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The Leaders Forum (LF) continues to demonstrate the transformative power of social dialogue in addressing labor challenges, influencing national policy, and fostering sustainable development. In 2024, the forum’s collective actions resulted in meaningful achievements, including the development of thematic policy subgroups, the release of a joint position on Freedom of Association (FOA), and groundbreaking collaboration on Just Transition.
Advancing freedom of association and strengthening EO 23
Discussions on Freedom of Association (FOA) remained a cornerstone of the Leaders Forum’s agenda this year. Following up on commitments made during the ILO High-Level Tripartite Mission (HLTM) in 2023, the forum played a pivotal role in operationalizing Executive Order No. 23 (EO 23), which established the Inter-Agency Committee for the Protection of Freedom of Association and the Right to Organize of Workers.
A pivotal meeting was held on Oct. 21, 2024, at Malacañang Palace, bringing together representatives from the Leaders Forum and the government. The meeting focused on enhancing tripartite engagement. The forum underscored the need for regular consultations between the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC), the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC), and the Leaders Forum. Participants agreed to quarterly interface meetings, demonstrating their dedication to transparency and trust-building. They emphasized that such engagements are vital for improving the Philippines’ labor reputation globally, particularly with the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The forum also tackled significant legislative gaps in labor rights, advocating for reforms to align Philippine policies with international standards. Labor leaders called for the urgent certification of three labor-related bills, focusing on simplifying union registration, defining essential services for jurisdictional purposes, and removing imprisonment penalties for illegal strikes. These long-stalled bills are critical for demonstrating the Philippines’ compliance with ILO conventions. While employers supported aligning with global labor norms, they stressed the importance of careful deliberation to balance labor rights with market stability and investor confidence.
Another key issue was the role of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in addressing labor-related violations. The LF highlighted the need for increased CHR funding to provide reparations and support for victims of labor-related violence. While the CHR acknowledged some progress, it reiterated the need for additional resources to effectively meet these demands.
The meeting also focused on the evolution of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Government representatives emphasized the task force’s shift from security-focused operations to a development-oriented approach. They discussed proposals to rebrand it as the National Coordinating Council for Unity, Peace, and Development, signaling its transition into a body aimed at fostering long-term community empowerment. Concerns, however, were raised about past allegations of red-tagging and union disaffiliation linked to the task force’s activities, stressing the need for strict adherence to freedom of association principles and calling for broader consultations to ensure transparency and alignment with labor standards.
The interface concluded with a commitment to improve follow-up mechanisms for addressing unresolved issues. DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma proposed holding the next interface meeting in January 2025 to maintain momentum and address outstanding concerns.
Through transparent dialogue, the Leaders Forum reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a future where labor rights, governance, and sustainable development converge to uplift workers, strengthen businesses, and benefit society.
Thematic subgroups for policy reform
In a strategic move to tackle pressing socio-economic issues, the Leaders Forum launched thematic subgroups in 2024, focusing on:
- Just Transition: Emphasized a "job-full" transition that leaves no one behind, focusing on creating enterprise-level agreements and promoting skills training. Advocated for green jobs and a realistic implementation of the PUV modernization program to safeguard livelihoods while modernizing public transport.
- Accessible Healthcare: Proposed reforms to the Universal Health Care Law to improve governance, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and expand preventive health systems. Called for decent working conditions for healthcare workers, particularly barangay front-liners, and highlighted the need to combat the brain drain in the sector.
- Lowering the Cost of Power: Advocated for transparency in power procurement processes and reforms to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). Promoted renewable energy solutions while ensuring affordability for small and medium enterprises.
- Traffic and Mass Transport: Highlighted the need for sustainable infrastructure, such as green buildings and mass transit systems, to reduce dependency on car-centric mobility. Recommended fast-tracking railway systems and ensuring decent working conditions for transport workers.
- Agro-Industrial Policy: Proposed integrating industrial and employment roadmaps, focusing on job creation and skills development. Stressed the importance of regional development, decentralization, and stronger ties with academic institutions for innovation and entrepreneurship.
These subgroups represent a shared commitment to addressing critical challenges through policy reform and action. The LF resolved to finalize its “Employer & Labor Accord on Social and Economic Sustainability,” integrating joint positions on these issues. Progress has been made, with two comprehensive policy papers—one on power costs and another on agro-industrial policy—nearing completion for submission to policymakers.
Groundbreaking partnership on just transition
Outside of the Leaders Forum, ECOP and the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) deepened their collaboration by signing the Bipartite Declaration on Just Transition. This historic agreement, the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, underscores bipartism as the cornerstone of efforts to transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
The declaration outlines commitments to:
- Form a national bipartite committee on Just Transition.
- Advocate for worker and employer representation in government-led Just Transition initiatives.
- Align efforts with ECOP’s Sustainability Roadmap and the Workers for Just Transition 13-Point Labor Agenda.
This partnership was celebrated during the National Conference on Just Transition, co-organized by ECOP and FFW with support from international partners, demonstrating how collaboration between labor and employers can drive equitable and sustainable development.
Continuous collaboration through joint statements and positions
Beyond these milestones, the LF released a joint statement celebrating the ratification of ILO Convention 190 (C190). Recognizing C190 as a cornerstone for addressing violence and harassment in the workplace, the LF commended the government and the Senate for this achievement, emphasizing C190’s comprehensive protection scope, particularly for women, as fundamental to creating safer, more productive workplaces.
The LF also released a joint position paper on the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), expressing concerns about its impact on jeepney operators, drivers, and their families. The LF pointed out that the program lacked meaningful consultation with stakeholders, contravening the principles of a just transition and risking significant economic and social disruptions.
The LF called for:
- A review of the PUVMP’s implementation to address its financial, legal, and social gaps.
- Support for local jeepney manufacturers to strengthen domestic production capacity.
- Subsidies and research initiatives to ensure the affordability of modernized vehicles for operators and drivers.
- Comprehensive skilling, reskilling, and social protection measures for transport workers impacted by the program.
This advocacy underscores the LF’s commitment to ensuring that modernization efforts are inclusive, sustainable, and grounded in social dialogue.
A year of progress and collaboration
2024 was a milestone year for the Leaders Forum, marked by bold actions, strengthened partnerships, and forward-looking policy reforms. The forum’s achievements highlight the importance of social dialogue in addressing labor challenges, promoting equitable policies, and preparing for the transition to a sustainable future.
Looking to 2025, the LF will focus on completing its policy papers, advancing its Just Transition agenda, and deepening bipartite collaboration to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Philippine labor landscape.
