DOLE strengthens ties with Pag-ibig, Philhealth to widen workers' coverage

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will incorporate the
requirements of Pag-ibig Fund and PhilHealth in its inspection and
monitoring of establishments to strengthen efforts aimed at ensuring that
workers are provided Pag-ibig Fund and PhiliHealth coverage.

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said the DOLE has
mobilized the assistance of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, or
PhilHealth, and the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), or Pag-ibig Fund ,
in the efforts to ensure wider coverage and labor protection for workers.

Roque said the DOLE entered into a memorandum of understanding and
cooperation providing for closer partnership and collaboration with
Pag-ibig and PhilHealth. The partnership completes the process of housing
and health benefit coverage with DOLE's enforcement and inspection in labor
standards.

The Labor and Employment Secretary signed the memorandum providing for
DOLE-Pag-ibig Fund collaboration with HDMF Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Jaime A. Fabiana. He also signed another memorandum providing for
DOLE-PhilHealth partnership with PhilHealth president and CEO Rey Aquino.

Pag-ibig Fund was created by Republic Act (RA) 9679 to provide housing
assistance to Filipinos through the mobilization of funds for shelter
finance. It specifies mandatory contributory support of employers for their
workers who are Pag-ibig Fund members.

PhilHealth was created by RA 7875 to provide universal health insurance
coverage aimed at providing affordable and accessible health care services
to all Filipinos.

Under the memorandum with Pag-ibig Fund and PhilHealth, the DOLE will
incorporate Pag-ibig Fund and PhilHealth requirements in its inspection and
monitoring of establishments under the labor standards enforcement framework
(LSEF). The framework seeks to ensure employers' compliance with labor
standards through self-assessment, inspection, and, advisory services.

"This will ensure that employers comply with the law," Roque said adding
"the DOLE will subsequently provide the two agencies with inspection and
monitoring reports."

Meanwhile, Pag-ibig Fund and PhilHealth will pursue efforts aimed at
encouraging employers to comply with their requirements and to take
appropriate actions on those found with violations.

Both agencies will provide additional assistance to DOLE including orienting
the DOLE personnel on their programs and services. They shall at the same
time support the programs and services of DOLE and its attached agencies.