Palace backs Dole against 2-year probation period

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday sided with the Department of Labor and Employment’s rejection of a measure seeking to extend the probationary employment period from six months to two years.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte might also veto the proposal if the House of Representatives passed it into law.

“You don’t need an assurance. 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,” Panelo said.

House Bill No. 4802, filed by Probinsyano Ako party list Rep. Jose Singson Jr., seeks to extend probationary employment to two years.

Panelo said he agreed with Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III’s objection to the proposal on the ground that it would violate the worker’s right to security of tenure. —Julie M. Aurelio