Manila, Philippines –The House of Representative finalized the measure seeking an end to labor-only contracting on Monday, January 29, with a vote of 199-7.

According to House Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu, the bill would help in firming the security of tenure of private sector employees due to ceaseless problems of labor-only contracting, known as “endo” or end of contract.

Lawmakers approved on third and final reading the House Bill 6908 that will also amend the Presidential Decree 442, otherwise known as the “Labor Code of the Philippines”. It seeks to amend the Article 106 titled “contractor” that in case an employer enters into a contract with employees, they should be paid in accordance with the Labor code and other related laws.

On the other hand, the seven lawmakers who opposed the measure comprise the militant Makabayan bloc from party-list groups Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriela, Kabataan and Alliance for Concerned Teachers.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) secretary confirms that they will now restrict the contracting out of labor to protect the rights of workers in accordance with the Labor Code and they will also give proper discussion about the difference between the labor-only contracting which is now prohibited and legitimate job contracting, which is permitted under the Labor Code.