CEDAW/C/PHL/CO/7-8
Women migrant workers
37. The Committee welcomes the adoption, in 2010, of the amended Migrant
Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 10022) to protect
migrant workers working in the State party. It is concerned, however, at the
widespread exploitation and abuse of Filipina migrant workers work ing abroad, in
particular as domestic workers, and the insufficient support provided to reintegrate
those who return. The Committee also notes that the protection of migrant workers
under ASEAN migration policies does not cover unskilled migrants, who cons titute
the majority of Filipina migrant workers.
38.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a) Enhance its efforts to effectively protect the rights of Filipina
migrant workers abroad, through bilateral agreements and memorandums of
understanding with countries and regions to which Filipinas migrate in search
of work;
(b) Strengthen the regulation and inspection of recruitment agencies for
migrant workers and the sanctions applicable in case of breaches of relevant
regulations;
(c) Continue its efforts to raise awareness among women migrant
workers about their rights, the risks that they may face and the channels that
they can use to seek remedies in case of violations of their rights, through
pre-departure briefings and public information campaigns;
(d) Investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators of exploitation and
abuse of women migrant workers, in particular domestic workers, who are
under its jurisdiction;
(e) Provide gender-responsive support to returning women migrant
workers for their reintegration.
Health
39. The Committee notes that, in 2014, the Supreme Court recognized the
constitutionality of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act and
that the Act has subsequently entered into force. It also notes that some le gislation,
including local executive orders inconsistent with the Act, has been revoked by the
Act. The Committee is concerned, however, that women’s access to sexual and
reproductive health services is still severely restricted and:
(a) That early pregnancies, unsafe abortions and HIV/AIDS infections are
increasing, in particular among adolescent girls;
(b) That there has been a lack of specific measures to implement the
recommendations
of
the
Committee’s
inquiry
conducted
in
2012
(CEDAW/C/OP.8/PHL/1), including with regard to access to modern contraceptives
and the legalization of abortion under certain circumstances;
(c) That the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and
Reproductive Health Act has not been consistent throughout the State party, no
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