BGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 1910
E-FILED
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Introduced by Senator Manuel "LIto" M. Lapid
AN ACT
PROVIDING EXPANDED EMPLOYMENT SECURITY FOR WORKERS AND 
DEFINING RESPONSIBILTY OF EMPLOYERS WITH RESPECT TO EXPOSURE
TO COVID-19
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It is the policy of the State to protect the rights of workers and promote their 
welfare. The emergence of the COVID-19 imposes adverse impacts In the economy, 
most especially on the primary social economic force - labor. The unemployment rate 
in July 2020 peaked at 10%, which Is way higher than the rate of the same month a 
year ago - which was at 5.4%. This is mostly due to serious business losses incurred 
by the companies during the existence of COVID-19. This leaves most of the persons 
whose employment had been terminated with nothing for their sustenance while 
unemployed and/or looking for another work.
However, there are also cases in which the reason for the termination of 
employment was due to the fear of contracting COVID-19, especially in cases of unsafe 
workplaces. The employers are obliged to provide a workplace free from serious 
hazards, is comfortable and maximizes the productivity of the employees. Thus, this 
bill seeks to provide protection for employees and at the same time limitation on 
liability for employers with respect to the exposure to COVID-19.
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly
EL "LITO" M. LAPID
Senator /V


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session )
SENATE 
S. No. 1910
.j^recemV,
E-FILED
h }| nn TK» November 10,2020 ml
It0
IMOEX.
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
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AN ACT
PROVIDING EXPANDED EMPLOYMENT SECURITY FOR WORKERS AND
DEFINING RESPONSIBILITY OF EMPLOYERS WITH RESPECT TO 
EXPOSURE TO COVID-19
In Confess as^^b!^!16 ^Gnate an<^tlie House of Representatives of the Philippines
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Expanded 
Employment Security Act’.
SECTION 2. Unemployment Benefits. - An employee, as defined in the Labor 
Code, regardless of the classification of employment under Article 295 of the Code, 
whose work or designation may have a considerable exposure to COVID-19, may 
Inform his or her employer of any health concerns that he or she might have regarding 
resuming or continuing employment.
An employer, as defined in the Code, upon being informed of such health 
concern, shall act upon It immediately by Installing additional safety equipment, 
adjusting the work environment, adopting appropriate work schedule, or finding 
alternative suitable employment for the said empioyee.
If the employer fails to act upon It or if the said employee is unsatisfied with 
the response or action of his or her employer, the concerned employee shall send a 
report, with proof of service of a copy to the employer, regarding the same to the 
Regional Office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) where the 
company he or she works is located. The Regional Director concerned shall allow the 
employer to submit a reply to the report within five (5) calendar days from the filing


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thereof. The Regional Director shall examine the report within five (5) calendar days 
from the receipt of the reply or expiration of the time for the submission thereof, 
taking Into consideration the facts presented In the report and/or reply, the applicable 
standards for occupational health and safety, the nature of the occupation and the 
attendant risks of exposure to the COVID-19 Disease. The decision of said Regional 
Director Is appealable to the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) within five (5) days from 
the receipt of said decision. The BLR shall decide within ten (10) days from receipt of 
the appeal and its decision shall be final and executory.
If the Regional Director or the BLR, as the case may be, finds that the employer 
failed to provide adequate response to the health concern raised by the employee, 
the latter may terminate his or her employment and shall be eligible for unemployment 
benefits.
SECTION 3. Limitation on the Uabllity of Employers. - An employer may not be 
held liable for any injury that resulted from an employee contracting COVID-19, except 
when the employer violates the laws related to workplace safety.
SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from 
the effectivlty of this Act, the DOLE shall formulate the rules and regulations necessary 
for the implementation of this Act.
SECTION 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of the provisions thereof not affected shall 
remain In force and effect.
SECTION 6. Reputing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, administrative rules 
and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 
are hereby amended, modified, or repealed accordingly.
SECTION 7. Effectivlty Clause. - This Act shall take effect immediately upon its 
publication in a newspaper of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.
Approved,