CA confirms Laguesma as DOLE secretary

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointments (CA) yesterday confirmed the ad interim appointment of Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, who said that the work-from-home (WFH) setup could be the new normal.

Laguesma said the telecommuting arrangement between the two parties is voluntary, and that both employees and employers should agree on the terms and conditions of the work arrangement.

He added that the revised implementing rules and regulations tries to reduce friction points between employees and employers.

Sen. Imee Marcos lauded the DOLE for coming out with Department Order 237 or the revised implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11165, otherwise known as the Telecommuting Act, which polishes WFH arrangements or alternative workplace arrangements.

Marcos said the department order was issued right after last week’s meeting of the powerful body. She agreed that the terms and conditions of telecommuting or WFH arrangement should be agreed upon by employer and employee.

“We all know that this is a new normal. We all understand that this is a work in progress and that we are working towards a mandatory regulatory framework,” Marcos said.

Bacolod City Rep. Greg Gasataya, chairman of the CA committee on labor, employment, social welfare and migrant workers, sponsored the committee’s recommendation to approve Laguesma’s appointment during the plenary session.

Vouching for Laguesma’s public record, Gasataya recalled Laguesma’s stint as contractual mediator and arbiter under the administration of the father and namesake of President Marcos, and his experience as chief of the labor department during the administration of former president Joseph Estrada.

Gasataya also acknowledged Laguesma’s involvement in various socio-economic activities which showed his value for service, integrity, and peace, thus he can also provide opportunities to Filipinos here and abroad.

“I firmly believe that Atty. Laguesma, beyond his merit and fitness, has the heart and character to promote and protect labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized... full employment opportunity for all,” he said.

Even Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, chairman of the CA, manifested that the Labor secretary is “very qualified” for the post: “In my opinion, we are fortunate to have him come out of retirement to serve once again the Filipino people in his capacity, being the secretary of DOLE.”

“In this time, in the post-pandemic era, he is the same person that we need who can help heal the labor sector as well as be the shot in the arm that our country needs for the labor and employment to be infused back into our economy, into our country,” Zubiri added.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros asked Laguesma on DOLE’s plans under his administration to support a measure that seeks to protect the rights and welfare of workers in the gig economy, which covers delivery riders and other freelancers.

Hontiveros said gig workers are the unsung heroes of society and the lifeline to food, groceries and other essentials during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Given their contribution to our collective well-being, as well as the risks and hardships they endure on our behalf, I believe it is high time to enact legislation establishing a social safety net for gig economy workers,” Hontiveros said.

Laguesma, in his response, said they are willing to support proposals that would benefit gig workers and even suggested the inclusion of online traders.

Meanwhile, organized labor yesterday expressed willingness to work with Laguesma.

Federation of Free Workers (FFW) president Sonny Matula said workers are committed to work with Laguesma “in the spirit of social dialogue anchored on social justice.”

“It is principled collaboration. FFW will cooperate with him in generating decent jobs and empowering workers thru union organizing and collective bargaining negotiation,” Matula said in a statement.

According to Matula, workers were elated to hear the confirmation of Laguesma.

“The good secretary is more than qualified for the job and we hope that he will be equal to the new challenges confronting his department and its partners: the workers, employers and the public,” Matula said.

FFW members are set to meet for a dialogue with Laguesma this afternoon. – Mayen Jaymalin