Sen. Loren Legarda on Monday pressed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to immediately lead a coordinated reform agenda following the country’s ninth-consecutive inclusion in the International Trade Union Confederation’s (ITUC) list of the “10 worst countries for workers.”
“Workers are the backbone of our economy, and the consistent red-flagging by global monitors means we still have deep institutional gaps to fill,” Legarda said.
The 2025 ITUC Global Rights Index reported ongoing violations of labor rights, citing violent attacks, threats against union leaders, and persistent union-busting practices in the Philippines. Labor watchdogs likewise flagged the government’s failure to enforce labor protections, resolve long-standing complaints, and prevent the suppression of union activities.
“This should not be taken lightly. Our international standing when it comes to labor rights is a reflection of our domestic realities,” Legarda said.
The senator called for a multi-agency review of labor rights gaps, particularly those identified in the ITUC report, to determine which government bodies should be responsible for enforcement, legal reform, protection, and grievance mechanisms.
She also urged the Labor Department to submit to Congress a concrete set of reform priorities with measurable milestones and timelines to allow for responsive policy and budgetary support, as well as actively engage with labor groups and steer discussions toward long-overdue policy and institutional changes.
“DOLE must proactively engage the labor movement and steer conversations toward key policy priorities. It is through genuine, coordinated dialogue that we can craft reforms grounded in the realities faced by our workers,” Legarda said.
