The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading a bill that seeks to address practices of contractualization and de-regularization of workers.

House Bill 6908 or the proposed Security of Tenure Bill aims to address problems of labor-only contracting and end of contract.

The bill also introduces a provision that requires all job contractors to obtain license from Department of Labor and Employment.

It also provides rights and benefits of relievers, project, and seasonal employees at par with regular employees, which is consistent with the principle that all workers must be treated alike.

The proposal seeks to amend Presidential Decree 442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines.

Several lawmakers, however, oppose the measure.

"As Anakpawis' representative in whom the worker's sector is part of, we cannot stomach to be an accomplice on a proposed law that will further strengthen and institutionalize job contracting," said Anakpawis party-list representative Ariel Casilao.

Meanwhile, Gabriela party-list representative Arlene Brosas said the proposal explicitly allows "legitimate job contracting", wherein principal businesses are allowed to farm out jobs to service provides and manpower agencies.

"HB 6908 is a fake security of tenure bill since it legalizes contractualization supposedly in accordance with a set of parameters and with weak penalties," she said.

"Tiyak na ilulusot itong pekeng security of tenure bill para lang sabihin na tinupad ni Duterte ang kanyang pangako. Ang totoo'y malaking panlilinlang ito sa manggagawa," Brosas added. - report from RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News