Philippines ratifies convention on safe working conditions

MANILA, Philippines — Workers nationwide are now assured of safer working conditions after the Philippines ratified the Labor Inspection Convention No. 81 of the International Labor Organization (ILO), which establishes global standards for a comprehensive labor inspection framework.

Labor Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio led the Philippine delegation in presenting the ratification instrument of Labor Inspection Convention No. 81 to ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva on Tuesday.

ILO Convention No. 81 is essential for effectively enforcing national laws on working conditions and protecting workers’ rights.

Bitonio said the Philippine government will focus on improving labor inspection services, enhancing the capacity of labor inspectors and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to promote compliance with labor laws.

Meanwhile, chairman of the House committee on labor and employment Fidel Nograles expressed support for a proposal of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies to improve labor forecasting through a Labor Market Information System.