04/06/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CXWpiVGbz/
ππππ | ππππ ππππππ ππππ ππππππππ πππππ πππππππ πππππ πππππππ π
ππππ ππππ πππ
πππ ππππππππππ
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Central Visayas has issued Work Stoppage Orders (WSOs) against three telecommunications companies in Cebu for failing to comply with occupational safety and health (OSH) standards.
According to DOLE Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, the violations were discovered during inspections of telecommunications and electric distribution companies. Inspectors found workers installing cable wires on utility poles without proper personal protective equipment (PPE), while the companies were also unable to identify designated safety officers responsible for overseeing workplace safety.
Regional Director Buenafe emphasized that companies must ensure the presence of qualified safety officers and strictly implement safety programs to protect workers and prevent further accidents.
The issuance of the Work Stoppage Orders (WSOs) is in line with the directive of DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino to strengthen the enforcement of occupational safety and health standards, consistent with the administrationβs commitment under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., to safeguard workersβ welfare and uphold the dignity of labor.
Regional Director Buenafe said the action was prompted by the increasing number of work-related accidents in the region. In 2025 alone, around 20 workplace accidents involving telecommunications and utility-related work were recorded, including several fatalities. The trend has continued into 2026, raising concerns over worker safety.
Apart from risks faced by employees, DOLE also cited the dangers posed by improperly managed and dangling wires to the general public, particularly motorists and commuters.
The three companies that received WSOs will be summoned to a conference this week and required to submit proof of compliance with labor and safety regulations. DOLE will likewise assess the companiesβ workplace practices and the implementation of OSH programs before considering lifting the work stoppage orders.
DOLE Region VII emphasized that the establishments cited were among the initial companies inspected under the regionβs ongoing labor inspection and enforcement program. Inspections will continue across various establishments, and appropriate enforcement actions, including sanctions and compliance orders, may be taken against those found in violation of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards. (Althea Louise D. Majan/DOLE-IPS)
-WSO
- TelcosWSO
