QUEZON CITY – Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III lauded the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) for its inclusive provisions relating to labor and work practices during the 14th congressional hearing of the law at the House of Representatives.
In his message, Secretary Bello commended the BBL for providing protection against unfair labor practices and guaranteeing rights for every worker in the region.
“I am very glad that BBL has provisions to protect women, working youth, old workers, persons with disabilities that can be productive and can create business. It will give guarantee for equal rights at work and non-discrimination at the workplaces,” he said.
Secretary Bello also expressed his confidence that the BBL will comply with the country’s labor and employment principles.
“The BBL would guarantee compliance with fundamental principles of labor and employment. The (labor) rights are embedded in the Philippine Constitution and the labor laws. Examples are freedom of association, security of tenure of workers, right to self-organization and collective partnership, and equal access to work opportunities for all.”
The BBL, the labor secretary also explained, has mechanisms that will ensure swift resolution of disputes between the business-owners and laborers.
“I am glad that the Bangsamoro has a mechanism to resolve conflicts through conciliation, mediation, and voluntary arbitration instead of litigation,” the secretary said.
Bello assured that his agency will work hand in hand with the Bangsamoro government to ensure its success.
“The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is ready to provide assistance and inputs (to the Bangsamoro)”
The passage of BBL is part of the political track of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, signed in 2014 between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. It seeks to address the historical injustices committed against the Moro people.
