Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 3794)
The primary objective of Executive Order No. 140, s. 2021 is to adopt the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) 2021-2022 to revitalize the Philippine economy and labor market, promote job generation, and reinforce job-generating programs in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and adoption of new technologies.
Section 3, Article XIII of the Philippine Constitution, which mandates the State to afford full protection to labor, promote full employment, and equality of employment opportunities; and Article III of the Labor Code which declares the State policy to protect labor and promote equal work opportunities.
The three main focuses are: (a) creation of a policy environment that encourages job generation and improved access to employment, livelihood, and training; (b) improvement of employability, wellness, and productivity of workers; and (c) support to existing and emerging businesses to secure and preserve employment.
The NERS Task Force is tasked with implementing the NERS 2021-2022, formulating and updating action plans, harmonizing employment and livelihood programs, fostering partnerships, engaging stakeholders, overseeing implementation, and recommending measures to address gaps.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary serves as the Chair of the NERS Task Force.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) serves as the Secretariat of the NERS Task Force, providing administrative, operational, and technical support.
The Task Force must conduct joint evaluations within three months from the Order’s effectivity and every three months thereafter, submitting periodic reports to the Office of the President.
Initial funding shall be charged against the available appropriations of member agencies of the Task Force, and subsequent funding shall be included in the budget proposals of the respective agencies subject to the usual budget process.
All issuances, rules, and regulations or parts thereof that are inconsistent with this Order are repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.
The Order contains a separability clause stating that if any part is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts not affected shall remain in full force and effect.