Sen. Raffy Tulfo has called for the filing of cases against several business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in Cebu for allegedly endangering employees during the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province.
At a Senate Committee on Labor hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 7, Tulfo said some BPO firms reportedly blocked emergency exits and forced workers to resume operations immediately after the tremor, disregarding their safety.
“Over the weekend, I went to Cebu to extend help to the victims of the earthquake and saw the suffering of our kababayans. It angered me to learn that some companies forced their employees to continue working despite the quake, and even blocked emergency exits,” Tulfo said in Filipino.
The senator condemned the alleged actions as “putting profit over people,” adding that those responsible should face legal consequences.
Tulfo cited Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Labor Advisory No. 17, Series of 2022, which mandates companies to prioritize worker safety during calamities and prohibits penalties against employees unable to report for work due to hazardous conditions.
He also referred to DOLE Department Order No. 252, Series of 2025, which upholds workers’ right to refuse work when facing imminent danger without threat or reprisal.
“Anong silbi ng mga advisory na ‘to kung hindi naman natin maipapatupad? Dapat may parusa ang mga kumpanyang lumalabag sa DOLE Orders at Advisories,” he said.
BPO Industry Employees’ Network–Cebu spokesperson Kyle Enero criticized what he described as a “business-as-usual” mindset among some firms, saying this was not the first instance of BPO workers being forced to work during disasters.
In response, DOLE Region VII director Roy L. Buenafe reported that his office has already investigated and issued work stoppage orders to six Cebu-based BPO firms: Iploy OPC, Optum Global Solutions, EXL Services, Alorica, Gagfa IT Tower, and Teleperformance IT Park Cebu.
He added that two of the six companies have since complied with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) requirements. The regional office also plans to inspect 23 more BPO firms in Cebu over reported OSH and labor violations.
Tulfo earlier filed Senate Resolution No. 149 on October 6, calling for an inquiry to ensure the protection of BPO workers’ rights during calamities and emergencies.
