230 MEZ workers on forced leave

CEBU, Philippines — Around 230 workers of a locator inside the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) in Lapu-Lapu City have been placed on indefinite forced leave due to supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The reported work disruption at Cebu Toyo Corporation has prompted labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) to call for an expanded and improved government emergency employment program, amid concerns of possible wider job losses tied to global supply chain tensions.

The group warned that the situation could signal the beginning of more employment cuts in export-oriented industries.

“We fear that the indefinite forced leave is a step towards eventual retrenchment for the workers. Further, the mass layoff may just be the first wave of war-related terminations,” said Dennis Derige, spokesperson of PM Cebu chapter and vice chair of the Regional 7 Industrial Tripartite Peace Council.

Cebu Toyo Corporation, which manufactures optical lenses for electronic products, operates at MEZ 2 in Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

Derige said company management attributed the move to supply chain disruptions caused by tensions in the Middle East.

PM said it is assisting affected workers and coordinating with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for dialogue and possible intervention.

The group also urged the government to strengthen its emergency employment program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), saying its current implementation is limited and vulnerable to political influence.

“This is a test case of the emergency powers granted to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. With great power comes great responsibility. We demand an urgent response from the President’s alter ego in the DOLE,” Derige said.

PM criticized TUPAD as too narrow in scope and allegedly entangled in patronage politics, calling for a redesigned public employment program based on a national registry of beneficiaries rather than political distribution.

The group also proposed extending the duration of paid work under emergency employment schemes to as long as 100 days, and shifting focus toward climate-related jobs instead of traditional community work.

In addition, PM called on the regional wage board to fast-track deliberations on a pending ?100 wage increase petition filed by labor unions, arguing that current economic conditions warrant immediate adjustments.

With Labor Day approaching, the group is pushing for expanded government assistance, a legislated wage hike, and a more independent foreign policy stance amid global conflicts affecting local employment.

“The Philippines should add its voice to the call for an end to the war and a new rules-based international order based on respect for sovereignty and development,” Derige added.- FPL (CEBU NEWS)