Bello says implementing new rules vs 'endo' tricky

DOLE plans to deputize labor groups as inspectors

MANILA - Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Thursday said his agency does not enough manpower to check all violations of the new set for rules against illegal labor contractualization.

Speaking on DZMM Teleradyo, Bello said it would be difficult for his agency to implement the new regulations because they only have around 500 inspectors to check 800,000 to 900,000 business establishments for violations.

"Kaya 'yung capabilities namin, talagang medyo mahina, lalo na kung meron kang mga inspector na medyo patulog-tulog," he said.

"Maganda man itong department order na ito, ang importante diyan 'yung honest, effective implementation," Bello added.

To solve the problem, Bello said he has asked President Rodrigo Duterte for additional manpower. He also said he will seek the help of labor groups in ensuring that the rules against contractualization are implemented.

"That is why we are coming up with a news implementation order kung saan unang-una, humihiling ako kay Pangulong Duterte ng additional inspectors. Pangalawa, kinausap ko ang labor groups. We will deputize you as inspectors para kayo na ang mag-inspect pero ang pakiusap ko sa kanila, 'wag kayong mag-expect na babayaran ko kayo, wala akong pera," Bello said.

According to Bello, he won't be able to eradicate all forms of contractualization as labor secretary since the law allows contractualization under certain conditions.

He added that a new law needs to be passed to address the issue.

"Merong pending House Bill No. 444 doon sa Kongreso ngayon and this is a bill that proposes to prohibit totally all forms of contractualization," he explained.

The new set of rules prohibit practices such as labor-only contracting, farming out work to a "cabo" and contracting out of job or work through an in-house agency, among others.