Extreme heat index levels may be used as reason to skip work: DOLE
The Department of Labor and Employment said it will issue labor advisories allowing employees to skip work and receive compensation during periods of extreme heat index levels amid the El Niño.
"Kapag 52 degrees pataas, extreme danger, ay pwede na huwag pumasok,” said Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino in an interview with Unang Hirit’s Unang Balita.
Additionally, DOLE will also ensure that employees in both the public and private sectors receive compensation for heat-related injuries sustained in the workplace.
"Ang patungkol sa ECC, Employees' Compensation Commission, kung saan ang ating mga manggagawa, pribado man o sa gobyerno, kasi under ng SSS at GSIS, ay magkakaroon ng reimbursement kung sakaling sila ay ma-ospital, magpunta sa clinic, at bibili ng gamot kung may heat-related injuries na work-related din,” said Tolentino, adding that these include heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion.
The labor secretary said precautions should be taken during high heat index levels to protect workers, especially those working outdoors, such as construction workers.
“Nakasulat sa labor advisory na walang bawas sa sweldo… bawat kategorya po ay may mga kaukulang gawain si employer. Ganun din si employee na dapat sundin para sa kanilang kapakanan," he said in a statement.
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Tolentino added that the agency will meet with representatives of delivery service companies to discuss guidelines aimed at protecting delivery riders, potentially allowing them to reject deliveries if the heat index reaches above 42°C. He said riders can take breaks at cooling hubs during extreme heat without penalties or risking their jobs due to delivery delays.
DOLE will also release an advisory allowing wearing breathable clothing in the workplace and implement flexible work arrangements to help employees cope with extreme heat.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier forecasted that the Philippines could face a “very strong” El Niño until December, and it is expected to persist through the first half of 2027.
The agency also warned that the country could still experience periods of heavy rain despite the generally drier conditions.
Meanwhile, the Climate Change Commission earlier said in an interview with 24 Oras that the heat index in urban areas, such as Metro Manila, could reach 50 degrees Celsius during the Super El Niño phenomenon.
Education secretary Sonny Angara said last week that due to the rising temperatures, public school students may come to class in tank tops or sando, as long as these are "dignified" enough for school.
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