DOLE suspends labor inspections around Christmas

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment suspended routine labor inspections on Friday in an effort to avoid “temptations” that may turn the gift-giving season into a venue for corruption.

Routine inspection activities intended to ensure that labor standards followed in work places such as factories are suspended starting December 7, according to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

Baldoz specifically directed all DOLE regional directors to suspend all labor inspection activities in their areas, including the conduct of training and advisory visits and self-assessment activities.

“Inspection is suspended to avoid any activity that might lead to the abuse by the labor inspector of his inspection power during the Christmas holidays, such as bribery, soliciting gifts, or other forms of graft and corruption,” Baldoz said.

However, Baldoz said there are types of activities not covered by the suspension order. These include (1) compliance visits emanating from Single Entry Approach, referrals and complaints of labor law standards violations filed against an establishment; (2) technical safety inspections (i.e. mechanical equipment and electrical wiring installation); (3) assessment and certification of Philippine-registered ships engaged in domestic shipping; and (4) urgent compliance visits or Occupational Safety and Health Standards investigation due to compelling circumstances.

In the case of the fourth activity, the Regional Office concerned must first seek the approval of the labor secretary before any inspection may be conducted.

“During the suspension,” Baldoz said, “the Regional Offices shall dispose all pending labor standards cases in 2013. An inventory of cases shall be submitted to the Bureau of Working Conditions on or before 6 January 2014.”

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