A rare coalition of labor unions and business groups has urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to step up efforts to protect workers’ freedom of association, arguing that stronger labor rights enforcement is crucial not only for constitutional compliance but also for economic stability and investor confidence.
In an open letter dated May 28, the Leaders Forum called for more coordinated government action, stronger accountability mechanisms, and clearer measures of progress in enforcing labor protections.
The coalition brings together some of the country’s largest employer and worker organizations, including the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Federation of Free Workers and Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa.
The group acknowledged reforms already undertaken by the government, including Executive Order No. 23, but said success should be measured through “tangible and time-bound results,” backed by transparent reporting and regular consultations with labor and business stakeholders.
The coalition also sought safeguards in the implementation of Executive Order No. 97 to ensure consistency with constitutional rights and international labor standards. It warned against practices such as red-tagging, profiling, and surveillance of legitimate labor organizations.
The Leaders Forum further called for a transparent review of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, citing concerns over its impact on union activities and industrial relations.
It also pressed authorities to promptly investigate allegations of violence, harassment, and extrajudicial killings involving workers and trade unionists.
“The protection of freedom of association and the rule of law is essential not only for rights protection, but also for sustainable growth, industrial peace, social stability, and investor confidence,” the coalition said.
