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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOLE probes 98 BPOs for forcing employees to work during 'Uwan'

DOLE probes 98 BPOs for forcing employees to work during 'Uwan'

Published Nov 13, 2025 10:46 am
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has launched a probe into allegations that 98 business process outsourcing (BPO) companies forced their employees to report to work despite life-threatening conditions during Super Typhoon “Uwan.”
The move followed a formal complaint by the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN).
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the complaint cited reports of workers wading through floodwaters, enduring power outages, and facing threats of sanctions or forced leave deductions for staying home.
Regional offices have been instructed to investigate the allegations, meet with company management, and ensure that worker safety remains the top priority, Laguesma noted.
The agency’s probe began on Nov. 10 after BIEN’s Nov. 9 open letter initially flagged around 50 BPO sites.
The complaint has since expanded to 98 companies, prompting regional offices to verify the new allegations and gather additional details for proper action.
“All companies named will be given the opportunity to explain their side, consistent with due process,” Laguesma said, adding that inspections will be prioritized based on urgency but all will be scheduled.
BIEN is calling for immediate inspections and the automatic suspension of on-site work in areas affected by the storm.
The group also demanded guarantees that employees prioritizing their safety will not lose pay or face disciplinary measures, citing DOLE Order No. 238, Series of 2023, which allows labor organizations to participate in on-site inspections.
“These reports show many companies continue to prioritize business operations over worker safety,” BIEN National President Mylene Cabalona said.
“No worker should be punished for choosing to stay safe during a super typhoon,” she added, noting that similar incidents occurred during typhoon Tino and the 6.9-magnitude Cebu earthquake.
Super Typhoon “Uwan” caused widespread flooding, massive power outages, and prompted work and class suspensions across multiple regions earlier this week.
Meanwhile, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) defended its members, saying employers “operated within existing DOLE regulations” during the storm.
The group added that companies provided additional benefits and flexible arrangements for employees who opted to work onsite.

Related Tags

DOLE BPO industry worker safety Super Typhoon Uwan labor complaint BIEN
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