Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is taking significant steps to support workers by establishing the Labor Attorneys' Office (LAO) to provide free legal assistance. Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino announced the formation of the Workers' Legal Representation Unit and Labor Justice Clinics under Department Order 258-26, aimed at safeguarding workers' rights.
According to Philippines News Agency, the establishment of the new office is intended to enhance labor justice mechanisms and includes plans for a National Academy for Labor Justice to improve labor arbitrators' capabilities. The LAO will replace the existing Public Assistance and Complaints Unit, taking over its functions to aid indigent and qualified workers.
Tolentino highlighted potential collaborations with academic institutions like the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. These partnerships may involve fourth-year law students in supervised internships to support legal assistance services for workers, expanding the reach of the LAO.
In another development, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) urged Secretary Tolentino to prioritize a considerable wage increase for workers. The TUCP emphasized Tolentino's role as chair of the National Wages and Productivity Commission, advocating for a significant wage hike in Metro Manila to influence wage-setting nationwide and address disparities in provincial wage rates.
The call for wage increases comes as the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board of the National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) conducts a public hearing on minimum wage hike petitions in Metro Manila. The TUCP also expressed disappointment that House Bill 88, which proposes a PHP200 legislated wage hike, was not included in the recent special session of Congress.
During a forum, Tolentino expressed his commitment to promoting workers' dignity while balancing economic considerations for employers. The RTWPB-NCR hearing gathered various stakeholders to discuss wage proposals, with insights and recommendations expected to guide the Board's deliberations under the Wage Rationalization Act.
