Eastern Visayas workers want ‘endo’ order implemented

TACLOBAN CITY, May 1  -- Labor groups in Eastern Visayas have asked President Rodrigo Duterte to ensure the enforcement of the signed executive order meant to prohibit illegal contracting and subcontracting of workers.

Roy Perez, spokesperson of Katrabaho Eastern Visayas, welcomed the signing but remains skeptical that the order will really ban “endo” or illegal contractualization.

“This is just an executive order and it will go through the hands of congressmen and senators before it becomes a policy through legislation,” Perez told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a mobile phone interview.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Labor Day signed the executive order banning illegal contracting or subcontracting which strengthens employees’ security of tenure.
The Chief Executive made this announcement in a speech delivered in Cebu City noting that he wanted to stick to his campaign promise to end contractualization and give Filipinos a “decent and comfortable life.”

Duterte, however, pointed out that Congress also needs to do its part to amend the existing Labor Code which he described as “outdated.”

The labor group noted that situation has worsened this year as prices of basic goods have increased dramatically while salary of workers remained low.

“The President must be true to his campaign promise to totally prohibit endo. Many existing labor policies are favorable to big companies and not to low-earning workers. The labor department remained to be an ally of big businesses who have heaped enormous profits by oppressing their workers,” Perez said.

“Since 2011, four wage orders have gone by and yet our wages remain nailed at the barest minimum and we have been employed without benefits. Their wage orders are without teeth and inutile,” he added.

Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno Eastern Visayas chapter reported on Tuesday that hundreds of workers of major industries in Isabel, Leyte joined an anti-endo rally in Isabel, Leyte.

Similar protest was also held Tuesday morning in front of Department of Labor and Employment regional office here. (SQM/PNA)