Philippines Ratifies International Convention on Labor Inspection

DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio, Jr. (left) presents the Philippines’ instrument of  ratification of ILO Convention 81 to ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo (right) at the ILO  Headquarters in Geneva on 05 November 2024.

GENEVA 08 November 2024 – The Philippines officially deposited its instrument of ratification  to the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 81 on Labor Inspection in Industry and Commerce on 05 November 2024 at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The ceremony was attended by DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio, Jr., ILO Director General Gilbert  Houngbo, as well as officials of DOLE, ILO and the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United  Nations in Geneva.  

During the ceremony, Usec Bitonio said “following that of Convention 190 last February, this  instrument of ratification is the second to be deposited by the Philippines this year which  is fitting as it observes its 75th year of ILO membership.” He added that “the ratification  of Convention 81 is another important step in further strengthening this relationship and  in advancing our shared goals of decent work and social justice.”  

In response, DG Houngbo acknowledged PHL’s efforts by stating that he “cannot recall a  country depositing two instruments of ratifications in less than a year.” He also recalled with fondness his visit to the Philippines in July 2023. He also praised the Philippines’ role  in helping mainstream labor migration discussion in various forums. 

Convention 81 is the 40th ILO Convention ratified by the Philippines. The Philippines has  been a member of the ILO since 1948. END

For more information, visit https://www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinGeneva/ or https://www.instagram.com/phingeneva/.