At the Cebu City IT park in the aftermath of the earthquake on September 30, 2025.

Ten business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in Cebu are facing formal complaints before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) after workers alleged they were forced to return to work during and immediately after the devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province on September 30. The BPO Industry Employees’ Network (BIEN)-Cebu filed the complaints, accusing companies of “unacceptable” labor practices that put workers’ lives at risk. Allegations include employees being ordered to return to their stations while aftershocks continued, threats of termination, double-pay offers to resume work, and even being made to sign non-disclosure memos forbidding them from speaking about the incident. Some of the most disturbing reports claim that exit doors were deliberately blocked to prevent workers from evacuating and that a pregnant employee was left unattended while fleeing a high-rise office. “Workers must have the right to ensure the safety of themselves and their families, especially during disasters. No employee should be forced to return onsite without proper safety clearance and building inspections,” BIEN-Cebu said in a statement. Spokesperson Kyle Enero told media that at least 30 companies had complaints, but 10 stood out for “extreme violations.” He said that companies must “prioritize welfare over profit.” Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña condemned the reports, warning that if proven true, he would contact the international clients of the firms involved to expose their practices. “If this is true, we will do more than just file a complaint at DOLE,” Osmeña said. Governor Gwen Garcia’s office also called for DOLE to intervene, while Mayor Nestor Archival ordered a separate city probe. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma confirmed that a dialogue with BIEN-Cebu is scheduled on October 6. The September 30 earthquake killed at least 72 people and injured more than 500, according to the NDRRMC. Hundreds of BPO employees have since submitted written complaints to BIEN-Cebu citing unpaid days, sanctions, suspensions, and psychological trauma after being forced back to work. CAM/Expat Media
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