Duterte says ASEAN to sign landmark pact on migrant workers’ protection on Tuesday

ASEAN chair President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday reiterated that the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations would sign what he called a landmark document on the protection of migrant workers before the summit ends. 

“I will be joining other ASEAN leaders tomorrow in signing this landmark document that would strengthen social protection, access to justice, humane and fair treatment, and access to health services for our people,” he said at the opening of the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. 

“Other deliverables that will see the fruition include those concerning health, women and the youth, terrorism, radicalization and violent extremism, trafficking, poverty alleviation, food security, coastal and marine environment, and the pursuit of innovation for our economies, among others,” Duterte added.

Foreign Affairs acting spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar on Friday said that the signing of the pact would be the “centerpiece” of the Philippines’ chairmanship. —KG, GMA News