WITH the State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines now lifted, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is urging private companies to consider reviewing their existing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) programs and policies.
Based on Labor Advisory No. 23-2023, DOLE is urging companies to have their COVID-19 policies updated in accordance with the latest developments on the former health crisis.
“Employers and employees have a shared responsibility to ensure safe and healthy working conditions,” said DOLE.
“The Safety and Health Committee shall review, evaluate, and update their occupational safety and health program,” it added.
The agency policies must be guided by the protocols on masking, good hygiene, frequent handwashing and sanitation, observance of physical distancing, good ventilation, quarantine, isolation, and vaccination in accordance with the latest Department of Health policies.
The DOLE said the cost of preventive and control measures for workplace illnesses and diseases, such as workplace sanitation and hygiene facilities, shall be borne by the employer.
It said employers must also continue to promote vaccination among all employees, including contractors’ deployed workers, and their families.
It stressed that any employee who refuses or fails to get vaccinated should not be discriminated against in terms of tenure, promotion, training, pay, and other benefits, among others, or terminated from employment.
The DOLE said all employers and employees may also agree to the provision of sick leave benefits, access to medical insurance coverage, any assistance during isolation, paid leave for vaccination, and other benefits unless there are more favorable existing company policies, rules, regulations, and provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
DOLE issued the labor advisory two months after President Marcos lifted the State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19.
