Senators to block 2-year work probation period

MANILA, Philippines — The House bill seeking to lengthen a worker’s probationary period will be dead once it reaches the Senate.

Senators issued the warning yesterday as they strongly opposed House Bill 4802, filed by Probinsyano Ako party-list Rep. Jose Singson Jr., which seeks to give employers up to two years to determine whether or not an employee is fit to be regularized.

“It practically goes against the move to remove contractualization. It needs a considerable amount of study,” Senate President Vicente Sotto III told reporters.

Sen. Joel Villanueva, chairman of the committee on labor and employment, said the bill appears to curb the right of workers in the Security of Tenure bill, which he has been pushing since the previous Congress.

“Workers would be on the losing end if the probationary period is extended to 24 months from the current six months,” Villanueva said.

He urged the Department of Labor and Employment to fast-track the drafting of its version of the Security of Tenure bill so the committee can start the legislative process on the measure.

“We are determined to push for this measure because our workers stand to benefit the most from the Security of Tenure bill,” he added.

Sen. Sonny Angara said the House bill may be justified in careers where more complex skills and training are needed “but we have to be careful to avoid cases where the unscrupulous will take advantage of this longer period for probation.”

“For example, is it necessary to have a person changing bed sheets and towels for two years? Definitely not. So the law must ensure protection for employees against abuse of the law,” Angara said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon warned the measure would be “dead on arrival” in the chamber once it passes the House.

“I will oppose its passage. If the House passes it, consider it DOA in the Senate. This is unjust and unreasonable,” Drilon said.