DOLE-6 trains labor inspectors on drafting orders

Labor inspectors of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Western Visayas participated in a learning session on drafting compliance orders, notices of finality and writs of execution on Jan. 19, 2026, at Sotogrande Hotel in Pavia, Iloilo, as the agency sought to strengthen professionalism and sharpen inspectors’ skills in implementing labor standards.

Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr. organized the training and encouraged labor inspectors to learn effective ways of drafting simplified yet clear and specific orders.

He put emphasis on accuracy and truthfulness, and on the importance of minutes writing, which DOLE described as the record of agreements or settlements, unfinished business and relevant matters discussed during mandatory conferences.

The activity was framed as aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to upgrade the professionalism of government workers and provide them with knowledge and thorough understanding of their jobs.

DOLE said the session also focused on current issuances and jurisprudence relevant to the implementation of general labor standards.

Among the highlights were “celebrated cases” decided by the Supreme Court on the entitlement of pakyaw workers to 13th month pay, service incentive leave and holiday pay.

The discussions also covered the prescriptive period for entitlement to service incentive leave.

Participants reviewed rules on payment of overtime pay and premium pay for holiday and rest day work.

The session included discussion on the application of minimum wage to private educational institutions.

DOLE said the training also tackled the burden of proof in the payment of 13th month pay.

The discussion further covered crediting of monetary benefits to employees’ bank accounts.

A refresher on Presidential Decree No. 851, which mandates the payment of 13th month pay to rank-and-file employees, was included as one of the topics.

Republic Act No. 11360, also known as the Service Charge Law, was also discussed as part of the training.

To further strengthen the labor inspection program, participants identified challenges and common violations in the implementation of general labor standards and occupational safety and health standards.

DOLE Regional Office 6 said these findings will serve as the launch pad for more intensive advocacy as it renewed its commitment to protect and uphold workers’ rights and welfare.