Duterte, labor groups’ meeting on contractualization deferred

MANILA, Philippines — The waiting game for labor groups for the signing of the executive order regulating short-term employment begins anew as Malacañang postponed their meeting with President Duterte.

Labor Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod yesterday said Malacañang, for a still unknown reason, deferred today’s scheduled meeting between the President and labor groups.

“We have been informed by the OP that the meeting of the President with labor groups tomorrow (April 16) will not be pushing through,” Maglunsod, referring to the Office of the President, said.

Malacañang did not cite any reason for the last-minute postponement, according to Maglunsod.

“We will ask for the reason of the postponement from Malacañang tomorrow,” he said.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) earlier announced that Duterte would meet with labor groups today during which he is expected to sign the much-awaited executive order regulating contractual employment.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the DOLE submitted two draft EOs. They do not know which version will be signed.

Labor groups expressed disappointment over the postponement of the meeting with the Chief Executive.

Labor coalition Nagkaisa spokesman Rene Magtubo said Duterte opted to postpone the meeting because he is having second thoughts about signing the draft EO they submitted.

“The postponement may indicate that President Duterte is thinking twice of supporting the labor-drafted EO,” Magtubo said.

He criticized the DOLE for submitting several versions of the EO, saying it would “spoil” Duterte’s promise to end contractualization.

Labor groups have threatened not to attend the meeting with the President unless he fulfills his promise to sign the EO.

Militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno chair Elmer Labog said Duterte was apparently not keen on fulfilling his campaign promise to end contractualization.