as well as the evolving practice of the Committee in relation the application of the Convention, as reflected in various issuances including concluding observations, general comments and statements. The Convention text alongside the guidelines for reporting sets the stage for both government and non-government duty holders in ensuring substantive submissions to the treaty body. General Comments (GC) The CMW, on per need basis, issues General Comments to provide greater understanding of the ‘normative content’ of the rights contained in the Convention. Simply stated, the normative content of rights is the norm (or prescribed action, behaviour) by which government is expected to demonstrate its obligations to human rights. General Comments also elaborate on the scope of specific and related rights. It also elaborates the meaning of the language used and the spirit of the Convention provisions. Since its entry into force in July 2003, the CMW has issued two General Comments thus far –the first one, GC Number 1 on migrant domestic workers and GC number 2 on migrant workers in irregular status. These GCs are meant to clarify and elaborate the application of the Convention provisions as they apply to migrant domestic workers and those in irregular status. List of Issues Prior to Reporting (LOIPR) The list of issues prior to reporting was adopted by the Committee at its sixteenth session, in accordance with the new optional procedure adopted by the Committee at its fourteenth session, which consists in the preparation and adoption of lists of issues to be transmitted to States parties prior to the submission of their respective periodic report. The replies to the LOIPR will be considered as the State party’s periodic report under article 73 of the Convention. Philippine Government’s Replies to the LOIPR (2nd Periodic Report of the Philippines) Per the new optional procedure, the replies of the State party to the LOIPR is considered the State Party’s second periodic report to the CMW. The new procedure shortens and simplifies the procedure. It is also focused in terms of issues to be addressed vis a vis the Convention provisions. Prior to the adoption of an LOIPR, CMW issues a call to interested stakeholders to submit possible list of issues (LOI) for the CMW consideration. The Committee receives and studies all submissions; and proceeds to draft and put together the LOIPR. Information from Civil Society Organizations and CHRP Apart from engagement with States Parties, it has been an established procedure for UN treaty bodies like the CMW to invite involvement and engagement of CSOs and NHRIs. The Committee encourages submission of additional information from CSOs and NHRIs to enable the Committee members to have a broader and holistic perspective on the issues at hand. This space for engagement is an opportunity for CHR to assist and collaborate with CSOs in the consultation processes as well as in the preparation of the shadow or parallel reports. These submissions were prepared by the Commission’s Government Linkages Office, a recently created office which undertakes cooperation as a mode of engagement with the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary in respect of the Commission’s mandate to monitor government compliance with human rights treaty obligations, particularly of its treaty process obligations; the harmonization of domestic laws in accordance with the standards and principles set by Core International Human Rights Instruments; monitoring of Philippine jurisprudence that affirms the provisions of core human rights treaties in domestic application; and advising the executive on the implementation of state obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights. For the two periodic reporting cycles for the Philippines, written reports from CSOs and the NHRI were received by the Committee. On the two occasions also, direct CSO engagement with the members of the Committee, both formally and informally, were undertaken in Geneva.