1. Background
Currently, more women than men migrate out of the country for work. In 2014, female migrant workers
accounted for fifty-six percent of annual deployment from the Philippines.3 Data from 2011-2012
indicated that thirty-three percent of all workers leaving the country were migrant domestic workers.4 The
overwhelming majority of domestic workers are female.
Female domestic workers are the most vulnerable of migrant workers and are often subject to exploitation
and abuse. They are excluded from national labor laws in most countries of destination and lack
protections that are afforded to other occupations. Abuses may include, but are not exclusive to: contract
violations; non-payment of wages; late payment of wages; long working hours; maltreatment; verbal,
physical abuse and also gender-based violations including sexual abuse and rape.
2. On Addressing the Root Causes of Migration and Trafficking (para. 95 & 96) (Article 1, 2, 3, 5, 6,
10, 11, GR 26)
Issue
The Philippine government and incumbent president intend to reduce poverty and increase employment
with the aim of inclusive growth for the country, yet the root causes of trafficking and migration continue
to remain unaddressed.5 While the State report focuses on measures taken, the report neglects to mention
the outcome of such measures. Labor migration out of the country is not a choice but is in fact forced
migration due to numerous root causes in the country. These include low wages, contractualization of
labor, unemployment, underemployment, age discrimination, climate change, armed conflict, and poverty.
Government Action
It has been noted that the government has implemented a five-year development plan from 2011-2016
which aims to enhance economic development within the country. In addition, three broad strategies have
been identified: sustained economic growth, equal access to development opportunities and, effective and
responsive social safety nets.6
CSO Critique
Currently, Filipinos who cannot gain adequate employment in the Philippines find work overseas.
Domestic work alone accounted for 487,176 new hires in 2014.7 Low wages, contractualization,
unemployment, and underemployment contribute to this migration.
Low wages and contract work are characteristic for those employed in the country. In 2006 the daily
minimum wage was 300 pesos, or around $6 USD. As of April 2015 minimum wage was around 450
pesos per day, or $9-10 USD per day.8 Contract workers are only employed for a short period of five
3
Cacdac, H. (2015). Opening remarks: RTD on HSW Policy Reform Assessment. Philippine Overseas
Employment Administration [POEA].
4
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration [POEA]. (2013). HSW Figures 2011-2013
5
7th and 8th combined State Report of the Philippines to CEDAW, para. 95.
6
Ibid, para. 96.
7
POEA, “2010-2014 Overseas Employment Statistics”,
http://www.poea.gov.ph/stats/2014%20POEA%20Stats.pdf
8
Department of Labor and Employment, “Summary of Daily Minimum Wage Rates Per Wage Order, By Region,
Non-Agriculture (1989 - 2015)”, National Wages and Productivity Commission,
http://www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph/pages/statistics/stat_wage%20rates1989-present_non-agri.html
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