EVEN employers and government agencies are opposed to the Philippine National Police (PNP) proposal to require a national clearance for transactions in the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Citing the initial result of their stakeholder consultation, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said they are likely to reject the PNP’s recommendation as it adds another layer of documentary requirements in their transactions.
He noted that even the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority are against the proposal of PNP chief Debold Sinas, since it is “against [the] principle of easing business.”
In a letter to Bello, Sinas recommended to DOLE the use of its National Police Clearance (NPC) in its transactions so the agency can “have a broader information as to the character” of its applicants.
The DOLE chief had noted, however, the impact this could have on both businesses and workers, already burdened by the Covid-19 pandemic, and having difficulty in transacting with government as even state agencies have had to resort to online arrangements in a bid to reduce infections.
Bello said they expect to submit their reply to PNP’s proposal next week once they consolidate the response of their stakeholders.
Last week, labor groups already called on DOLE to reject the proposal from PNP for being anti-labor and violating international labor conventions.
DOLE deferred acting on the appeal of the organized labor due to its ongoing stakeholder consultation on the matter.