By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Senator Raffy Tulfo on Wednesday urged the filing of cases against business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in Cebu that allegedly endangered their employees during the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake.
Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, said one BPO firm reportedly blocked its emergency exits to prevent workers from leaving, while another allegedly forced its employees to immediately resume work after the tremor.
Tulfo, who visited Cebu after the quake, said the erring companies and those responsible should face legal consequences for prioritizing profit over employee safety.
“Gusto kong masampahan ng kaso ang mga kumpanyang ito at ang mga taong sangkot dito, dahil mas inuna pa nila ang kita kaysa sa buhay at kaligtasan ng kanilang mga empleyado (I want these companies and the people involved to face charges because they value profit over the lives and safety of their workers),” he said.
He cited Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Labor Advisory 17, series of 2022, which requires employers to prioritize worker safety and prohibits penalties for absences caused by calamities, as well as Department Order 252, series of 2025, which allows workers to refuse work if imminent danger exists.
BPO Industry Employees Network – Cebu spokesperson Kyle Enero said the “business-as-usual” mindset of some firms during disasters reflects the long-standing neglect of worker welfare in the industry.
DOLE 7 (Central Visayas) Director Roy Buenafe reported to the Senate committee that work stoppage orders have been issued against six companies – Iploy OPC, Optum Global Solutions, EXL Services, Alorica, Gagfa IT Tower, and Teleperformance IT Park Cebu – with two firms already complying with occupational safety requirements.
Buenafe said the regional office would also inspect 23 more BPO companies in Cebu for possible labor and safety violations.
On Oct. 6, Tulfo filed Senate Resolution 149, directing the Senate Committee on Labor to craft mechanisms to protect BPO workers during calamities and emergencies while ensuring compliance with labor and occupational safety laws. (PNA)
