House labor panel approves bills on wages, worker safety, protections

The House Committee on Labor and Employment, chaired by Rep. Ramon Jolo Revilla III, approved several labor reform measures on Wednesday aimed at raising worker pay, strengthening occupational safety, and expanding labor protections.

The panel also took up additional proposals intended to improve employment services and protect emerging sectors of the workforce.

Revilla said the committee’s actions reflect the House of Representatives’ continuing effort to respond to both long-standing and emerging labor concerns, particularly those affecting minimum wage earners, frontline workers, and employees in high-risk and nontraditional work environments.

Among the measures approved was a consolidated substitute bill seeking to institutionalize a National Minimum Wage, merging several proposals designed to ensure a fair and adequate baseline income for Filipino workers nationwide.

The committee also approved bills and resolutions strengthening occupational safety and health standards, particularly during climate-related events, disasters, and emergency situations, as well as a measure granting survivorship benefits to officials of the National Labor Relations Commission.

Also approved was a resolution urging the Philippine Statistics Authority to recognize virtual assistants, online freelancers, and remote workers as a distinct labor category to support data-driven policymaking in the digital economy.

The panel likewise deliberated on a bill establishing a provincial office of the Department of Labor and Employment in Dinagat Islands to improve access to labor services in geographically isolated areas.

Several measures seeking to protect the welfare of Business Process Outsourcing workers were also discussed, including proposals ensuring fair working conditions, recognition of labor rights under the Labor Code, and stronger safeguards for employees in the BPO sector.

The committee further took up proposed amendments to the Public Employment Service Office Act, including measures to institutionalize job placement offices in higher education institutions and strengthen employment facilitation mechanisms nationwide.

“These measures—whether approved or under deliberation—address real and present challenges faced by Filipino workers, from wages and safety to access to jobs and government services,” Revilla said.

The approved bills are expected to be transmitted to the plenary for further consideration, while the other measures will continue to undergo committee scrutiny as part of the House’s broader labor reform agenda.