DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma
Editor’s note: In this story, the word “not” was inadvertently omitted in the quote in the second paragraph. Correction has been made to read “… we will try to make sure that it will NOT be abused.” Our apologies for the error.
MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is looking to review its orders specifically on job contracting or availment of contracting arrangements by private companies.
“We will review the department issuances related to such work arrangements and we will try to make sure that it will not be abused,” DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said in a television interview on Monday.
Laguesma said not all forms of job contracting or availment of contracting arrangements are prohibited.
“The Labor Code of the Philippines recognizes contracting out arrangements. This is evident in the construction industry where many jobs are per project basis,” he said.
Laguesma added they are ready to work with the legislators in crafting law to end contractualization.
“We are ready to cooperate (with) both Houses of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate, chairperson on (the) committee on labor and employment. Our goal here is to provide information, if what we see is relatively acceptable on both sides,” he said.
“We know that not only DOLE is involved in this matter, but of course we need legislation that will give fulfillment to the demands of the workers but will not harm the operation or continued viability of companies,” he added.
Laguesma said DOLE is for a bill that will provide employment. (PNA)
