Safety checks pushed after Mindanao quake

MANILA, Philippines — Following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao on Monday, a major labor organization yesterday called on the government to inspect workplaces to ensure the protection of workers and first responders.

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other authorities to conduct urgent occupational safety and health inspections of all establishments, saying work should not resume in structures that have not been declared safe.

In a statement, the FFW said the protection of life must take priority over economic activity in the aftermath of a disaster.

“When a calamity strikes, the protection of human life must supersede all economic output,” the group said, calling for strict enforcement of safety standards and immediate hazard assessments in workplaces.

The FFW also said first responders and public sector workers deployed in rescue and relief operations must be given adequate protection.

“We urge the government to ensure the safety of first responders who are currently assisting in critical rescue and disaster management operations,” FFW vice president for research, advocacy and partnerships Julius Cainglet said.

The group also reminded employers to respect workers’ right to refuse unsafe labor, saying no employee should face fines for declining to enter unsafe or structurally compromised buildings.

“We are calling the attention of the regional directors of DOLE, safety officers and employers to issue work stoppage orders,” Cainglet said. “No worker should face administrative penalties, salary deductions, termination or any form of punishment for refusing to enter or work inside a building that has not yet been thoroughly inspected and officially declared safe.”

Maria Nelfa Bernudez, FFW vice president for Mindanao, said workplaces must be assessed immediately before operations resume.

“The earthquake has literally shaken up employees and workplaces, necessitating a pause from work as safety officers assess the extent of damage,” she said. “Workers’ lives, safety and health are the priority. Profits will have to wait.”

The group, which is part of the Workers’ Rights Watch network, also called on employees to report unsafe conditions and urged closer coordination among labor groups, employers and government agencies to ensure compliance with safety regulations in disaster-affected areas.

Tax deadline

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) extended the deadline for taxpayers in areas devastated by the earthquake to June 30.

In Revenue Memorandum Circular 62-2026, the BIR said the relief covers taxpayers in General Santos City, Sarangani and South Cotabato.

Tax deadlines between June 8 and 29 are moved to June 30, according to the circular.

The BIR said taxpayers covered by the circular would not be subjected to penalties, surcharges and interest, provided that the tax returns, payments and submissions are made within the extended period.