A local union of domestic workers said the action of a Philippine ambassador against one of her domestic staff mirrors how domestic workers are still being held in low regard and the work which they represent.

Novelita Palisoc, national president of the United Domestic Workers of the Philippines (UNITED), said it is “disturbing” that a Philippine official of such stature should violate laws and rights enforced by national laws and international instruments.

“What the Philippine ambassador did is a human rights violation. She should have considered that a kasambahay is also a human being, with dignity and contribution to the society and should be treated well,” she said in a statement.

“The government should act on this to hold accountable the ambassador for her wrongdoing and trampling the domestic worker’s dignity,” added Palisoc.

Apart from holding the ambassador to account for her action, the group also called for reparations for the harm she committed.

According to the International Labor Organization, workers who work in isolation such as the domestic workers, are particularly vulnerable to violence and harassment at work. 

A workforce of 67 million worldwide, domestic workers provide essential care for families, yet they frequently suffer forms of violence and harassment, exploitation, coercion, ranging from verbal abuse to sexual violence, and sometimes even death, the ILO also said. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs already issued a recall order to the diplomat for the alleged maltreatment of her household staff.