MANILA – A party-list lawmaker on Thursday urged foreign chambers of commerce not to interfere in the passage of the Security of Tenure Bill, which seeks to put an end to contractualization in the country.
In a press conference, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines party-list Representative Raymond Democrito Mendoza said they noticed the “strong” lobbying of foreign chambers of commerce against the passage of the measure.
“They are not registered. The foreign chambers should not be lobbying. Much less, the Philippine republic does not interfere or intervene with their policies,” Mendoza said.
“They should not be doing that. I call on the foreign chambers of commerce of the Americans, the Koreans, Japanese, Australians and of New Zealand,” he added.
Duterte last month vetoed the Security of Tenure Bill approved by both Senate and the House of Representatives in the 17th Congress, saying that the measure did not have enough safeguards for the business sector.
Mendoza admitted that it was “very frustrating” that the bill was vetoed, considering that it took a long time for it to land on the President’s desk.
He said they had high hopes that Duterte would sign the measure into law.
“I can say with honesty that we were quite defeated. Feeling naman nandiyan na,” Mendoza said. “This is actually for the members na hindi regular, casual, walang union.”
However, for his part, Kabayan party-list Representative Ron Salo said he understands why Duterte had to make such decision.
“I completely agree with the stand of the President in as much as he’s trying to balance things out. Mahirap din po kasi na i-sacrifice natin yung mga investment opportunities, yung mga employers natin, para magkaroon ng security of tenure,” he said.
“Ang higit nating kailangan din ay higit na mas maraming trabaho sa ngayon. Ang magiging sakripisyo natin, yung bang pagkakaroon ng security of tenure ng iilan at the expense of pagkakaroon ng trabaho nang marami,” he added.
Mendoza, nevertheless, said they will re-file the Security of Tenure Bill this 18th Congress, and he hopes that the President will make true to his promises this time.
“We hope and we pray na tuloy ang laban. I hope, Mr. President, that you keep your promise because the workers of this country are actually waiting for your action,” he said.(GMA News)
