Laguesma gets CA nod as labor secretary

THE Commission on Appointments yesterday confirmed the appointment of Bienvenido Laguesma as secretary of the Department of Labor, a development welcomed by the Federation of Free Workers.

Before getting the nod of the 24-member CA committee on labor, employment, social welfare and migrant workers, Laguesma was asked to explain the department’s stand on gig workers who became the “lifeline” of delivery of food, groceries, and other essentials during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Laguesma said the department is willing to support proposals that will give gig workers benefits like regular employees.

He said the department will also support measures seeking to protect the rights and welfare of the gig economy, which includes delivery riders, other freelance workers, and online traders.

“The good secretary is more than qualified for the job, and we hope that he will be equal to the new challenges confronting his department and its partners: the workers, employers, and the public,” said FFF President Sonny Matula.

Sen. Imee Marcos lauded the Labor Department for coming out with Department Order 237 or the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 11165 or the Telecommuting Act, which polished work-from-home arrangement or alternative workplace arrangements.

Laguesma said the WFH arrangement is the “new normal” due to the pandemic.

He said telecommuting arrangements between the employers and employees are voluntary, adding both camps should agree on the terms and conditions of the arrangement.

He said the revised IRR will try to reduce the friction points between the employees and employers.

“We all know that this is a new normal. We all understand that this is a work in progress and that we are working towards a mandatory regulatory framework,” Laguesma said.

Bacolod City Rep. Greg Gasataya, chairman of the CA panel, recommended that Laguesma’s appointment be approved in the plenary, saying he has a good public service record — from the time he was a contractual mediator and arbiter under the administration of the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and as labor secretary during the administration of former President Estrada.

“I firmly believe that Atty. Laguesma, beyond his merit and fitness, has the heart and character to promote and protect labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized,” Gasataya said.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Laguesma is more than fit for the job.

“In my opinion, I believe we are very lucky to have him come out of retirement to serve once again the Filipino people in his capacity being the secretary of DOLE,” Zubiri said.

This was the second time Laguesma appeared before the CA after the panel suspended the hearing on his appointment last week due to “lack of material time.”

Aside from being the labor secretary during the time of Estrada, he also served as presidential assistant to then President Ramos from 1996 to 1998, and headed the Social Security System’s audit committee in 2011 and served as its board member in 2013.

In a statement, Matula said they are prepared to establish a “principled collaboration” with the DOLE under the leadership of Laguesma.

“FFW is committed to work with him in the spirit of social dialogue anchored on social justice,” said Matula.

“It is principled collaboration. FFW will cooperate with him in generating decent jobs and empowering workers through union organizing and collective bargaining negotiation,” he added. — With Gerard Naval

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