The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses gratitude to the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC) for adopting Resolution No. 2, s. 2024, which calls upon the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), House of Representatives, and Senate to ensure an adequate budget for the Commission for the Fiscal Year 2025. The NTIPC is the main consultative body for tripartite consultation between the government, employer, and labor sector with regards to labor, employment, and social policies at the national level. Similarly, we recognize the efforts of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for acknowledging the role of the Commission in upholding labor and employment policies which contribute to the overall realization of inclusive growth between businesses and workers.

Labor rights are part and parcel of a functioning society where workers are able to perform their duties in accordance with their inherent dignity as human beings. In fact, as part of the Philippines’ commitment to uphold the rights of Filipino laborers, it belongs to the list of States, which ratified several International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions such as Convention 87 or Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize and Convention 98 or Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining, alongside 9 of the 10 fundamental ILO Conventions. Additionally, the Philippines has also ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which particularly mentions in Article 22 the right of workers to freedom of association and to form and join trade unions for the protection of their interests.

To recall, it was raised during the 108th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) that there is a need to establish a non-judicial body tasked to review cases on the matter of ILO Conventions 87 and 98. Through the initiative of the Philippine government, the CHR is tapped to look into: (a) effective measures to prevent violence against workers and employers; (b) the immediate undertaking of investigations into the allegations of violence to establish facts, determine culpability, and punish perpetrators; (c) operationalization of monitoring bodies; and (d) ensure that all workers without distinction are able to form and join organizations in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

In line with this, the Commission, given the mandate to immediately act as an independent and non-judicial body consistent with the High-Level Tripartite Mission (HLTM) recommendation, recognizes the gaps cited by the ILO supervisory bodies in the current situation where compliance to Conventions 87 and 98 needs to be improved. We view this as an opportunity to work on better recommendations and to lobby for policies, which prioritize the rights and dignity of every Filipino worker, parallel to how the concept of human rights progresses over time.

The Commission guarantees its steadfast commitment in safeguarding the rights of workers. This, however, can only be substantially carried out through an adequate budget in order to further execute our mandate and efficiently work on the HLTM recommendations. Resolution No. 2, s. 2024 endorsed by the NTIPC, if granted by the DBM, House of Representatives, and Senate, shall demonstrate the seriousness of the government to pursue its human rights agenda, particularly in the labor sector. This is especially important during this period of rebuilding and revitalizing our economy as it is an opportune time to strengthen labor rights, which is foundational to sustainable economy and recovery.

This will further allow the Commission to strengthen its partnerships with relevant stakeholders under the provisions of Executive Order 23, or the Interagency Committee for the Protection of the Freedom of Association and Right to Organize of Workers, in ensuring that we are able to effectively respond to labor-related concerns and expedite processes which will allow for the Philippines’ better compliance under ILO and other human rights conventions.

We also express our high hopes that the said resolution will pave the way towards the full support of the Congress to the increase in the budget of CHR as we continue to embark on initiatives that will enhance the reach and efficiency of our mandate. Adequate budget ensures that we can sufficiently perform additional mandates delegated under newly-passed pieces of legislation.

As the Constitutional body tasked to be the watchdog, educator, advocate, and monitor of the Philippines’ human rights framework, we trust that the government will manifest its commitment to human rights through commensurate budget allocation that can fully support and sustain all the mandates and functions of the CHR.###