President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order (EO) No. 97, reinforcing workers’ rights to freely form unions, join associations, and engage in peaceful concerted activities without fear of harassment.
Signed on Monday, the EO adopts the Omnibus Guidelines on the Exercise of Freedom of Association and Civil Liberties, directing government agencies to safeguard labor rights in line with the Constitution and international standards.
The measure responds to recommendations of the International Labour Organization’s High-Level Tripartite Mission, which flagged cases of violence, red-tagging, and suppression of trade union rights in the country.
To address these concerns, EO 97 tasks agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Justice, Department of National Defense, Department of Trade and Industry, the AFP, PNP, and the National Security Council to align policies and operations with the guidelines.
The DOLE, through the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, will oversee implementation and compliance, while the Inter-Agency Committee created in 2023 will submit regular reports to the Office of the President.
Government agencies are also mandated to integrate the guidelines into training, operations, and informational materials, with LGUs and the private sector encouraged to extend full support.