Labor groups hit DEFA secrecy

Labor groups on Sunday criticized the government for failing to ensure transparency in the signing of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro) described the signing as “a serious failure of democratic accountability,” saying Filipinos were not given the opportunity to examine the agreement, debate its implications or meaningfully participate in decisions shaping the country’s digital future.

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG) echoed the concerns, citing the lack of public consultations, disclosure of negotiating texts and clear safeguards for workers.

“No meaningful consultation. No adequate disclosure of negotiating texts. No clear guarantees for workers’ rights. Yet ASEAN governments are pushing forward with an agreement that could reshape the future of platform work across Southeast Asia,” KAGULONG said.