SOT bill to become a law soon – Bello

July 4, 2019

The Security of Tenure Bill (SOT), a landmark legislation that will prohibit all illegal employment schemes and subcontracting of Filipino workers, is now awaiting signature by President Rodrigo Duterte, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said on Tursday.

Bello said he got word from the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) that the bill was enrolled on Friday and may be signed into law by the President anytime soon.

“We are anticipating the signing of the SOT Bill, which is landmark legislation under the Duterte administration. Ensuring the workers’ security of tenure is among the priorities of our President and we are hopeful that the President will soon sign the bill into law to enhance the enjoyment of their constitutional rights to job security,” he said.

The labor chief on Monday has also submitted its recommendation for the enactment of the bill, emphasizing that the legislation will clarify the ambiguities in existing laws with defined types of employment arrangements. He also said that the Congress-approved measure will strengthen workers’ security of tenure by prohibiting unlawful contracting arrangements, and provide penalties for its violations.

The Senate Bill No. 1826 or the Security of Tenure or End Endo Act of 2018, was approved on third and final reading in May and later on adopted by the House of Representatives, bypassing the needed bicameral conference.

It has been certified as urgent in September last year fulfilling the President’s promise to put an end to the prevalent practices of contractualization and labor-only contracting, that saddled a big number workers and contributed to the country’s underemployment.

The enrolled bill could lapse into law if not acted upon within 30 days after it was enrolled in Malacañang. DMS