Senator Loren Legarda on Monday urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to lead urgent and measurable labor reforms after the Philippines was listed for the ninth straight year among the “10 worst countries for workers” by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

“This should not be taken lightly. Our international standing when it comes to labor rights is a reflection of our domestic realities,” Legarda said.

The ITUC’s 2025 Global Rights Index cited widespread violations, including violence, threats, and union-busting. Labor groups pointed to weak enforcement and unresolved complaints.

“Workers are the backbone of our economy, and the consistent red-flagging by global monitors means we still have deep institutional gaps to fill,” she added.

Legarda called for a multi-agency review to address specific rights violations and for DOLE to submit reform priorities with clear timelines to Congress. She also condemned red-tagging of labor groups, warning it undermines democratic safeguards.

“DOLE must proactively engage the labor movement and steer conversations toward key policy priorities,” she said.

Legarda previously sponsored the ratification of ILO Convention 151 and has authored labor-related laws including the Magna Carta of the Poor, Expanded Maternity Leave Law, and Green Jobs Act.

“We cannot afford to let another year pass... we owe it to every Filipino worker whose rights and dignity demand protection,” she said.