The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday acknowledged the effort of many government agencies, particularly the Department of Labor and Employment, to implement programs that help ease the plight of workers.
The CHR cited the positive impacts of the Integrated Livelihood Program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers, Public Employment Service Office, Government Internship Program and Special Program for the Employment of Students.
“Moreover, the Commission reiterates its expression of gratitude to the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC) for adopting Resolution No. 2, s. 2023, which calls upon the Department of Budget and Management and Congress to ensure an adequate budget for the Commission,” the agency said.
“The NTIPC is the main consultative body with regards labor, employment, and social policies at the national level. We express our high hopes that the said resolution will pave the way towards the full support of Congress to help CHR sufficiently perform additional mandates delegated under newly passed pieces of legislation,” it added.
As the country celebrated Labor Day, the CHR expressed solidarity with all Filipino workers, both the local workforce and overseas Filipino workers, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the nation’s progress and development.
In a statement, the Commission affirmed its commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of workers.
“We can concretely demonstrate this by recognizing the workers’ rights to assembly and petition government for redress of grievances. As such, CHR takes this occasion to remind the state forces to protect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest. For our part, the Commission also deployed investigation teams in the metro and the regions to monitor Labor Day protests,” it noted.
“Today is also a crucial day to acknowledge the gaps in promoting workers’ rights, such as unemployment, underemployment, contractualization, attacks against labor union leaders and members, among others. At the same time, it is important to highlight efforts to address labor issues to ensure consistent implementation of comprehensive support mechanisms for the vulnerable and disadvantaged workers,” it stressed.
In solidarity with all Filipino workers, CHR reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding their rights. Workers across all sectors deserve our utmost salute and honor. Let us all unite in creating a society where every worker is given fair treatment, just compensation, and safe working conditions.