The Philippine government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding workers' rights as the country joined international discussions on the future of labor and employment at the 114th International Labor Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the country's participation reflects the administration's continuing efforts to protect the welfare, livelihood, and dignity of Filipino workers as the global labor landscape evolves. The conference brings together representatives from governments, employers, and workers to discuss pressing workplace concerns, including the growth of the platform economy, gender equality, and stronger cooperation among labor stakeholders.
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PH Supports New Labor Standards for Platform Workers
As digital jobs and app-based work continue to expand, the Philippines has emphasized the importance of ensuring that workers in these sectors receive adequate protection and support. Government officials noted that while platform-based employment creates new income opportunities, it also raises concerns regarding worker rights, benefits, and access to services.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the government is working to ensure that labor protections keep pace with emerging forms of employment. Among the initiatives being considered are a dedicated hotline for platform workers and stronger legal assistance mechanisms designed to help workers address labor-related concerns more efficiently.
“Workers’ dignity must remain at the center of our labor policies. Platform workers are workers; their contribution to the economy is real, and the protection they receive must be real as well,” Tolentino stressed.
During discussions on decent work in the platform economy, the Philippines expressed support for a proposed convention accompanied by a recommendation that would establish international labor standards while allowing countries flexibility in implementing them according to their own legal and economic conditions.
Focus on Social Protection and Worker Rights
The country also pushed for measures aimed at strengthening protections for platform workers, including improved access to remedies, broader social protection coverage, greater transparency in algorithm-driven management systems, and stronger social dialogue between workers, employers, and governments.
Philippine representatives emphasized the need for labor policies that can adapt to modern work arrangements while maintaining fair treatment and protections for workers. The government said it intends to continue collaborating with other member states in developing an international labor framework that is practical, balanced, and responsive to changing employment realities.
As more Filipinos turn to digital and platform-based jobs for income, stronger labor protections could help ensure better working conditions, access to support services, and greater job security. These efforts may benefit not only workers in the gig economy but also contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable labor market across the country.
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