MANILA, Philippines — The security of tenure bill, which was vetoed by President Rodrigo Duterte due to provisions that are disadvantageous to employers, is still a priority of the administration, Malacañang said Monday.
Presidential Legislative Liaison Office chief Adelino Sitoy said the priority measures that were not enacted during the previous Congress, including the security of tenure bill, would be refiled.
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Asked to react to senators' claim that the security of tenure bill, which seeks to ban illegal contractualization or "endo," was not included in the priority bills, Sitoy replied: "No, this time the priority bill will be refiled. But with some changes."
"Priority natin (It's our priority)," he added.
READ: Senators unhappy, confused over Duterte's rejection of 'End Endo' bill
Lawmakers and Palace officials met Monday to discuss the priority bills and to ensure their passage in the 18th Congress. Sitoy admitted that the pre-Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council meet was held to prevent the vetoing of key measures.
"We have ironed out details to avoid veto," Sitoy said in a phone patch interview.
"Same priorities. The remaining priorities in the past, in the 17th Congress and then we will refile," he added.
READ: Why Duterte vetoed the anti-endo bill
Aside from the security of tenure bill, other priority measures are the coco levy bill, the proposed National Land Use Act and the revival of the mandatory Reserved Officers Training Corps, Sitoy said.
Interestingly, the federalism bill, one of the campaign promises of Duterte, was not included in the list of priorities.
"Wala, no mention," Sitoy said when asked if the federalism bill is among the priority measures.
He said he does not know why the measure was excluded from the list.
READ: What's next for anti-endo bill after Duterte's veto?