Cavite 1st District Representative Jolo Revilla has thrown his support behind Acting Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino’s plan to reinforce the country’s labor inspection system by hiring more personnel to enforce labor laws and safeguard workers’ rights.
Revilla, the chairperson of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, promised to champion the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) push for an expanded personnel budget to fix the agency’s critical shortage of active field inspectors.
Data from DOLE reveals that while the agency officially has 1,210 labor inspectors, a mere 447 are actually deployed to inspect workplaces across 13 regional offices.
“The figure speaks for itself. While DOLE may have 1,210 labor inspectors on paper, only 447 are actively conducting inspections in workplaces across the 13 regions. That number cannot be expected to effectively monitor the thousands of establishments operating nationwide. If we want stronger enforcement of labor laws, we must provide DOLE with the manpower and resources necessary to do its job,” Revilla said.
Protecting Workers and Promoting Fair Play
The lawmaker stressed that a robust workforce of inspectors is vital for the proper execution of labor laws, safety protocols, and workplace guidelines.
“Labor inspectors are the frontline guardians of workers’ rights. They ensure compliance with labor standards, occupational safety requirements, and workplace regulations. Their work helps protect workers from abuse while promoting a culture of compliance among employers,” Revilla stated.
He further noted that intensifying inspections will create a level playing field that rewards law-abiding companies.
“Responsible employers should welcome stronger enforcement because it promotes fair competition and discourages those who cut corners at the expense of workers,” the solon explained.
Collaborative Solutions for Staffing Shortages
To resolve the personnel deficit, Tolentino previously suggested partnering with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to train a new wave of labor inspectors.
Revilla assured that his committee will work hand-in-hand with DOLE during the upcoming congressional budget deliberations to address these staffing gaps.
“With Secretary Tolentino’s leadership and the support of Congress, we have an opportunity to strengthen labor standards enforcement and build a safer, fairer, and more productive work environment for every Filipino worker,” Revilla added.