Labor dept. concerned over creation of JIPCO

February 19, 2020

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is concerned over the establishment of the Joint Industrial Peace and Concern Office (JIPCO) at the Clark Freeport Zone as it poses a threat to rights of workers in economic and freeport zones.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) put up JIPCO at the Clark Freeport Zone last month.

“We express serious concern with the establishment of such structure within special economic and freeport zones in view of its labor and economic impact considering that the effective exercise of freedom of association and collective bargaining contribute to the sustainment of industrial peace and inclusive growth," said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said. 

Bello expressed the sentiment in separate letters to PNP Chief Gen. Archie Gamboa and Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Charito Plaza.

According to Bello, the government has a commitment to promote and protect workers' rights. 

Foremost of the reasons, he said, is the provision under the Joint DOLE-PNP-PEZA Guidelines in the conduct of PNP personnel, economic zone police and security guards, company security guards and similar personnel during labor disputes, issued on May 23, 2011. 

Bello also cites provisions of the guidelines on the conduct of the DOLE, DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) , DND (Department of National Defense), DOJ ( Department of Justice), AFP ( Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP relative to exercise of workers’ right and activities, which was issued on May 7, 2012.

"We are reminding the PNP and PEZA that workers' rights are recognized and protected under the guidelines formulated by DOLE along with various government agencies relating to their respective roles in the exercise of workers' right to freedom of association, collective bargaining, right to concerted action, and other trade union activities," said the DOLE head. 

He also pointed how the Philippines wants to maintain its ratification of all eight International Labor Organization (ILO) fundamental conventions, including Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention. 

In fact, Bello said the EU Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance (GSP+) assessment has concluded that structures and necessary policy and legal frameworks are in place in the country to ensure the application of labor standards.

"The establishment of JIPCO, however, could bring the country under scrutiny," Bello noted.

Last month, the PNP and PEZA launched the JIPCO at the Clark Freeport Zone in a bid to supposedly prevent labor groups from organizing workers' union in factories and other business establishments. DMS