During his Labor Day address at the IC3 Convention Center in Cebu City, President Rodrigo Duterte affirmed Congress must act in order to formally end the practice of “job contractualization.”

Despite signing an executive order to end contractualization earlier this week, the president pointed out there are more necessary steps to make it a long-term solution.

“In order to implement an effective and lasting solution to the problems brought about by contractualization, Congress needs to enact a law amending the Labor Code,” he explained. “A mere executive order is not enough because you have to change or modify, or entirely abrogate, some of the provisions.”

In addition, Duterte said he also directed the Department of Labor and Employment to provide a list of companies engaged in the controversial practice.

To employers considered to be “abusive” to workers, the president warned, “Your days are numbered.”

In response to the order, the General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) said, while they were pleased with the development, they were still awaiting more details.

GAWA Secretary-General Wennie Sancho called the order a “welcome development,” but said his group wants to review more details.

He added, they will only formally commend the president if the conditions of the order are satisfactory with the organization./WDJ