An ordinance seeking to provide stronger protection for workers in Puerto Princesa City has been approved by the Committee on Public Labor and Employment of the City Council.
The proposed measure, authored by Councilor Eleutherius “Erwin” Edualino, aims to strengthen the rights of local workers and reinforce Labor Department Order No. 174 Series of 2017, or the “Rules Implementing Articles 106 to 109 of the Labor Code, as Amended.”
During the committee meeting on October 15, Edualino pointed out the need for the ordinance, noting that many workers in the city are not receiving their rightful benefits from employers, particularly contributions to the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth, despite deductions from their monthly salaries.
“Kaya inilunsad ko ito, to give more enforcement through our Treasurer’s Office by requiring companies engaging in this kind of business to submit a certificate that are all recognized by our Department of Labor and Employment,” he said.
“And at the same time, submitting certificates from SSS na talagang updated talaga lahat ‘yung employers because all of their employees will be listed down in that particular certificate,” Edualino added.
He stated that with this requirement, it will be easier to determine if employers are fulfilling their obligations to their workers.
If they are not, employees can seek assistance from the city government, which will respond through a planned “Joint Validation Team” composed of representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Palawan, the City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the City Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), the City Legal Office, and other agencies.
“Doon sa isa-submit nilang documents certified by SSS para ma-renew ang kanilang mga business permit, doon makikita sa isa-submit nilang certificate kung andun ang pangalan ng nagse-search ng kanyang contribution. Kung wala, there’s an action that would be done by DOLE, together with BPLO and with the PESO,” he explained.
The Joint Validation Team will also conduct unannounced inspections of business establishments. I
f violations are found or responses do not match inspection findings, immediate action may be taken.
“So, ang intention ng ordinance na ito ay to empower DOLE, our BPLO and City PESO with the Joint Validation Team to check on the situation ng ating mga labor force o empleyado sa mga kompanya,” he said.
“Ito, kasama na ang ating BPLO at PESO kaya medyo gagaan siguro ang kalooban nila [employees] dahil alam nila na actions will be taken immediately once if there’s a complaint being filed and being heard also by the 2 departments. If ever there is a cause or found na medyo may violation, may due process naman base dito sa ordinance,” he asserted.
Under the proposed ordinance, violators will face a ₱3,000 fine and a written warning for the first offense, a ₱5,000 fine and 15-day suspension of their business permit for the second offense, and total disqualification from obtaining a business permit for the third offense.
The committee approval is only one step. The ordinance still needs to pass the full council and be signed by the mayor before it takes effect.
