Bello eyes compromise on ‘endo’

LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III now says he will consider a “middle ground” in implementing the no-contactualization stance of the Duterte administration.

Bello said this means just retaining existing department orders governing contracting and subcontracting work.

“We now have the middle ground, which is a very plain proposition, which is just to implement the law on contractualization,” he said in a previous interview.

Bello said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) would still consider the proposal to strictly prohibit “endo” but would allow some contractual work schemes, such as project-based and seasonal work arrangements.

“I am going to meet with my senior officers and we will try to assess the proposal. So it is very possible that DOLE may adopt the middle-ground advocacy,” he added.

Department Order 18-A, whichs lays down the rules and regulations governing contracting and subcontracting work arrangements, allows for contracting and subcontracting arrangements, although labor-only contracting is strictly prohibited.

Bello said the “middle ground” is now being considered amid contrasting proposals of employers and employees.

Companies will have the flexibility to hire workers as regulars or outsource labor.