PRRD may consider opposition to Security of Tenure bill

By Azer Parrocha/Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Before he decides whether to sign or veto the Security of Tenure (SOT) bill, President Rodrigo Duterte may first consider opposition from a coalition of business groups, Malacañang said on Thursday.

“The President is always appreciative and on considerate on whatever opposition or concerns raised by any sectors in this country relative to any bill passed in Congress in subject to his signature or veto,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

In a joint statement, the business groups claimed that the proposed measure goes against the constitutional rights of businesses because it increases the cost of doing business which may hinder their operations.

The group further explained that the bill could even push employers to eliminate the low-skilled jobs and instead prefer using technologies such as automation and artificial intelligence.

The SOT bill, which was transmitted to Duterte’s office early this month, may lapse into a law if the chief executive fails to sign it.

Panelo explained that the President sometimes allows bills to lapse into law due to his busy schedule.

“There are so many documents he has to sign and at the same time, he has so many activities that he has to attend to — out of town trips, he visits one place and then another place,” Panelo said.

“Meanwhile, documents pile up. Kaya kung minsan, di niya nakikita yung iba (That’s why sometimes, he fails to see the others),” he added.

Earlier, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) expressed hope that Duterte would sign the SOT bill soon noting that ensuring the workers’ security of tenure is among the President’s priorities.

“We are anticipating the signing of the SOT bill, which is landmark legislation under the Duterte administration,” Bello said in a statement.

The SOT bill seeks to prohibit all illegal employment schemes and subcontracting of Filipino workers.

For the latest updates about this story, visit the Philippine News Agency website

Popular

Taal Lake site assessment yields sack containing ‘bones’ — DOJ

By Brian Campued The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that authorities retrieved a sack containing burned remains believed to be human bones during the initial...

LTO integrates online driver’s license renewal system in eGovPH app

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has integrated the online driver’s license renewal in the eGovPH app, which ensures a fast and...

5 of 21 Filipinos in Houthi-hit ship in Red Sea rescued — DFA

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora and Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency Five of the 21 Filipino seafarers manning the cargo vessel Eternity C, which...

PBBM directs gov’t officials: Focus on work, avoid politicking

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet At the Malacañang press briefing this Wednesday, July 9, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press officer Claire Castro reiterated...