2-year probation for workers ‘objectionable,’ says priest

An official of the church’s social justice arm rejected a proposal to extend the maximum probationary period from six months to two years.

Fr. Edwin Gariguez, executive secretary of the National Secretariat for Social Action, said the existing is already enough to determine the qualification of employees.

“That’s very objectionable,” said Fr. Gariguez.

House Bill 402 argued that the 6-month period is not enough for employers to assess whether an employee is qualified for regular employment.

Filed by Probinsyano Ako party-list Rep. Jose Singson Jr., the current probationary period also “limits the right of the employer” to secure quality workers.

Fr. Gariguez, however, said that passing the bill is tantamount to “legalized contractualization”.

“Extending it to two years is to legalize contractualization because employees can be employed for two years without the security of tenure, and can be easily terminated when two year probe period ends,” he said.

Several labor groups have also criticized the proposal, saying that it is just another act of exploitation against ordinary workers.