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Addressing violence, harassment vs OFWs: Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, during discussions on International Labor Organization Convention No. 190 or the Convention Concerning the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work (ILO C190) on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, says the convention offers a vital channel to address the violence and harassment problems faced by overseas Filipino workers. “Thousands of our migrant workers encounter maltreatment, mistreatment, contract violation, contract substitution, sexual harassment and rape, among others,” Villanueva said, citing data by the Department of Migrant Workers showing 65,136 labor and welfare cases in Riyadh, 43,225 cases in Kuwait, and 29,049 cases in Malaysia from January to July 2022. The majority leader said concurrence to the ratification of ILO C190 demonstrates the country’s dedication to fostering work environments free from violence and harassment. “ILO C190 is not just any treaty; it signifies our commitment to enact tangible measures for the welfare and protection of our workers,” he added. (Voltaire F. Domingo / Senate Social Media Unit)