CALL FOR REFORM: LABOR LAW EXPERT URGES AMENDMENT OF OUTDATED PROVISIONS IN PH’S LABOR CODE

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Some provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines should be amended to reflect societal changes, according to University of Makati School of Law Associate Dean and labor law expert Atty. Cecilio Duka.

“I believe it’s necessary, and in my opinion, long overdue. The Labor Code is 50 years old and is still based on the 1973 Constitution. When the 1987 Constitution was enacted, the Labor Code was not revised,” Duka said in an interview with DWIZ about the need to amend the Labor Code.

“The Labor Code seems outdated and not in line with the current situation of Filipinos, given its age. Therefore, revising the Labor Code should be prioritized,” the law professor added.

Duka emphasized the importance of revising the Labor Code as it serves as the primary protection for workers in the country.

“It is the only law that specifies the rights of workers. While there are economic provisions for investment, labor-related issues seem to have been neglected,” the labor law expert explained.

Labor Day in the Philippines is celebrated every May 1.

(el Amigo/MNM)