Objectives and Rationale
- Address the need to coordinate, improve, and harmonize labor-management laws and policies.
- Guided by the constitutional mandate to promote social justice and protect labor.
- Respond to the urgent need for systematic adjustment of policies affecting government agencies, labor unions, work standards, employment regulations, judicial remedies, and compensation.
- Include sectors such as farm and industrial workers, agrarian lessees, and government employees.
Composition of the Committee
- Presiding Judge of the Court of Industrial Relations (Chairman).
- Mr. Vicente A. Rafael, President and General Counsel of the Philippine Labor Unity Movement, Labor Director of the National Apprenticeship Council, Labor Representative, L-M Advisory Council Member.
- Executive Judge of the Court of Agrarian Relations (Member).
- Representative of the Department of Justice (Member).
- Representative of the Department of Labor (Member).
Powers and Functions
- Authority to call meetings at the Chairman's discretion.
- Empowered to summon any government department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality for information and assistance.
- Authorized to secure personnel, funds, and equipment necessary to fulfill its mandate.
- Responsible for submitting its report and recommendations to the President prior to the opening of the regular session of Congress.
Legal and Administrative Implications
- The Committee’s creation reflects a governmental commitment to reform and codify labor laws.
- It serves as a precursor mechanism for the establishment of a comprehensive Labor Code.
- Ensures collaboration among different branches of government and labor sectors for effective policy development.
Implementation
- The Executive Order took effect immediately upon issuance.
- Signifies the determination of the administration to undertake comprehensive labor legislative reform and policy harmonization.
- The report is a vital input for legislative action on labor and social issues in the country.