MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda on Monday called for stronger protection for workers who continue to sustain the economy during calamities, stressing the need for fair compensation, safe working arrangements, and adequate support for the added risks and expenses they face.
Legarda made the call following the release of the June 2026 Labor Force Survey, which showed that the number of employed Filipinos rose to 50.66 million. The services sector accounted for the largest share of employment at 62.7 percent, followed by the agriculture sector at 20 percent and the industry sector at 17.3 percent.
In a statement, Legarda cited workers in transport, food supply, healthcare, utilities, media, retail, construction, agriculture, education, public services, and other onsite sectors who continue to perform duties despite severe weather and transport disruptions.
"The discussion on protection should not be limited. We need to strengthen safety measures, emergency assistance, insurance, and social protection for all workers, regardless of the nature of their employment," she said.
The senator earlier filed Senate Bill 520 or the proposed Calamity Work Compensation Act, which would grant covered private-sector employees required to report onsite an additional 30 percent of their daily wage during Signal No. 3, No. 4, or No. 5, or an equivalent level of calamity.
The proposed additional compensation recognizes the additional burdens faced by workers, including limited transportation, increased commuting costs, restricted access to food and necessities, and heightened safety risks.
Legarda clarified that the measure does not encourage workers to put themselves in danger, nor does it replace hazard pay or any other legally mandated benefit.
The bill also allows employers to implement a Calamity Work Contingency Plan in lieu of monetary compensation, subject to the approval of the Department of Labor and Employment and the concurrence of workers’ representatives, where applicable.
Such arrangements may include safe transportation, food, temporary shelter, and occupational safety measures.
Legarda likewise underscored the need to strengthen protection for informal, platform-based, and self-employed workers, including delivery riders, drivers, vendors, and other daily earners whose livelihoods often require them to remain on the road or in public spaces despite dangerous weather.
She cited the recent death of a delivery rider in Antipolo City, who died after a tree and utility pole fell on him while he sought shelter amid heavy rain, as a painful reminder that worker protection must also extend to those outside traditional employer-employee arrangements.
Legarda said that worker protection must form part of disaster preparedness and climate adaptation, especially as extreme weather increasingly disrupts transport, workplaces, and livelihoods.
"A worker's safety should not be sacrificed for a day's wages. Every day—especially during times of calamity—it is essential to ensure everyone's dignity and protection, and to provide them with the assurance that they have something to lean on in times of need," she added.
