Domestic workers get ILO protection

GENEVA (AFP) – International Labor Organization (ILO) member-states are expected to adopt proposals designed to offer protection to an estimated 52.6 million domestic workers worldwide during its 100th annual conference next week, with the Philippines among a number of states urging the passage of this landmark treaty.

It would ensure domestic workers enjoyed conditions “not less favorable” than other workers, requiring governments to ensure they understood their rights, preferably through written contracts.

The document also offers domestic workers a full rest day every week,  of human rights, our two countries share a vision of a better world.”

Clinton also expressed the support of the US to the Philippine government’s commitment to fight corruption, promote judicial reform, reduce poverty, and create opportunities for its people.

“Our two countries are cooperating in new ways on everything from the Partnership for Growth joint effort to boost prosperity in the Philippines, to the Open Government Partnership initiative to improve governance and transparency around the globe.

In addition, Clinton pointed out that together, through the United States’ Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact, the two countries are working to reduce poverty through economic growth.

The $434-million poverty reduction compact grant between the Philippines and the MCC was signed last September at the Hilton Room of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York and was witnessed by both Clinton and President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The grant agreement includes $120 million to fund the expansion of the Philippine government’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS or KC) program, a community-driven development program aimed at empowering communities to identify and implement development projects to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods.

The MCC compact agreement also provides funding for two other major projects: $54.3 million for a redesign and computerization of key business processes within the Department of Finance’s Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to increase the efficiency, sustainability, and integrity of revenue collection; and $214.4 million for construction and rehabilitation of the 220-kilometer Samar Road that passes through 15 municipalities.

Meanwhile, amid the brewing diplomatic row over the South China Sea and China’s re-affirmation of its exclusive jurisdiction of the disputed areas, Chinese Ambassador to Manila Liu Jianchao also extended his greetings to the Philippines.

“I would like to extend on behalf of the Chinese government and its people our congratulations to the Philippines on this important day, the 113 years of independence of this great country, the development of the people, and the improvement of people’s livelihood over the years,” Liu said during a news briefing at his Makati City residence. (Roy C. Mabasa, Manila Bulletin)