Panelo corrects self on veto of Security of Tenure bill

Minutes after announcing that President Rodrigo Duterte has vetoed the Security of Tenure bill, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo corrected himself and said the measure is "not yet vetoed."

"Security Tenure Bill not yet vetoed. PRRD still studying the pros and cons. Sorry for the error. We will know tomorrow for sure," he issued the short statement Thursday night.  He did not explain.

Earlier in the day,  Panelo said the President might veto the measure if he finds merit in the issues raised by Socio Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia on some of its provisions. 

The landmark measure meant to eliminate ‘endo’ or the practice subcontracting of labor.

It was also meant to limit job contracting to licensed and specialized services.

The bill sought to classify workers into regular and probationary employees and treat project and seasonal employees as regular employees.

Several business groups had been urging Duterte to veto the bill, claiming that signing it into law could lead to job losses and affect the economy.

Socieoeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia on Wednesday also voiced reservations on the bill as he underscored the need to strike a balance between the concerns of workers and businesses.

Ending unjust contractualization was a campaign promise of Duterte. —NB, GMA News