NR0509:Transfer of NLRC power to DOLE abuse of Exec power

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release May 9, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
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Solon says Malacanang transfer of NLRC power to labor department constitutes abuse of authority and product of compromises with big businesses and employers

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today expressed support for beleaguered National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) chief Roy Seneres, saying that the commissioner was under fire from Malacanang and is being attacked by labor secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas because he, Seneres, stands in opposition to some major decisions Sto. Tomas has made regarding the settlement and resolution of labor disputes and related labor cases. He said that Seneres is right to contests the decision of Pres Arroyo to clip the powers of the NLRC and transfer them to Sto. Tomas' office.

"Pres. Arroyo is yet again abusing her authority as executive, and she is doing so with the help of her trusted lackeys such as Sto. Tomas. While it is true that there is still much to be desired regarding the performance of the NLRC and its service to Filipino workers, it will be a further serious attack against the welfare of workers if the NLRC's powers and functions are added to the already considerable and abusive powers of the labor secretary and her office," he said.

Beltran said that Pres. Arroyo was on a "power trip" and that she is bending and twisting the law to make sure that all department heads and top officials of the various government agencies including those handling labor affairs are towing the Malacanang line. He said that the issuance of yet another executive order virtually making the NLRC a redundant agency constitutes an abuse of power on the part of the executive. "There has been no benefit of assessment and investigations into the NLRC's functions and performance. This virtual abolition of the NLRC is highly arbitrary and reeks with underhanded motives on the part of Malacanang."

"Commissioner Seneres is right in exposing the motives of the President and Sto. Tomas in cutting the NLRC's powers. Seneres has taken a few strong stands against Sto. Tomas and her assumption of jurisdiction orders, and compromises with foreign investors in the country and their businesses and labor policies that directly undermine the economic welfare of workers."

"Pres. Arroyo and Sec. Sto. Tomas are underhandedly trying to wrest power from the NLRC and its officials the same way the President has stripped the authority of several other agencies and departments so she can better manipulate them for self-serving purposes," he said. "Sto. Tomas and Pres. Arroyo are cutting deals left and right with employers and big business groups foreign and local regarding cuts in labor costs and worker benefits, even as the administration promises employers that there will never be a substantial or across-the-board wage increase."#