Manila – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) presented the results of its Gap Analysis on ILO Convention 190 during a roundtable discussion (RTD) held last July 6 via Zoom.

The RTD with the theme, “A Workers’ Forum: Where are we on ILO Convention 190 Ratification in the Philippines?,” was convened in partnership with the International Labour Organization, Nagkaisa labor coalition, SENTRO (Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa) and the Department of Labor and Employment.

DOLE-Bureau of Workers with Special Conditions Director Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla delivered a message of solidarity. This was followed by a video presentation on C190, which is the very first international labor standards to provide a common framework to address violence and harassment in the world of work.

The paper examines the extent to which the existing Philippine policies and mechanisms meet the requirements of the Violence and Harassment Convention (ILO C190). It notes that the Philippines has a substantial set of laws and regulations addressing violence and harassment.

The gaps identified in policies and regulations are 1) lack of conceptual and operational definition of violence and harassment in the world of work which possibly contributes to inadequate understanding of its various forms and severity, and therefore, the prevention of such acts and behaviors, 2) limited scope and coverage of existing laws, regulations and practice to encompass all persons and situations associated with the world of work, 3) complex need for enforcement of legal or regulatory framework, especially for the workers in the informal economy and migrant workers and 4) narrow approach to violence and harassment instead of treating it as an intersectional inequality issue.

Other presenters in the RTD include Mr. Rex Marlo Varona, National Project Coordinator for ILO’s Safe and Fair Programme and Ms. Alice Q. Visperas, Director of the DOLE-International Labor Affairs Bureau.

The gap analysis was based on the 2020 study conducted by members of the Gender and Development Committee of ILS: Arianne Ishreen C. Bucar, Cesar A. Mansal, Frances Camille G. Dumalaog, Joyce Anne S. Lumactud, and Malorie Joy O. Mones.

For further information on the ILS Gap Analysis of ILO C190, you may download the full paper via this link: https://ils.dole.gov.ph/affirming-the-right-to-freedom-from-violence-and-harassment-in-the-world-of-work-a-gap-analysis-of-the-ilo-convention-190/