Government Dedicated to End Abusive Work Arrangements in the Philippines

The Malacañang expressed that the administration is still set on ending the abusive work schemes in the country. This was after Senate President Vicente Sotto III showed dismay over the failure to fulfill the promise of ending unfair contractualization practices after the Chief Executive vetoed the Security of Tenure Bill in 2019.

In a press statement, acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar stated that the administration refused the measure since it contains unsuitable provisions.

Andanar noted, “While it is true that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte vetoed the Security of Tenure Bill in 2019, as mentioned by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, the Chief Executive explained that the version submitted by Congress unduly broadens the scope and definition of prohibited labor-only contracting, effectively proscribing forms of contractualization that are not particularly unfavorable to employees involved.”

The administration and Andanar expect Congress to create a new bill that will benefit the labor and business sectors.

Andanar mentioned, “The President hopes that Congress would rectify the vetoed provisions as he remains committed to eradicating all forms of abusive employment practices and protecting the workers’ right to security of tenure.”

Regardless of the administration’s rejection of the Security of Tenure bill, Andanar cited that the President inked an executive order (EO) in 2018 to stop the illegal “illegal” contracting and subcontracting setup between employers and employees.

Andanar stated that EO 51, signed by the administration on May 1, 2018, intends to protect the workers’ right to security of tenure.

Andanar expressed, “A clear example is Executive Order No. 51 which PRRD signed in 2018 that strictly prohibits contracting or subcontracting undertaken to circumvent the worker’s right to security of tenure, self-organization and collective bargaining, and peaceful concerted activities.”

In July last year, Malacañang repeated its call on Congress to pass the proposed Security of Tenure Act, which remains a priority measure of the executive branch.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello also conveyed confidence that the 18th Congress would pass the revised Security of Tenure bill.

The measure seeks to alter Presidential Decree 442, or the Labor Code of the Philippines, to guarantee the rights and benefits of relievers and seasonal employees are equal to regular employees.