Title
EO 51: Security of Tenure Protection
Law
Executive Order No. 51
Decision Date
May 4, 2018
Rodrigo Roa Duterte's Executive Order No. 51 mandates the strict enforcement of workers' rights to security of tenure and prohibits illegal contracting or subcontracting practices that undermine these rights, ensuring compliance with the Labor Code and promoting social justice.

Scope and Coverage

  • The Order applies to all parties, including cooperatives, involved in contracting and subcontracting arrangements.

Prohibition Against Illegal Contracting or Subcontracting

  • Illegal contracting/subcontracting intended to circumvent workers' right to security of tenure and related rights is strictly prohibited.
  • Security of tenure: the right of employees not to be dismissed without just cause and due process.
  • The Secretary of Labor may identify activities that may be contracted out, in consultation with the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council.

Effect of Violation

  • Violating contracting/subcontracting provisions renders the principal employer directly liable as the employer of the contractor’s or subcontractor’s workers.

Enforcement of Labor Standards and Working Conditions

  • The Secretary of Labor, through authorized representatives, has visitorial and enforcement powers to inspect establishments anytime labor is being performed.
  • Full access to employer’s records, premises, and personnel is authorized for investigation and compliance verification.
  • Compliance orders may be issued after due hearing and are immediately executory unless restrained by court order.
  • In orders for worker regularization, employment cannot be terminated pending appeal except for just cause.
  • Termination pending appeal causes the compliance order for regularization to become executory.

Sanctions

  • Violations of the Order are subject to penalties as prescribed by existing laws or regulations.

Inter-agency Cooperation

  • All executive government agencies are mandated to assist and support the Department of Labor and Employment in implementing the Order.

Separability Clause

  • If any provision is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the rest of the Order remains effective.

Repealing Clause

  • Existing laws, rules, or orders inconsistent with this Order are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Effectivity

  • The Order takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

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