Cebu: 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.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo, who visited Cebu after the quake, stated that the erring companies and those responsible should face legal consequences for prioritizing profit over employee safety. He emphasized the need for accountability, expressing his desire for these companies and involved individuals to face charges due to their alleged prioritization of profit over the lives and safety of their workers.
He referenced Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Labor Advisory 17, series of 2022, which mandates employers to prioritize worker safety and prohibits penalties for absences caused by calamities. Additionally, he cited Department Order 252, series of 2025, allowing workers to refuse work if imminent danger exists.
BPO Industry Employees Network - Cebu spokesperson Kyle Enero commented on the 'business-as-usual' mindset of some firms during disasters, describing it as reflective of 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 also mentioned that the regional office would inspect 23 more BPO companies in Cebu for potential labor and safety violations.
On Oct. 6, Tulfo filed Senate Resolution 149, directing the Senate Committee on Labor to establish mechanisms to protect BPO workers during calamities and emergencies while ensuring compliance with labor and occupational safety laws.
