Duterte may consider Neda’s reservations on security of tenure bill

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte may consider the stand of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia who believes that the Security of Tenure Bill needs a little “tweaking” to be more balanced and consider the possible impact on investment.

The bill is awaiting Duterte’s signature and is set to lapse into law by Saturday, July 27 if not acted upon.

Earlier, Duterte’s Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President is still studying the measure. But in a Palace briefing Thursday, he said that Duterte may veto the bill and proposed amendments in line with Pernia’s standpoint.

“If the President feels that the observations of Sec. Pernia is a good reason to vetoing the bill, he will. After all, if you veto the bill, members of Congress can always introduce amendments or pass another bill for the signature of the President,” Panelo said.

Pernia said the bill, which seeks to prohibit labor contracting, needed to be tweaked in order to be fair to both business and labor sectors.

“It has to benefit not only the workers but also the employers because if investments are deterred and they shy away because of the security of tenure, then it’s not good for the workers—there will be fewer job opportunities,” Pernia explained.

“It has to be fair between workers and employers because if you want jobs to be available, you need investments,” he added.

READ: Pernia: Security of tenure bill must be fair to both employers, workers

Panelo said Duterte is still looking for a “win-win solution” before he acts on the proposed law.

“Kung ano ‘yung opposition ng business sector pwede naman hanapan ng compromise ‘yun eh. So if he [Duterte] will veto the bill, then a member of Congress can introduce another one with a win-win compromise solution. Oh di ba. Everybody happy,” he said. /jpv