Senator Loren Legarda on Monday, June 23 urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to immediately execute labor reforms to reverse the Philippines’ inclusion in the International Trade Union Confederation’s (ITUC) list of the “10 worst countries for workers.”

Legarda noted the Philippine has been included in the list for the ninth straight year.

“This should not be taken lightly. Our international standing when it comes to labor rights is a reflection of our domestic realities,” Legarda said.

“Workers are the backbone of our economy, and the consistent red-flagging by global monitors means we still have deep institutional gaps to fill,” she added.

In including the Philippines, the ITUC Global Rights Index 2025 cited the widespread violations of labor rights and the persistence of violence, threats, and union-busting practices in the country.

Labor watchdogs have also pointed out to the lack of enforcement of labor protections, the suppression of union activities, and the failure to resolve longstanding complaints.

To address this, Legarda said DOLE should start a systematic, multi-agency analysis of labor rights gaps, particularly those highlighted in the ITUC report, and to identify which government agencies are best positioned to address specific areas of concern, whether in enforcement, protection, grievance mechanisms, or legal reform.

She also stressed the need for a targeted and coordinated approach that avoids duplication and ensures accountability.

Also, Legarda stressed that the persistent red-tagging and demonization of legitimate labor movements must not be used to suppress dissent or collective action, as doing so erodes democratic safeguards and deepens mistrust.

The senator said she will ask DOLE to submit a clear set of labor reform priorities to Congress as soon as possible to ensure responsive legislative and budgetary support.

“DOLE must proactively engage the labor movement and steer conversations toward key policy priorities. It is through genuine, coordinated dialogue that we can craft reforms grounded in the realities faced by our workers,” the senator said.

“We cannot afford to let another year pass—not because of the label we’ve been given, but because we owe it to every Filipino worker whose rights and dignity demand protection,” Legarda reiterated.