MANILA, Philippines — Workers in the private sector may refuse to work when weather disturbances and similar events pose an imminent danger to their safety and health without facing administrative sanctions, the Department of Labor and Employment said.
DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino signed Labor Advisory 14, Series of 2026, on Aug. 19, updating the guidelines on the suspension of work in the private sector during weather disturbances and similar occurrences.
Under the updated rules, employers may suspend work as part of their management prerogative, in coordination with their safety and health committee, safety officer or other responsible company officer, to protect workers from hazards brought by severe weather and other disruptive events.
The advisory specifically provides that workers who fail or refuse to report for work because of an imminent danger arising from such occurrences “shall not be subject to any administrative sanction.”
The DOLE said workers who do not report for work due to a suspension of operations are generally not entitled to their regular pay, unless a company policy, established practice or collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise. Employees may also use their accrued leave credits, subject to the employer’s approval.
Workers who report for duty and render at least six hours of work during a weather disturbance are entitled to their full regular pay. Those who work for less than six hours shall receive proportionate pay, without prejudice to more favorable company policies or practices.
Employers may also grant additional incentives or benefits to employees who report for work during weather disturbances and similar occurrences.