Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Philippines (Ratification: 1960)

Article 1(a) of the Convention. Punishment for holding or expressing political views or views ideologically opposed to the established political, social or economic system. The Committee previously noted that under section 3 of the Human Security Act of 2007, a person commits the crime of “terrorism” in committing certain existing offences, if a consequence is “sowing and creating a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace, in order to coerce the Government to give in to an unlawful demand”, and that such acts are subject to a penalty of 40 years’ imprisonment (involving compulsory labour) without the benefit of parole. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the application in practice of the Human Security Act of 2007.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that Act No. 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act, 2012, was enacted to complement the Human Security Act and criminalize the financing of terrorism. It notes in particular the Government’s reference to the application of the Human Security Act in cases illustrating the use of violence or incitement to violence (bombing, multiple murder and attempted murder). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide, in its future reports, information on the application in practice of the Human Security Act of 2007, including relevant court decisions in this respect.