Philippine Labour Secretary Francis N. Tolentino has reaffirmed the government's commitment to transparency and stronger engagement with workers' groups, pledging to maintain open communication channels to address workplace concerns and labour disputes.
The commitment came during a meeting between officials from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and leaders of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) at the agency's Central Office in Intramuros on Monday.
The discussions were held in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen social dialogue and improve government responsiveness to the needs of workers across the public and private sectors.
During the meeting, labour leaders raised concerns related to freedom of association, security of tenure, living wage standards, certification elections, maritime arbitration, collective bargaining agreements, and the implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190, which addresses violence and harassment in the workplace.
"If we make mistakes, point them out to us," Tolentino told union representatives. "I've been trying to be very transparent. If you have any concerns, just let me know."
Tolentino also expressed support for the ratification of ILO Convention No. 188 on work in the fishing industry and ILO Convention No. 193 on decent work in the platform economy. The proposed measures are expected to expand labour protections for workers in non-traditional employment arrangements, including the country's growing gig workforce.
The labour department also provided updates on ongoing labour disputes involving employees in the electric cooperative and sugar sectors, while committing to continue monitoring efforts aimed at resolving the cases.
TUCP officials also sought government support for several pending legislative proposals in the House of Representatives that would strengthen union formation, reduce state intervention in labour disputes, and remove imprisonment penalties for workers participating in strikes.
Addressing proposals related to family living wages, Tolentino reiterated the government's support for establishing clearer wage guidelines.
"We are with you in that aspect; that is part of the Constitution," he said.
In a move aimed at strengthening the country's labour representation within Southeast Asia, Tolentino approved a request from the ASEAN Trade Union Council to include TUCP President and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza in the Philippine delegation to the upcoming ASEAN Senior Labour Officials' Meeting.
DOLE said continued tripartite collaboration among the government, employers, and workers would remain central to addressing emerging labour issues and ensuring that workforce welfare remains a key component of the country's development agenda.