MANILA — Sen. Raffy Tulfo urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to intensify efforts against the continued use of the illegal “5-5-5” labor scheme, which some employers allegedly use to avoid regularizing workers.

During the April 22 hearing of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, which he chairs, Tulfo said he has received multiple complaints from workers about the practice. He added that he has also personally encountered affected employees during previous inspections of manufacturing firms.

“Talamak pa rin ang 5-5-5 scheme sa mga kumpanya, lalo na sa fast food at manufacturing industries. Ang siste, magha-hire sila ng empleyado at pagdating ng ika-limang buwan ay sisibakin ang mga ito at muling ire-rehire para hindi ma-regularize at magkaroon ng benepisyo,” Tulfo said.

He questioned the agency’s enforcement of labor regulations, asking, “Why are you allowing this to happen?”

DOLE Assistant Secretary Benedicto Bitonio Jr. said current rules already prohibit such practices and assured lawmakers that inspections are conducted upon receipt of complaints.

Despite this, Tulfo said enforcement on the ground remains inadequate, noting that the scheme continues to persist.

“Ang problema sa inyong mga taga-DOLE, kung mag-inspect man kayo, nakatakip ang mga mata ninyo at paglabas ng compound may bitbit na kayong envelope,” he said.

The senator also raised concerns over how inspections are conducted, saying inspectors often engage only with company management and human resources personnel, allowing potential violations to go unnoticed.

“Ang nangyayari, kapag pumapasok kayo sa kumpanya, ang kinakausap niyo lang ay HR at management. Kaya kapag may violation, nakakalusot. Why not talk to the workers?” he added.

Tulfo called on the department to impose sanctions on erring inspectors, particularly those who fail to carry out their duties or are involved in concealing violations.

“Gusto ko na may ma-sampolan—either sibak o kasuhan. Only then saka titino ang ilang inspectors. Sa ngayon kasi walang napapanagot, kaya tuloy-tuloy ang mga paglabag,” Tulfo said.