Davao City Councilor Pamela Librado-Morata has urged business process outsourcing (BPO) companies to uphold the safety, dignity, and rights of employees after the twin earthquakes that struck Davao City on October 10.
Librado-Morata, chair of the Committee on Civil, Political, and Human Rights, Labor and Employment, warned that a “business as usual” approach taken by some firms after the quakes put employees at risk.
In her October 21 privilege speech before the City Council, Librado-Morata revealed that some employees were ordered to return to offices before structural inspections were completed. Others working remotely were told to resume night shifts immediately, without compensation for lost internet or transport expenses.
With over 85,000 BPO workers in Davao, Librado-Morata said disaster protection is a duty, not a choice. “It’s mandated by law that workers have the right to go out if they feel that they are not safe in that place,” she emphasized. “As an employee, you can refuse to return to the building.”
To address the issue, she filed a resolution urging companies to adopt disaster-response protocols that guarantee hazard pay, transportation and internet reimbursements, and mental health support for affected employees. The councilor also plans to introduce a city ordinance that strengthens these safeguards during emergencies.
National push: Magna Carta for BPO workers refiled
Librado-Morata’s local appeal aligns with a national effort to refile the Magna Carta for BPO Workers, following reports that Cebu employees were forced to return to quake-damaged offices. The proposed bill establishes minimum labor standards, requires engineering safety clearances, and mandates emergency leave, medical care, and psychosocial support for affected workers.
A viral message, allegedly from a Cebu supervisor ordering staff to “log in ASAP or be tagged AWOL,” sparked public outrage and led to a cease-and-desist order from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma confirmed that complaints filed by the BPO Industry Employees’ Network (BIEN) revealed widespread gaps in disaster-preparedness plans. DOLE has since launched compliance inspections and dialogues with worker groups to strengthen monitoring efforts.
Balancing growth and protection
The 7.4- and 6.7-magnitude earthquakes that struck Davao and Cebu exposed inconsistencies in disaster protocols within the outsourcing industry. Labor advocates emphasize that Occupational Safety and Health compliance—covering evacuation, hazard assessment, and safety clearance—is essential to prevent future risks.
As the Philippines maintains its position as a global BPO leader, government officials agree that economic growth must never come at the expense of worker safety and dignity. The proposed Davao ordinance and Magna Carta aim to ensure that the industry’s progress is rooted in preparedness, fairness, and human welfare, especially during crises.
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Garcia, J. X., & Selda, M. A. (2025, October 6). DOLE halts Cebu BPO’s operations over safety violations. Business Mirror. Retrieved from https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/10/06/dole-halts-cebu-bpos-operations-over-safety-violations/
Shankar, P. (2025, October 10). Massive earthquakes in Philippines: What we know so far. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/10/tsunami-warning-after-7-4-earthquake-off-philippines-what-we-know
Sereno, N. (2025, October 4). Probe up vs BPO firms that forced employees to work after Cebu quake. GMA Regional TV. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/110592/probe-up-vs-bpo-firms-that-forced-employees-to-work-after-cebu-quake/story/
