The ECCP, together with members of the Joint Foreign Chamber, met with Sen. Franklin Drilon particularly on Security of Tenure. 

• With regard to the status of Senate Bill No. 1826, interpellations have been closed and they are now in the period of amendments. 

• It was reported that in an interview, Senate President Sotto stated that the Philippine Senate will try to finish everything [regarding Security of Tenure Bill] including bicameral conference within the last nine days of session. This will then be calendared immediately within the first 2-3 days when Senate sessions presume on 20 May. 

• Key messages of the said business group are as follows:
  1) we believe that all employees, whether in regular status, job contracting, or temporary employment arrangements, must enjoy security of tenure, minimum wages and benefits, and all other rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution; 
  2) unduly restricting the flexibility of enterprises to strategically choose which parts of its work processes to outsource will drive up costs of production and could make the Philippines less competitive; and
  3) the current law governing security of tenure and job contracting is sufficient to protect the interests of workers. Possible alleged abuses are not caused by the inadequacy of the law, but by lack of proper monitoring and implementation of the law. 

For more information on the ECCP's advocacy activities, email advocacy@eccp.com.