Villar pushes bill to protect BPO workers during disasters

Senator Camille Villar has filed a bill strengthening protection for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) workers, following reports that Cebu-based firms forced employees to return to work after a recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Villar said no employee should have to choose between safety and livelihood. 

“The welfare of our BPO employees must always come first,” she stressed.

Her proposed measure, Senate Bill No. 1401 or the BPO Workers’ Welfare and Protection Act, directs the Department of Labor and Employment to enforce stricter occupational health and safety standards for the outsourcing sector, in line with International Labor Organization guidelines.

The bill also requires BPO firms to craft their own safety policies, reviewed annually with worker participation, and bans excessive company bonds and discriminatory practices.

“BPO workers are at the frontline of our global service industry. Protecting their welfare means protecting the dignity of Filipino labor and ensuring shared prosperity,” said Villar.IMT