Party-list solon welcomes ASEAN pact protecting migrant workers' rights

By ERWIN COLCOL, GMA News
ACTS OFW party-list Representative Aniceto "John" Bertiz III welcomed the signing of an agreement among ASEAN countries that would protect the rights of migrant workers in the region.
In a statement, Bertiz said the pact demonstrated the ASEAN's vision of a caring and sharing community.
"We are also now telling the world that our regional bloc is a sterling example of how labor-sending and labor-receiving countries can cooperate to ensure that migrant rights are protected," he added.
The landmark document, according to ASEAN chair President Rodrigo Duterte, would "strengthen social protection, access to justice, humane and fair treatment, and access to health services for our people."
Bertiz also commended Duterte and the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Labor and Employment, and Social Welfare and Development for their efforts in making the signing of the document possible.
"Truly, the Philippines has become the conscience of the world when it comes to the rights and welfare of every migrant worker," he said.

The signing of the agreement came a decade after the ASEAN adopted the Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers during the country’s chairmanship in 2007. — DVM, GMA News

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