MANILA, Oct. 3 -- Workers affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Cebu on Tuesday night should not be forced to come to work, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Friday.

In a radio interview, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said employers should be compassionate and help their workers especially in times of tragedy.

"Let us not insist for them (workers) to go to work," Laguesma said. "There shouldn't be any disciplinary action for not coming to work or wanting to go home."

Labor Advisory 17 - 2022 provides that there should be no liability for employees in case of failure or refusal to work during weather disturbances and similar occurrences.

"Although it doesn't say 'earthquake' in the advisory, it is rela...