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Tulfo wants Cebu BPO firms penalized for endangering workers
Senator Raffy Tulfo is considering legal action against 23 Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in Cebu for allegedly forcing employees to work during a magnitude 6.9 earthquake.
Tulfo expressed dismay that these companies prioritized profits over the safety of their workers, with one firm allegedly blocking an emergency exit to prevent them from leaving.
The senator stated his intention to file cases against these BPOs and, if necessary, have them shut down.
The BPO Industry Employees Network also reported that workers who left due to fear were penalized, and vulnerable employees were not adequately protected.
Tulfo cited Labor Advisory 17 from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in 2022, which prioritizes worker safety during calamities and prohibits penalties for absences due to safety risks.
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Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma affirmed that workers have the right to refuse unsafe work, especially following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake, and cannot face disciplinary action for justifiable safety concerns.
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The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 7 has issued a cease and desist order to a Cebu-based BPO company for lacking a disaster response plan.
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Senator Camille Villar has filed Senate Bill No. 1401, or the "BPO Workers' Welfare and Protection Act," aiming to enhance the safety and well-being of BPO employees during disasters.
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