Senate approves bill on strengthening Tripartism

The Senate today approved on third and final reading a bill strengthening Tripartism by amending article 275 of the Labor Code

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chairman of the Committee on Labor and sponsor of the bill, said that one of the weaknesses of tripartism in the country is the lack of a well-defined criteria for nomination and selection of sectoral representatives in various tripartite bodies.

Estrada defined tripartism as the representation of worker and employer sectors in the decision and policy making bodies of the government.

"Through tripartism, employers and workers on one hand representing their respective interests, and the government on the other, representing the interest of the public, help shape economic policies and programs of the government," Estrada said.

"Tripartism in labor relations is hereby declared a State policy. Towards this end, workers and employers, shall, as far as practicable, be represented in decision and policy- making bodies of the government," he added.

The proposed measure was approved on second reading without amendments last October 17, 2012. (OLIVE CAUNAN, PRIB)