Duterte tells Congress anew: End unlawful contractualization

Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines
Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines

IN HIS third State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, July 23, asked the Congress anew to pass a measure that would put an end to all forms of unlawful contractualization in the country.

Duterte admitted that the Executive Order (EO) 50 he signed on May 1 was not enough to protect the contractual workers' right to security of tenure although the government's campaign against unlawful contractualization has resulted in the regularization of over 300,000 workers.

EO 50 merely prohibits "illegal" contracting and subcontrating arrangements schemes of "all parties, including cooperatives."

"On May 1 of this year, I signed Executive Order 51, which sought to protect the workers' right to security of tenure. Read my lips: I understand that this does not satisfy all sectors. I share their sentiments. I truly do," the President said.

"Much as I would like to do the impossible, that power is not vested upon me by the Constitution, and neither will I make both ends even if I violate the laws to achieve that purpose. Simply, it is not part of my territory," he added.

Labor groups have downplayed the signing of EO 50, saying that it does not put an end to the unfair practice of short-term and unprotected temporary work arrangements.

Duterte reiterated that Congress' amendments to the outdated Labor Code of the Philippines remains necessary to address the problems brought about by contractualization.

Under Articles 106 to 109 of Presidential Decree 442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines, any company is allowed to enter into contractual arrangements with their employees.

The President said Congress should propose a legislative measure that would strengthen the workers' right to security of tenure.

"That is why I add mine to their voices in asking Congress to pass legislation ending the practice of contractualization once and for all," he said.

"As a worker of government, I promise to do whatever it would take to give all Filipinos a comfortable life. My obligation is to promote and uphold the greates good for the greatest number," Duterte added. (SunStar Philippines)

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