If you’re working in the BPO industry, here’s some good news: Senator Camille Villar is pushing for stronger laws to make sure your safety always comes first, especially during disasters.
This comes after reports from Cebu, where several call center agents said they were told to report back to work shortly after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook the province. Some employees claimed they were even threatened with dismissal if they refused because of safety fears.
“No one should ever be forced to choose between their safety and their job,” Villar said, urging the Senate to pass her proposed measure soon.
The “BPO Workers’ Welfare and Protection Act”
Villar filed Senate Bill No. 1401, also known as the “BPO Workers’ Welfare and Protection Act,” to make sure every BPO worker is covered by clear and consistent safety rules.
The bill tasks the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) with creating strict safety guidelines for the entire BPO industry, based on standards from the International Labor Organization (ILO).
These national safety standards will be reviewed every year to keep up with changing work environments and ensure that every BPO site across the country stays compliant.
Safety Shouldn’t Be Optional
Under the proposed law, every BPO company must develop its own workplace safety policy, tailored to its specific location and conditions. This means companies must prepare for disasters, emergencies, and other risks—while making sure their rules still follow national standards.
Each plan must also be reviewed annually, with the help of employee representatives and safety officers, so workers have a say in how their safety is managed.
Senator Villar reminded everyone that the BPO industry, one of the biggest employers in the country, should not only help grow the economy but also protect the people who keep it running.
Because at the end of the day, no job is worth risking your life for.
