By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
President Rodrigo Duterte asked the public for understanding why it is taking a long time for him to sign the Executive Order (EO) ending contractualization, colloquially known as ENDO or end-of-contract scheme.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement after Duterte met with labor leaders in Malacañang Wednesday.
Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"I was made to understand that he asked for more time to issue the Executive Order on ENDO. And that’s all that I was informed by head of protocol," he said in a Palace press briefing Thursday.
"He is studying the matter more thoroughly," he added.
Malacañang, in a statement, said Duterte listened to the labor leaders speak regarding the issues that plague the labor sector.
The President, in return, sent his warm regards to the labor leaders and assured them that the government will do its part to upholding labor rights.
Included in the agenda were issues related to contractualization, wage setting, government cash subsidy, workers’ representation in tripartite bodies, recruitment and facilitation fees, and freedom of association in economic zones.
Representatives from several labor groups such as the Kilusang Mayo Uno, Nagkakaisa Labor Coalition, Associated Labor Unions, Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, Partido Manggagawa, National Labor Union, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, National Confederation of Labor, among others comprise the bulk of the attendees during the dialogue.
Officials from key government agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance, and Department of Budget Management (DBM) were also present.
Labor groups have earlier called on the President to end contractualization through the issuance of an executive order to give workers security of tenure, self-organization, collective bargaining, and peaceful concerted activities as mandated by the Constitution.
On May 1, Labor Day, last year, Duterte promised that he will sign an EO for the strict enforcement of anti-contractualization policies. However, the President admitted that it is difficult to end contractualization as there will be laws to amend and to give time to companies to make adjustments.
The President asked the public to be more patient as he assured them that he is also against ENDO.
"Please give us time. You have to make corrections. They are still in the process of doing it," Duterte had said.
"I stand firm in my conviction to end ENDO. Give us time. This promise of contractualization, I'll find a way," he added.
ENDO is a common practice by some companies which routinely end the contracts of workers on the fifth month to avoid the regularization of employees.