Duterte to resubmit new security of tenure bill
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Mon, 29 Jul 2019 10:58:04 +0000
President Duterte plans to resubmit a new security of tenure (SOT) bill that will be fair to both the employers and workers and will provide security to employers especially in dealing with “indolent” or incompetent workers.
During his visit to quake-hit Batanes on Sunday, the President defended his decision to veto the “unfair” SOT bill and assured that the resubmitted version will balance the interests of both the employers and workers.
“’Yung endo, security of tenure. Dapat sinunod nila ‘yung usapan. Do not make it hard for the capitalist also to move,” he said during a post-disaster briefing in Batanes.
“The security of tenure should also provide the security of the capital…It should not be na kasi mahirap sila bigyan sila. Demokrasya ito. Diretso, tabla, tabla talaga,” he said.
President Duterte recently vetoed the SOT bill amid concerns the alleged sweeping prohibition on labor-only contracting might result in business closures and job losses.
He said legitimate job-contracting should be allowed provided that the contractor is well capitalized, has sufficient investments, and provides its employees with all the benefits provided for under the labor laws
The bill, earlier certified as urgent by the President, sought to prohibit companies from hiring workers on a contractual basis and instead require them to directly hire and regularize employees.
According to the President, the SOT bill he vetoed is “not fair” and did not follow the proposal of the National Economic and Development’s (NEDA).
In seeking a new SOT measure, Duterte said he might “insert” a “fair” provision that will balance the rights of both employers and workers.
Duterte sought protection for companies who are “saddled with” lazy or incompetent employees. He claimed that many firms end up facing labor complaints instead of being focused on helping his fellowmen. (Genalyn Kabiling)