Labor Groups Praise President Marcos for Retaining Labor Chief
A confederation of labor unions and organizations has praised President Marcos for keeping Bienvenido E. Laguesma as the head of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) amid the ongoing review of Cabinet officials.
The decision to retain Laguesma reflects his solid performance over the past three years, according to local labor leaders. “We are glad that President Marcos did not listen to the detractors of Secretary Benny. The negative aspersions cast against him are just preconceived bias, to say the least,” said PTGWO national president Arnel Dolendo.
DOLE’s Commitment to Job Creation and Workers’ Welfare
Labor groups observed that DOLE has continuously pushed for job generation through initiatives like internships, job fairs, emergency employment, and livelihood programs. These efforts aim to reduce unemployment and underemployment rates nationwide.
Last month, President Marcos requested all Cabinet secretaries to submit courtesy resignations as part of a broader reshuffle during his final three years in office. While some officials stepped down, Marcos chose to keep several secretaries, including Laguesma.
DOLE’s Role in Upholding Labor Rights and Industrial Peace
Dolendo emphasized that under Laguesma’s leadership, DOLE has remained true to its mandate of promoting gainful employment, protecting workers’ rights, and maintaining industrial peace. In July last year, DOLE led the nationwide rollout of the Omnibus Guidelines on the Exercise of Freedom of Association and Civil Liberties.
This move aligns with the principles set by the International Labor Organization’s Conventions 87 and 98, which safeguard workers’ rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining.
Addressing Challenges and Protecting Union Leaders
“Based on the experience of the PTGWO, DOLE has been very active in addressing issues like red-tagging,” Dolendo noted. DOLE informed government authorities that labor unions’ goal is to strengthen the fight for workers’ rights.
Through its freedom of association project, DOLE aims to institutionalize measures that prevent harassment toward labor and union leaders. While acknowledging that much work remains regarding employees’ rights and industrial peace, Dolendo expressed hope that Secretary Laguesma will continue leading DOLE effectively.
“We concede that there is still so much work for the DOLE, especially concerning the employee’s rights to organize, to freedom of association and collective bargaining, as well as the pursuit of industrial peace. We hope that Sec. Benny Laguesma would keep up the good work in leading the DOLE,” he added.
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