THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) is seeking P47.057 billion for 2027, about P14.1 billion below the P61.2-billion budget it received under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
It was flagged by House budget sponsor Aurora Rep. Rommel Rico Teh Angara, who called for the restoration of the funding reductions, warning that the lower allocation could affect Dole’s delivery of labor and employment services.
Employment programs, skills development and worker-protection services were among the areas that could be affected by the reduced allocation, Angara was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Dole.
The budget deliberations also covered the need to prepare workers for changing workplace demands, including potential displacement in the business-process outsourcing sector as artificial intelligence adoption expands.
Upskilling initiatives were raised as part of the government’s response to the possible disruption of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) jobs.
Labor inspection also figured in the discussions, with lawmakers raising the need to increase the number of labor inspectors in line with International Labor Organization Convention 81.
Angara also cited Dole’s request for an additional P75 million for the Labor Attorneys’ Office and the National Academy for Labor Justice to strengthen legal assistance for workers.
Other programs discussed included Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad), the Single Entry Approach, occupational safety and health compliance in economic zones, the Social Amelioration Program for sugar workers and the welfare of workers aboard commercial fishing vessels.
Wage Order 27, likewise, remained a key issue during the deliberations, with Angara reaffirming Dole’s position to uphold the wage order while its implementation is being litigated.
‘Hindi po binibitawan ng Dole ang Wage Order 27. Ipinaglalaban po ito ng ating Secretary at ng Solicitor General sa korte,’ Angara said.
He said Wage Order 28 was intended to provide immediate economic relief while the judicial process over Wage Order 27 continues.
Angara also clarified that the P60 wage increase under Wage Orders 27 and 28 is identical and does not reduce workers’ wages.