Senator Raffy Tulfo called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to take stronger action against the continued illegal practice known as the “5-5-5” scheme, which some employers use to evade employee regularization and deny workers the benefits and security they are entitled to.
During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development which he chairs, Tulfo said he has received numerous complaints from workers regarding the scheme.
The legislator added that he has personally spoken with affected employees during previous ocular inspections of manufacturing companies.
“Talamak pa rin ang 5-5-5 scheme sa mga kumpanya, lalo na sa fast food at manufacturing industries.”
“Talamak pa rin ang 5-5-5 scheme sa mga kumpanya, lalo na sa fast food at manufacturing industries. Ang siste, magha-hire sila ng empleyado at pagdating ng ika-limang buwan ay sisibakin ang mga ito at muling ire-rehire para hindi ma-regularize at magkaroon ng benepisyo,” the legislator said.
The senator questioned DOLE’s enforcement of labor laws: “Why are you allowing this to happen?”
DOLE Assistant Secretary Benedicto Bitonio Jr. said that existing rules already prohibit such practices and assured that the department conducts inspections upon receiving complaints.
However, Tulfo stressed that enforcement on the ground remains insufficient, noting that the illegal practice continues to persist.
“Ang problema sa inyong mga taga-DOLE, kung mag-inspect man kayo, nakatakip ang mga mata ninyo at paglabas ng compound may bitbit na kayong envelope.”
“Ang problema sa inyong mga taga-DOLE, kung mag-inspect man kayo, nakatakip ang mga mata ninyo at paglabas ng compound may bitbit na kayong envelope,” he said.
Tulfo also pointed out that inspectors often limit their engagement to company management and human resources personnel, allowing violations to go undetected.
“Ang nangyayari, kapag pumapasok kayo sa kumpanya, ang kinakausap niyo lang ay HR at management. Kaya kapag may violation, nakakalusot. Why not talk to the workers?” he added.
Tulfo urged DOLE to impose sanctions on erring inspectors, particularly those who fail to perform their duties diligently or who conspire to conceal illegal activities.
“Gusto ko na may ma-sampolan—either sibak o kasuhan. Only then saka titino ang ilang inspectors. Sa ngayon kasi walang napapanagot, kaya tuloy-tuloy ang mga paglabag,” he concluded.
