to heartwarming holiday fare. This year, give yourself the gift of a stress-free celebration as we present your ultimate holiday cheat sheet to the most enticing dining spots in town.

Stop 1: SM City Valenzuela- A Feast for the Senses

Our culinary journey begins at SM City Valenzuela, where an array of delightful dining options awaits. Begin with a cup of artisanal coffee at the mall’s newest cozy café, The Brewed Buddies. Indulge in a cup of their signature holiday blend and pair it with a savory starter or delectable dessert for that perfect pick-me-up.

Setting the stage for a culinary adventure, make your way to SM Foodcourt, where it boasts an array of dining options that will leave you spoiled for choice. Dive into the rich flavors of Neil’s Lechon Cebu for a festive feast of Cebu Boneless Lechon Belly, Roasted Chicken, and Sizzling Bangus Sisig. Then, head over to Pares Central for a taste of traditional Filipino comfort food. From Korea’s famous rice bowl to lechon, there is something for every palate.

Stop 2: SM Center Sangandaan – Street Food Extravaganza

After satisfying your cravings at SM City Valenzuela, hop over to SM Center Sangandaan, where the mall comes alive with a vibrant array of street foods. Don’t miss the chance to savor the bold flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine at Turks. The perfect combination of savory and perfectly seasoned meat, complemented by a medley of crisp vegetables and creamy sauces, makes Turks a must-try for any food enthusiast.

For a taste of the Orient, make a pit stop at Kyu Kyu Ramen 99. Indulge in a spread of authentic Japanese ramen and other Asian delights that will transport you to the bustling streets of Asia.

Stop 3: SM City Grand Central – Grand Symphony of Flavors

For the grand finale of your holiday food crawl, head to SM City Grand Central, where upscale elegance meets festive flavors. Unwind at Nono’s for a hearty meal and a unique take on the classic comfort food combination. This restaurant offers a refined and elegant atmosphere, perfect for a festive celebration.

Channel your inner foodie as you explore the bustling SM Foodcourt, where every food stall whips up mouthwatering specialties. Explore the flavors of Ramen Menzo, Angus Pares, and Natividad, where traditional dishes are given a festive twist. Before bidding farewell to your gastronomic adventure, stop by Vizco’s cake shop to pick up some festive treats and gifts for your loved ones. As the holiday season unfolds, let SM City Valenzuela, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Grand Central be your culinary playground. With a plethora of dining options to explore, your taste buds are in for a treat. Embark on this festive food crawl, and may your holidays be filled with delicious memories and the joy of discovery!

Pinuri ni Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, co-sponsor ng Proposed Senate Resolution No. 877, ang pagsang-ayon ng Senado sa ratipikasyon ng International Labor Organization Convention No. 190 (ILO C190) bilang bagong kapanahunan ng pagsulong ng karapatan at kapakanan ng mga manggagawa.

Ang ILO C190 o “Convention Concerning the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work” ay magbibigay ng global framework o pandaigdigang balangkas para matugunan ang karahasan at pang-aabuso sa mga manggagawa, kabilang na ang gender-based violence.

“As early as February this year, we filed a resolution urging the Executive Department to ratify ILO C190, and we are grateful that the President acted immediately and endorsed the Convention for immediate concurrence of the Senate,” sabi ni Villanueva.

“Harmonizing our local legislation with our obligations under ILO C190 is a step towards realizing the world we envision — a world where everyone can contribute and thrive without the fear of violence or harassment; a world where dignity reigns supreme,” dagdag niya.

Naniniwala ang Majority Leader na makakatulong ang kasunduan para tugunan ang karahasan at pang-aabuso sa trabaho, domestic man o sa abroad, at bigyang-proteksyon ang Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) na hindi ligtas sa lahat ng uri ng pangmamaltrato.

“Napakarami po sa ating mga kababayan dito at sa ibang bansa ang nakakaranas ng pangmamaltrato at karahasan. Dapat na po itong wakasan,” diin ni Villanueva.

Ayon sa Department of Migrant Workers, ang tatlong nangungunang bansa na may naitalang labor at welfare cases ng mga OFW ay Riyadh na may 65,136, Kuwait (43,225) at Malaysia (29,049).

“Each number represents a Filipino migrant worker who faced maltreatment, mistreatment, contract violation, contract substitution, sexual harassment, or rape, among others,” sabi ngMajority Leader.

Samantala, sinabi naman sa World Risk Poll 2021 na 60% ng mga manggagawa sa Pilipinas ay nakaranas ng karahasan at pang-aabuso sa lugar ng kanilang trabaho. Sa mga kababaihang biktima, 13% ay sexually harassed, 9% ay psychologically at physically harassed, at 12% ay nakaranas ng lahat ng tatlong uri ng harassment.

“The Senate’s concurrence to this milestone treaty is not only a commitment but a moral imperative to ensure that no worker, here or abroad, will suffer any form of violence and harassment in the future,” pagtatapos ni Villanueva.