Age discrimination in employment banned

MANILA, Philippines - Age does not matter – in love and in employment.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sees more not-so-young but experienced workers getting hired in the near future, with the lapsing into law of a legislative measure prohibiting age discrimination in the hiring of workers.

Labor Undersecretary Joel Maglungsod said Republic Act 10911, which penalizes employers who refuse to hire workers because of their advanced age, is a positive development for the labor sector.

“The intent of the law is positive because it promotes hiring of those who are still productive despite their age. The DOLE supports this law because it allows people to have a source of income and provide for their and their families’ needs,” Maglungsod explained.

Once the law becomes effective on Aug. 16, Maglungsod said the DOLE would be obliged to require employers to abide by the new regulation.

Maglungsod ruled out a possible decline in the country’s productivity with the hiring of older workers.

He admitted most employers prefer to hire young workers – even if skills are more important than age.

Dominique Tutay, DOLE’s Bureau of Local Employment director, also said age does not really matter and that there are employers who hire senior citizens based on the requirements of their companies.

“Age is not really a barrier in employment, it is how you present yourselves to the employers if you will be hired or not,” Tutay pointed out.

RA 10911 lapsed into law recently because it was not signed by former president Benigno Aquino III after it was approved by Congress.

Under the new law, it shall be unlawful for an employer to require declaration of age in application process or decline any employment application because of age.

Under RA 10911, it is also unlawful for employers to lay off workers because of old age or to set an age limit in employment.

Violators face fines of P50,000 to P500,000 and imprisonment of three months to two years.