ARN News Centre

Duterte backtracks to veto short-term contract bill

Friday, 26 July 2019 15:34

Rodrigo Duterte has vetoed a bill that would have ended the practice of hiring workers on short-term contracts.

Salvador Panelo, a spokesperson for the Philippine President, confirmed the decision on Friday.

It means that Duterte has gone back on a major campaign promise that helped him get elected.

Under Philippines law, employers can hire workers through contracts that run five months.

This allows them to to avoid a six-month rule which would then force companies to give their staff permanent job status in addition to benefits like healthcare.

More from International

Winter storm hits central US

A winter storm brought snow, ice and freezing temperatures to a broad swath of the U.S. on Sunday, with some 60 million people across more than a dozen states from Kansas to New Jersey under winter weather warnings and advisories.
Ukrainian forces launch major attack in Kursk region

Ukrainian forces have launched a major new attack in Russia's western Kursk region, Russian military bloggers reported on Sunday.
South Koreans protest as Yoon arrest deadline looms

Thousands braved heavy snow in Seoul on Sunday to rally for and against arresting impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, as South Korea's political crisis appeared headed toward another high-stakes confrontation.
Syrian foreign minister in Doha to meet senior Qatari officials

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, appointed by the country's new rulers, arrived in Qatar on Sunday to meet senior Qatari officials.
Massive winter storm to hit US from Plains to East Coast

Millions of Americans from the Plains to the East Coast faced the threat of blizzards, heavy snow, treacherous ice and freezing rain through Monday, the National Weather Service said on Saturday.