By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen underscored the crucial role of public sector unions in promoting accountability, protecting workers’ welfare, and advancing social justice during the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected officers of the Social Workers Employees Association of the Philippines (SWEAP).
Speaking before SWEAP’s 2026–2029 national council officers at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office in Quezon City, Leonen said public sector unions occupy a unique position because, unlike private sector unions, they are constitutionally barred from staging strikes and must instead rely on dialogue, persuasion, and advocacy to achieve reforms.
He emphasized that a government employees’ union must never remain silent in the face of injustice or misconduct, stressing that speaking out is its most effective tool in advancing the interests of both its members and the public.
Leonen identified three fundamental responsibilities of public sector unions: safeguarding employee welfare, ensuring government accountability, and promoting social justice.
He said fair compensation, safe working conditions, manageable workloads, and job security are essential for social workers and government employees tasked with serving vulnerable communities, particularly during disasters and emergencies.
“The people who carry the compassion of the state also carry its cost,” Leonen said, noting that overworked and financially burdened employees cannot effectively deliver quality public service.
On accountability, the senior magistrate pointed out that government workers are often the first to detect irregularities within public institutions. He said unions should provide members with the collective support needed to report corruption and wrongdoing without fear of retaliation or isolation.
Leonen also stressed that social justice extends beyond the welfare of union members. He urged public sector organizations to advocate for marginalized sectors whose voices are rarely heard in government and to ensure that public assistance is delivered as a matter of right rather than charity.
In his closing message, Leonen encouraged the newly elected officers to cultivate open dialogue within their organization, remain steadfast in confronting misconduct regardless of who is involved, and uphold integrity throughout their public service.
Following his address, Leonen administered the oath of office to SWEAP’s newly elected national officers headed by National Council President Elladonna M. Agor. He was assisted by DSWD Undersecretary Edward Justine Orden.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Undersecretary Adonis Sulit, Assistant Secretary Janet Armas, DSWD Academy Director Justin Caesar Anthony Batocabe, and other department officials also attended the ceremony.
Established in 1988, SWEAP is the recognized rank-and-file employees’ union of the DSWD. The organization advocates for workers’ rights, promotes professional development, and negotiates collective agreements aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of department personnel.
ia/xf
