Senator Calls for Urgent Labor Rights Reform Action
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Loren Legarda urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to urgently lead clear and measurable reforms as the Philippines remains on the International Trade Union Confederation’s (ITUC) list of the “10 worst countries for workers” for the ninth consecutive year. This ongoing designation highlights critical issues in labor rights within the country.
Legarda stressed that the country’s international reputation on labor rights mirrors its domestic situation. “This should not be taken lightly. Our international standing when it comes to labor rights is a reflection of our domestic realities,” she said. “Workers are the backbone of our economy, and the consistent red-flagging by global monitors means we still have deep institutional gaps to fill.”
ITUC Report Highlights Labor Rights Violations
The ITUC Global Rights Index 2025 reports widespread breaches of labor rights in the Philippines, including ongoing violence, intimidation, and union busting. Labor advocates point to weak enforcement of protections, suppression of union activities, and unresolved labor complaints as major concerns.
Senator Legarda called on DOLE to conduct a thorough, multi-agency review to identify the gaps in labor rights enforcement, protection, grievance mechanisms, and legal reforms, especially those noted in the ITUC report. She urged the department to assign responsibilities to the agencies best equipped to address these specific issues.
Coordinated Approach Needed to Address Labor Issues
She emphasized the importance of a well-coordinated, targeted strategy that prevents overlap and ensures accountability. “We must avoid duplication and ensure each agency’s role is clear,” Legarda remarked. Furthermore, she condemned the persistent red-tagging and vilification of legitimate labor groups, warning that such actions harm democratic principles and deepen mistrust.
Legarda requested DOLE to submit a concrete reform agenda to Congress promptly, complete with milestones and timelines. This will allow for timely legislative and budgetary support to back labor reforms.
Government’s Role in Inclusive Labor Dialogue
Highlighting the government’s responsibility, Legarda said, “DOLE must proactively engage the labor movement and steer conversations toward key policy priorities.” She believes that genuine, collaborative dialogue is essential to crafting reforms that truly reflect the challenges workers face.
In 2017, Legarda championed the Senate’s ratification of ILO Convention 151, extending labor protections to over 2.3 million public sector workers. This measure aimed to grant government workers the same rights to organize, bargain collectively, and work under fair conditions as those in the private sector.
Legarda’s Longstanding Commitment to Workers
As a four-term senator, Legarda has consistently pushed for laws that improve workers’ welfare and support inclusive growth. Notable legislation she sponsored includes the Magna Carta of the Poor, which guarantees rights to employment and livelihood; the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, providing 105 days of paid leave for working mothers; and the Green Jobs Act, promoting jobs that balance decent work with environmental sustainability.
She concluded with a call to action: “We cannot afford to let another year pass—not because of the label we’ve been given, but because we owe it to every Filipino worker whose rights and dignity demand protection.”
For more news and updates on labor reform, visit Filipinokami.com.