In order to strengthen the implementation of the Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS) in the Region, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao recently issued an office memorandum as a reminder to officers to protect the rights of private workers.

Director Suyao in his memo, issued last July 13, 2016, reminded the Labor Laws Compliance Officers (LLCOs) that short-term employment contracts, whether through direct hiring or contracting, is “contrary to the provisions of Articles 106 to 109 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended or in circumvention of Article 259, and Articles 294 to 296 of the same Code, are not allowed.”

The memo was issued by Director Suyao earlier this month in line with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “directive to afford full protection to contractual workers and ensure that their rights are protected and their welfare is promoted.”

Article 106 to 109 of the labor code refers to laws and liabilities covering contractors and subcontractors.

Meanwhile, on Monday, July 25, 2016, DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III signed Department Order No. 162, Series of 2016 suspending the registration of new applicants as contractors and subcontractors. The said order shall take effect immediately after meeting the publication requirement.

For Region XI, as of July 21 DOLE has covered 2,146 establishments. Out of the said total number 2,116 are joint assessments, 28 compliance visits, and 2 are Occupational Safety and Health Standards Investigation.

Most of the establishments were monitored to be compliant in implementing the minimum wage, social benefits, rules under Article 106 to 109 of the Labor Code and safety.

Also as of the said period, 60 contractors/subcontractors have been subjected to mandatory registration to ensure their liability to their workers. The Department has also issued a total of 174 Certificate of Compliance.

Moreover, LLCOs in the region also has monthly meetings which is being conducted for three years now to frequently remind them of their duties and responsibilities.

Kriztja Marae G. Labrador/LCO-DOLEXI