ANTIQUE, Philippines – Regional Director Salome O. Siaton of the Department of Labor and Employment 6 cited four priority establishments for the implementation of ENDO (End of Contractualization) such as Manufacturing, Malls, Hospitals, and Hotels/Restaurants/Food Chain. Siaton said the government is serious in the implementation of ENDO upon the order of President Rodrigo Duterte during the Employers-Employee Forum on Tuesday organized by DOLE Antique attended by private employers/ establishments, workers organizations, Public employment Service Officers (from different towns) supported by the Provincial Government of Antique.
She likewise echoed the directive of Secretary Silvestre Bello III on ENDO to uphold the rights of workers to security of tenure as well ensure their social coverage such as Social Security System, PhilHealth and PAGIBIG/Home Mutual Development Fund. However, she also placed emphasis on the balance between the employers’ prerogative and the rights of employees for the economy to grow. While we are thinking of the economic gains of the employers which are the sources of our tax, DOLE is also tasked to look into employment relationships and to ensure rights and security of tenure of workers according to Siaton. Particularly mentioned is the provision of Department Order NO. 18-A or the Suspension of New Applicants as Contractors or Subcontractors and Labor Advisory No. 10 Series of 2016 or the Prohibition Against Labor Only Contracting.
Siaton is optimistic of the government’s target to cut ENDO by 50 percent before the end of 2016 and totally end the contractualization in 2017. “We have already started to assess about 40 major establishments based on our priority target. A lot of companies have told us to regularize their workers, however, we need to see proofs such as list of workers and payrolls,” she said. Associations of employers like Iloilo Business Club and Chamber of Commerce and Industry have requested for an orientation on ENDO she said. Governor Rhodora Cadiao and Mayor Elmer Untaran of San Jose during the forum likewise expressed support to ENDO.
DOLE sets priorities for ENDO
