PALSCON "ENDO," "5-5-5" holds 6th National Forum

The Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors (PALSCON) had hold its annual 6th National Forum with the hope of helping clear the air with regard to vital labor issues like "ENDO" or "End of Contract" and "5-5-5."

"ENDO" or "End of Contract" and "5-5-5." Are among the hottest topics during the forum, especially in light of strong calls by the government and the general public to once and for all put an end to these unfair labor practices.

With Atty. Ranulfo P. Payos

Through the forum, PALSCON, the premier association of legitimate service contractors in the country, is putting itself at the forefront of helping come up with winnable solutions against "ENDO" or "End of Contract" and "5-5-5" together with other concerned groups and stakeholders. In the past, PALSCON already collaborated with labor and employers groups and the national government, in particular the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to hopefully put an end to illegal employment practices.

With Atty. Ruben D. Torres

"The situation now is very challenging especially to the legitimate service contractors who have become seriously affected with the allegations that our industry is propagating these practices, which is absolutely not true. This is very timely and important event for PALSCON because not only it is an opportunity for all service contractors to gather in one place, it is also where we can show strength in unity in light of the issues, that we are the light of the industry and show how we can advance our cause. We hope that through this forum we can enlighten the government and show them and the general public how PALSCON can help clean the air of these issues and assure them of PALSCON members full and total compliance to existing labor laws." ~Arturo "Butch" Guerrero III, Chairman of the PALSCON 6th Forum and PALSCON's 2014 and 2015 National President

Among the other topics that have been tackled during the forum include Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez and the "win-win" scenario proposed by the government, and the service contracting industry's importance as presented by Atty. Josephus Jimenez, Past President of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) for 2015 and current PMAP President Jesse Rebustillo.

With Asec. Alex

The issue of ongoing labor inspections on labor-only contracting by Bureau of Labor Relations Director Benjo Benavidez had also been tackled while the DOLE had also informed attendees of the rules of inspection so PALSCON members will be properly guided during inspections and comply with labor laws. The stand of the  Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) had also been made known and announced by ECOP President Donald Dee and PCCI President George Barcelon, respectively.

Question & Answer Portion

As for the international scenario, the International Labor Organization (ILO) had shown that service contracting is a practice well received in other countries and that the Philippines need it to be globally competitive in the ASEAN market and in the global supply chain, according to Guerrero.

The World Employment Confederation (formerly International Confederation of Private Employment Agencies or CIETT), of which PALSCON is a member, had presented valuable research data which it hopes will advance the cause of service contracting in the Philippines.

Since the forums theme is about Tripartism, the trade unions, represented by the President of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), Atty. Sonny Matula and Past President Atty. Allan Montano had been on hand airing the side of the workers.

And as hailed during its last General Membership Meeting, PALSCON had presented its manifesto, which was supported by the ECOP, the PCCI, the Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. or SEIPI in order to show the strength and unity among the largest employer groups in the country.

For more about PALSCON and how to become a member, visit www.palscon.org.