According to a report by the “Philippine Star” on July 27, Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry Lopez and Philippine Secretary of Labor and Employment Bello recently signed a joint executive order to implement a new labor certification system in the garment industry. The detailed rules for the approval, suspension, and termination of labor standard recognition by various departments such as clothing manufacturers, exporters, and distributors are clearly stipulated. Lopez said that despite the changing global situation, both the goods production and service industries should always follow international labor standards. The introduction of this rule requires companies that want to enjoy tariff preferences through the EU and the United States’ Generalized System of Preferences for the Philippines to follow Philippine labor standards, provide workers with decent work and reasonable remuneration, and put an end to “sweatshops”. It is also President Duterte’s wish to ensure that Filipino workers at home and abroad can share in the fruits of their labor while contributing to economic growth. Rodolfo, Director of the Philippine Investment Agency, explained that since 2010, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor, together with the Tripartite Committee of the Philippine Garment and Textile Industry and other institutions, have held multiple coordination meetings to discuss employment standards. This rule was formulated by the Philippine government itself. It may arouse some doubts at the beginning of its implementation and think it is too strict. However, in the long run, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of workers will become the competitive advantage of Philippine enterprises. Philippines implements new labor certification system in garment industry
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