Manila - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament convened today for a landmark dialogue aimed at discussing the proposed Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Bill No. 59, otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Labor and Employment Code (BLEC). The event underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving the objectives of the proposed BLEC, creating decent, sustainable, and inclusive employment for the Bangsamoro people rooted in principles of national peace and social justice.

The DOLE led by Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R.  Bitonio, Jr. reaffirms its support to the proposed BLEC, aligned with the shared national goals of peace, social justice, and decent work, while respecting the cultural and religious heritage of the Bangsamoro people.

In line with the principle of self-governance, DOLE participated in the process by extending assistance within the framework of harmony and consistency with existing national laws, upholding applicable international labor standards, and enhancing or expanding existing rights in accordance with national laws.

Atty. Anthony John “Jet” Lim, Chairperson of the Committee on Labor and Employment, MP Romeo K. Sema, the main author of the proposed BLEC, and the Members of the BARMM Parliament, on the other hand, welcomes the observations put forward by the DOLE and pledged to take these into consideration in the ongoing process of finalizing the draft BCLE.

The inter-governmental dialogue was participated by the Committee on Labor and Employment, Members of the BARMM Parliament, and heads and officers of the Department of Labor and Employment and was made possible through the support of the International Labour Organization, Philippines Office.

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