Palace finds HB 4802 objectionable

Malacañang sided with Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III in rejecting the bill filed by Probinsyano Ako Party-list Representative Jose Singson Jr. in the Lower House seeking to extend the probation period of employment from six months to two years.

Singson claimed that the current six-month period is insufficient for some employers to determine if a probationary employee is qualified for regular employment.

In a radio interview Sunday, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Palace is one with Bello in rejecting the proposal.

"I agree with him kasi precisely nga kontra tayo sa ginagawang maniobra nila doon sa six months probational period tapos hahabaan mo pa (because we are even against some employers taking advantage of the six months probationary period and here comes a proposal seeking to prolong it)," Panelo said.

According to Bello, House Bill (HB) 4802 violates a workers' right to security of tenure. He, however, hoped that the Congress will not pass the proposed measure.

And even if Congress passes the measure, Panelo said President Duterte would most likely veto it as it is against his stand against "endo" or the end of contract system.

"If that is the policy of the President then you don't even need an assurance from him. It means, he will veto whatever law that goes against his pronounced policy," he said.

In July this year, Duterte vetoed the Security of Tenure Bill because it "unduly broadens the scope and definition of prohibited labor-only contracting, effectively proscribing form of contractualization that are not particularly unfavorable to the employees involved."

Duterte said that while he stands by his firm commitment to protect the workers' right to security of tenure by eradicating all forms of abusive employment practices, legitimate job contracting should be allowed, provided that the contractor is well capitalized, has sufficient investments, and affords its employees all the benefits provided for under the labor laws.