PBBM’s new EO beefs up workers’ rights, freedom to form union

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

Signed on Monday, the order adopts the Omnibus Guidelines on the Exercise of Freedom of Association and Civil Liberties, directing government agencies to protect workers’ rights in line with the Constitution and international labor standards. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order (EO) No. 97, reinforcing workers’ rights to freely form unions, join associations, and engage in peaceful concerted activities without fear of harassment.

Signed on Monday, the order adopts the Omnibus Guidelines on the Exercise of Freedom of Association and Civil Liberties, directing government agencies to protect workers’ rights in line with the Constitution and international labor standards.

It also responds to the recommendations of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) High-Level Tripartite Mission (HLTM), which raised concerns over violence, red-tagging, and suppression of trade union rights.

The HLTM also recommended immediate and effective actions, including the prevention of violence related to legitimate union activities; investigation and accountability for acts of violence against union members; the operationalization of monitoring bodies; and assurance that all workers, without distinction, can freely form and join organizations of their choice.

To address the HLTM’s recommendations, the President created the Inter-Agency Committee for the Protection of the Freedom of Association and Right to Organize of Workers in 2023 to take all necessary measures to address the four identified areas of concern.

Under EO 97, key agencies—including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Justice, Department of National Defense, Department of Trade and Industry, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Security Council—are tasked to align their policies and operations with the guidelines.

The DOLE, through the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, will monitor implementation and compliance, while the Inter-Agency Committee created in 2023 will provide periodic reports to the Office of the President.

Government agencies are also required to incorporate the guidelines into their training, operations, and informational materials to ensure uniform application.

Local government units and the private sector are encouraged to extend full cooperation.