Extending probationary employment period not a solution to endo —DOLE

The proposal to extend the six-month probationary employment period to up to 24 months will not solve the contractualization issue, contrary to what its proponent has envisioned.

Labor Assistant Secretary Benjo Santos Benavidez made such a remark on Wednesday as the House Committee on Labor and Employment tackled the proposal of Probinsyano Ako party-list Representative Jose "Bonito" Singson Jr. to lengthen the period of probationary employment.

House labor committee deliberates on employment-related bills, including the measure extending the six-month probationary employment period to 24 months. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/J1WX1Mgw9W

— Erwin Colcol (@erwincolcol) November 13, 2019

In sponsoring his bill during the panel hearing, Singson recognized the criticisms against his bill. But he pointed out that his proposal only wants to ensure that workers are continuously employed even after the current six-month probationary period.

"Ano ba ang mas pagdurusa na dinaranas ngayon ng mga manggagawa? Maliwanag na tine-terminate sila, tigil ang hanapbuhay. E 'di dapat i-regularize na lang sila from Day 1," he said.

"'Yun lang ang gusto nating i-address—for employees to have a chance at continuous employment beyond six months," he added.

Singson also noted that even though employees are on probationary status, they will still receive some of the mandatory employment benefits under the law.

Benavidez, however, said such a proposal should be studied and discussed thoroughly. He said the department believes that the proposed two-year probationary period may be "too long" a time.

"We are also of the opinion that this may not be the solution to the endo problem," he said.

"Endo" or "end of contract" refers to the practice of terminating a worker before the six-month probationary period is up to avoid regularization. Under the Labor Code, probationary employment shall not exceed six months, and any employee allowed to work after the probationary period shall become regular employee.

"[Also], there are already rules and jurisprudence allowing a longer period of time. These matters may well be lengthily discussed and considered in TWG (technical working group) scheduled in relation to the other measures on security on tenure," he added.

For his part, Louie Corral, vice chair of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, said that extending the probationary employment period also means prolonging the "agony" of the non-regular workers.

"Why prolong the agony? If the question is competence, then you have already a six-month period to determine competence. Huwag na nating palalain 'yung corporate impunity," he said.

"Nababahala kami na kung ang panukalang ito ay maisabatas, it will create a more serious form of endo," he added.

A technical working group meeting has been set to further discuss the provisions of Singson's proposal. —KG, GMA News