The Department of Labor and Employment has initiated formal investigations into multiple business process outsourcing companies following allegations they compromised employee safety during Super Typhoon Uwan's devastating impact.
Labor Secretary Takes Immediate Action
In a radio interview on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma confirmed he has directed concerned DOLE regional offices to conduct thorough investigations into the matter. The concerned regional offices are already conducting hearings and investigations regarding the complaints against BPO firms.
Secretary Laguesma emphasized that occupational safety and health compliance remains a fundamental priority for the department. "I want to emphasize that the most important principle for DOLE is related to the health and safety of workers," Laguesma stated during the interview.
Formal Complaint from Workers' Group
The investigation follows a formal labor inspection request filed by the BPO Industry Employees Network Philippines. The workers' organization reported receiving numerous complaints from BPO employees who were allegedly forced to report for on-site work despite life-threatening weather conditions, widespread flooding, and power outages during the typhoon.
Bien Philippines identified 21 BPO companies that maintained a "business-as-usual" approach despite the dangerous weather situation. The group expressed concern that such policies unnecessarily put workers' safety and lives at risk.
The organization is calling on DOLE to inspect these companies and hold violators accountable under the Occupational Safety and Health Law, also known as Republic Act No. 11058.
Collaborative Investigation Process
Bien Philippines highlighted that DOLE may seek assistance from labor organizations during the inspection process, citing DOLE Order 238-2023 which permits legitimate labor organizations to participate in workplace inspections.
The workers' group emphasized the necessity of these inspections, noting that BPO employees have faced unsafe and unregulated working conditions for over a decade due to insufficient government monitoring of multinational corporations in the industry.
Secretary Laguesma expressed optimism that the ongoing investigations would properly address the concerns and ensure adequate protection for workers affected by the typhoon-related incidents.
