(DOJ as the designated spokesperson of the ATC)
The ATC recognizes and promotes the rights of Filipino workers to freedom of association and collective bargaining and affirms its commitment to safeguarding these fundamental rights, which are foundational to democratic principles and essential for the welfare of our workforce.
The ATC is cognizant of the concerns of some individuals, groups of persons, organizations, or associations, particularly trade unions and labor organizations, about being labeled as or linked to terrorists without having been designated as such by the ATC.
In this regard, the ATC, in accordance with Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA), affirms that it has the sole and exclusive authority to designate individuals, groups of persons, organizations, or associations as terrorists. This authority carries legal effects, such as the freezing of assets, and is exercised with utmost diligence, guided by existing laws, rules and regulations, ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and due process.
The ATC further affirms that no other government body, agency, officer or employee, whether civilian or military, has the authority to label or brand as terrorists, in a manner that can be construed as designation under the ATA, any individual, group of persons, organization or associations, including trade unions and labor organizations.
All this is in line with the Philippines’ commitment, as a member of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and a signatory to ILO Conventions Nos. 87 and 98, to uphold the principles mandated by these conventions, to include the establishment and maintenance of an environment that supports workers’ free exercise of the right to organize and engage in union activities without interference or fear of reprisal. This commitment extends to the fundamental human rights of freedom of association and the right to organize, which are essential foundations of a democratic society and are enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution (Article III, Section 8 and Article XIII, Section 3), Book V of the Labor Code, and international frameworks such as Article 2 of ILO Convention 87, Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and Article 8 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). These legal provisions demonstrate the Philippines' serious commitment to protecting and promoting these rights.
In conclusion, the ATC remains steadfast in exercising its exclusive authority to designate terrorists within the bounds of law and with full respect for human rights, including those of laborers or workers.
RET. CHIEF JUSTICE LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Executive Secretary/ ATC Chairperson