The Philippines Issues Guidance for Workplace Harassment Prevention and Weather-Related Work Suspensions

In the second half of 2026, the Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued advice regarding the suspension of work during weather emergencies as well as guidelines for the prevention of workplace harassment and violence.

Weather-related work suspensions

In August 2026, DOLE issued Labor Advisory No. 14, Series of 2026 on the suspension of work due to weather disturbances and similar events. Pertaining specifically to employers in the private sector, the advisory confirms that these organizations can suspend work to protect employee health and safety.

Employees who don’t work during such a suspension are not entitled to pay unless it’s required by a company policy or practice or a collective bargaining agreement. The advisory encourages private sector organizations to provide additional benefits to those who report to work during weather disturbances and other disruptive events.

Workplace harassment and violence

In July 2026, DOLE introduced guidelines for the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment in the workplace. Issued under Department Order No. 259-26, the guidelines concern workplace behaviors such as bullying, intimidation, exclusion, and other types of psychological harassment, and they apply to the physical workplace, online platforms, and other work-connected settings.

DOLE encourages employers in the Philippines to update their policies and mechanisms for preventing and addressing these kinds of behaviors. Those mechanisms should include reporting and grievance procedures, confidentiality safeguards, and coordination among relevant internal groups.

Source: Littler