A senator has urged the Philippine government to fully implement laws that protect Filipino women against all forms of violence.
Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said on Wednesday that under the Republic Act 9710, known as the Magna Carta of Women, the rights of every Filipina, including their protection against violence, are guaranteed, Manila Bulletin reported.
“Ensuring right for Filipinas requires not only legal safeguards on paper, but critically, full enforcement of the law,” Angara said.
Angara explained that the law also covers Filipina migrant workers, especially domestic workers, who are at risk of experiencing violence, exploitation and even death while working overseas.
According to the Philippine Statistical Authority, there are more female Filipino workers working overseas than male workers, with women making up 53.7% of the total number of Filipino workers overseas.
“The law mandates the government to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of migrant Filipino women regardless of their work status, and protect them against discrimination in wages, conditions of work and employment opportunities in host countries,” Angara said.