Senate nixes 2-year probationary period

Sen. Drilon described the proposal as ‘unjust’ and ‘unreasonable.’

Even before a counterpart bill is filed in their chamber, Senate Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon has already pronounced that the measure seeking to extend the probation period of employees to two years is already considered “dead on arrival.”

“I will oppose its passage. If the House (of Representatives) passes it, consider it DOA in the Senate. This is unjust, it’s unreasonable,” Drilon said.

This was also opposed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III as it is not in line with the government’s aim to remove the practice of contractualization in the country.

“It practically goes against the move to remove contractualization. It needs a considerable amount of study,” Sotto said.

Senate Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development Committee chairman Joel Villanueva backed Sotto’s position and reiterated for the passage of a new version of Security of Tenure (SoT) Bill, which was previously vetoed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The proposed measure appears to curb the right of workers to Security of Tenure, which we have been pushing since the previous Congress. Workers would be on the losing end if the probationary period is extended to 24 months from the current six months,” Villanueva said.

“We urge DoLE (Department of Labor and Employment) to fast-track the drafting of their version of the Security of Tenure Bill, so we can start the legislative process on the measure. We are determined to push this measure because our workers stand to benefit the most from the SoT bill,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sen. Sonny Angara said this might be needed in some fields of work, but employers might take advantage of the proposed two-year probationary period.

“That may be justified in careers where more complex skills and training are needed, but we have to be careful to avoid cases where the unscrupulous will take advantage of this longer period for probation. For example, is it necessary to have a person changing bed sheets and towels for two years? Definitely not. So, the law must ensure protection for employees against abuse of the law,” Angara said.