The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed its gratitude to the Leaders Forum, a bipartite body of labor and employer groups, for its support to the increase of the commission's budget.
The Leaders Forum is composed of organizations such as the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Philippine Exporters Confederation representing employers, and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Federation of Free Workers, and Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa representing workers.
Both workers and employers groups believe that there is a "pressing need" for the CHR to increase its capacity in protecting and upholding the rights of all workers in the country, as well as addressing labor-related human rights violations.
"The Commission stands resolutely alongside the Filipino labor force in advocating for their rights, welfare, and dignity in the workplace. We remain committed to our stance that every worker deserves equitable treatment, just compensation, and safe working conditions," the CHR said in a statement.
The CHR and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) aimed at enhancing cooperation in promoting and protecting the rights of Filipino workers.
The CHR said its collaboration with the DOLE is aligned with the International Labor Organization's (ILO's) recommendation for stronger interagency cooperation that will improve the speed and effectiveness of investigations concerning violations of workers' freedom of association and right to organize.
The partnership also seeks to strengthen case build-up and evidence gathering, and provide financial assistance for labor rights violations, it also said.
"The CHR has always been at the forefront of addressing various human rights concerns, including those that impact the labour sector. However, the growing complexity and volume of cases, particularly labour-related human rights violations, demand more resources to ensure comprehensive monitoring, effective witness protection, and the timely provision of reparations to victims," it added.
"Given these realities, the Leaders Forum's call for an increased budget is a crucial step towards enabling the CHR to further enhance its operational capacity in these areas," it pointed out.