Philippines Issues Guidelines on the Prevention of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace

On July 31, 2026, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Department Order No. 259-26: Guidelines on the Prevention and Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace. The guidelines are based on the ILO Convention No. 190, or the Violence and Harassment Convention 2019, to which the Philippines adheres, as well as Article 5 of the Philippine Labor Code (as amended), the 1987 Administrative Code, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA 7877), and the Occupational Safety and Health Law (RA 11058).

All private-sector establishments covered by the guidelines, regardless of business size, industry, number of workers, or employment arrangements, are encouraged to develop and implement workplace policies addressing violence and harassment. The guidelines will take effect 15 days after their publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Implementation of Workplace Policies

Section 7 of the Department Order sets out requirements for implementing workplace policies on the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment. In workplaces without a labor union, employers are required to develop and post their own policies. In unionized workplaces, the policy provisions must be incorporated into the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Section 8 provides that the implementation framework for workplace policies must be jointly administered by representatives of management and employees.

Workplace Policy on Harassment

Workplace policies for the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment must include the following components:

• Prevention and Mitigation Measures
  • Display awareness posters and informational notices in visible locations, including common gathering areas and work sites, and participate in awareness-raising activities.
  • Provide technical assistance and training support.
• Corrective Measures
  • Clearly establish a step-by-step procedure for responding to harassment complaints and grievances. The procedure must be communicated to employees and incorporated into new employee orientation programs. Annex B may be used as a reference.
  • Provide mental health support and assistance for employees returning to work.
  • Offer alternative workplace arrangements for individuals involved in harassment complaints, such as granting paid leave or changing employment arrangements.
  • Prohibit retaliation against individuals who file complaints.
• Education and Training
  • Provide training for all workers, regardless of position or employment status, as well as members of workplace occupational safety and health committees, to strengthen understanding of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA 7877), the Mental Health Act (RA 11036), the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262), ILO C190, and related laws and standards.
• Monitoring and Evaluation
  • The Occupational Safety and Health Committee, in coordination with the Human Resources Department, must conduct quarterly monitoring of the implementation and compliance status of workplace policies.

Reporting Obligations

Employers must submit an annual report to DOLE by January 30 of the following year on:

The status of the adoption or development of workplace policies aimed at preventing and eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace; and

The total number and status of cases that have been filed are pending, or have been resolved.

The reporting format is provided in Annex C. Completed reports must be uploaded through DOLE’s Online Compliance Portal.

Periodic Review

Through the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWSC), DOLE will conduct a periodic review of these guidelines every three years after their entry into force, or earlier if necessary. The review will be undertaken in consultation with relevant stakeholders and regional and national labor-management peace councils.

Annexes

Annex A: Sample Company Policy on Workplace Policy in the Prevention and Elimination of Violence and Harassment

Annex B: Sample Step by Step Grievance Redress Reporting Mechanism

Annex C: Violence and Harassment Prevention in the Workplace Report Form

References

Department Order No. 259-26 Guidelines on the Prevention and Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace
https://bwc.dole.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DO-259-26-Guidelines-on-the-Prevention-and-Elimination-of-Violence-and-Harassment-in-the-Workplace.pdf

RA11058：
https://dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/sites/default/files/issuances/DMC_045_s2018.pdf