Business chambers, labor groups press Marcos to defend freedom of association, other labor rights

BUSINESS and labor groups jointly urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to strengthen protections for freedom of association and labor rights, citing the need for stronger accountability and policy coherence.

In an open letter issued on May 28, the Leaders Forum — composed of major employers’ and workers’ organizations — urged the government to ensure the effective implementation of policies protecting workers’ rights and freedoms.

“We acknowledge the steps taken by the government, particularly the issuance of Executive Order No. 23, in response to the recommendations of the ILO High-Level Tripartite Mission (HLTM),” they said in the letter.

“However, in light of continuing reports of violence, intimidation, and alleged extrajudicial killings involving workers and trade unionists, we respectfully convey that stronger, more coherent, and demonstrably effective action is urgently required,” they added.

The statement was signed by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Federation of Free Workers, and Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa.

In September, Mr. Marcos signed Executive Order No. 97, which adopted omnibus guidelines on the exercise of freedom of association and civil liberties and directed government agencies to safeguard workers’ rights to organize, form unions and engage in peaceful concerted activities.

The order built on Executive Order No. 23, issued in 2023, which created the Inter-Agency Committee for the Protection of the Freedom of Association and Right to Organize of Workers, to address concerns raised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) over reported incidents of violence, red-tagging and suppression of trade union rights.

The Leaders Forum said the implementation of EO No. 97 should remain fully consistent with constitutional guarantees and international labor standards, while reiterating its call for a serious and transparent review of the continued operation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The groups also called for the “credible, impartial, and expeditious investigation and prosecution of all cases involving violence against workers and trade unionists, including alleged extrajudicial killings.”

According to the letter, protecting freedom of association and upholding the rule of law are essential not only for the protection of rights but also for sustainable economic growth, social stability, and international credibility.

The Leaders Forum added that stronger safeguards for labor rights would help reinforce Philippine commitments under both domestic law and international labor obligations.

“We respectfully seek your leadership in ensuring that these commitments translate into real, measurable, and lasting change,” they said. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking