LABOR CHIEF REITERATES
MANILA, Philippines—HIV testing cannot be a requirement for employment, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said in a statement e-mailed to media outfits.
Citing Republic Act 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998, Roque said this constitutes discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS which the law prohibits.
HIV (human immuno virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) have grabbed the headlines recently following reports of a jump in HIV/AIDS incidence among call-center workers. Other vulnerable groups include men having sex with men, people with multiple sex partners, and overseas Filipino workers.
To stem the increase, Roque said his department is intensifying its advocacy against the sexually transmitted disease, particularly in the workplace. He said he has instructed the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), which is mandated by the law to spearhead the advocacy, to intensify its efforts in reaching and informing workers on the dangers of risky behaviors that may lead to HIV/AIDS infection.
The labor chief also urged companies and establishments “to set up a strong and comprehensive HIV/AIDS policy and program that will deal with both prevention and elimination of discrimination of persons with HIV/AIDS.”
The latest figures from the Department of Health (DOH) indicated a sharp increase in the number of reported HIV and AIDS cases in the 25-34 age group.
RA 8504 also includes provisions that require HIV/AIDS education programs to be given in all government and private offices, as well as in communities.
Since 1998, OSHC has conducted advocacy, training, and information campaigns on occupational safety and health, including HIV/AIDS prevention and control in more than 200,000 companies. From January 2009 to January 2010, a total of 3,325 workers in 1,160 companies have attended such seminars. Copies of the HIV/AIDS primers are available at the OSHC main office in Quezon City and in their website. –Veronica Uy, INQUIRER.net
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
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October –
Monthly Observances:
Industry and Commerce Safety Month
National Statistics Month
Local Government Month
Consumer Welfare Month
Cooperative Month
National Quality and Productivity Improvement Month
National Health and Wellness Tourism Month
National Indigenous Peoples Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Elderly Filipino Week
Week 2: National Health Education Week
Local Government Week
National Mental Health Week
October 17-23:
National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty
October 18 – 24:
United Nations Week
Last Week:
Nurses’ Week
Consumers’ Protection Week
Week of the 4th Sunday:
Barrio Farmers’ Week
Daily Observances:
First Monday (Oct 4): Universal Children’s Day i
n the Philippines
Oct 5: National Teachers’ Day
Oct 10: Local Government Day
Third Thursday (Oct 14): Conflict Resolution Day
Oct 21: Tenants’ Emancipation day
Oct 24: United Nations Day
Oct 29: National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day
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