PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has vetoed the proposed Security of Tenure Act, Malacañang announced on Thursday night, July 25.

“Vetoed,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a text message, when asked on update on the security of tenure bill.

Duterte’s decision to veto the proposed measure on workers’ security of tenure came in the wake of business sector’s opposition to its passage.

The decision was also reached following the recommendation of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia to tweak the bill to ensure the protection of interests of both employers and workers.

Duterte’s latest move came even after he certified as urgent the proposed Security of Tenure Act in September 2018 to protect the contractual workers’ right to security of tenure.

Earlier Thursday, Panelo said the 18th Congress can refile a similar measure that benefits both the labor and business sectors, if the President vetoes the security of tenure bill approved by 17th Congress.

“Hahanap ka ng win-win solution. Kung ano ‘yung opposition ng business sector, pwede naman hanapan ng compromise ‘yun eh. So if he will veto the bill, then a member of Congress can introduce another one with a win win compromise solution. Oh di ba. Everybody happy,” Panelo said in a press briefing.

(You’ll look for a win-win solution. We can look for a compromise to address the business sector’s opposition. So if he will veto the bill, then a member of Congress can introduce another one with a win win compromise solution. Everybody happy.)

“Members of Congress can always introduce amendments or pass another bill for the signature of the President. So depende (It depends). It’s the President’s call kung yung suggestion ni Sec. Pernia he will heed (It’s the President’s call if he will heed Sec. Pernia’s suggestion,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)