MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday asked lawmakers to pass legislation that will "once and for all" stop illegal contractualization.

While the government has ordered companies to regularize workers, including 300 early this month, Duterte said: "I understand that this does not satisfy all sectors."

"I am asking Congress to pass legislation ending the practice of contractualization once and for all," he said during his third State of the Nation Address.

"As I would like to do the impossible, that power is not vested upon me by the Constitution and neither will I make both ends meet even if I violate the laws to achieve that purpose. It's not part of my territory," he said.

The Department of Labor and Employment has directed companies like PLDT Inc and Jollibee to regularize thousands of workers.