Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III urged employers to implement flexible work arrangements or temporary breaks to protect workers from extreme heat.
“Dapat nating tiyakin na ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng ating mga manggagawa ay hindi isinasakripisyo. Ang kanilang kapakanan at kalusugan ay dapat laging pangunahing isinasaalang-alang,” said Pimentel.
The Department of Health (DOH) warned that extreme heat can have serious health effects. Heat exhaustion causes weakness, heavy sweating, and dizziness, while heat cramps result from electrolyte loss, leading to muscle pain. The most dangerous is heat stroke, which can cause seizures, unconsciousness, and even death if untreated.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that heat index levels are rising nationwide, putting outdoor and field workers at greater risk.
“May mga pamilya silang umaasa sa kanila. Kung palalabasin pa sila sa matinding sikat ng araw ay maaaring magdulot ng panganib sa kanilang buhay at kaligtasan,” the lawmaker said.
He suggested studying measures from other countries, like the UAE, which limits working hours during extreme heat. As a solution, he proposed flexible work arrangements, such as shorter outdoor shifts, adequate rest breaks, and remote work for those who don’t need to be on-site.
Rest breaks alone aren’t enough, Pimentel stressed. Employers, he added, must provide proper shelters with shade and ventilation where workers can recover safely and comfortably.
“Dapat magkaroon ng pagpupulong o koordinasyon ang Department of Labor and Employment sa pribadong sektor upang ipatupad ang katulad na polisiya. Kailangang may pansamantalang pahinga sa trabaho o sapilitang rest period kapag umabot na sa mapanganib na antas ang heat index,” according to him.IMT
