Bong Go calls for enhanced livelihood support for the poor
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the need for better-paying jobs and equitable government aid distribution, amid a slight decline in unemployment and underemployment rates.
Responding to questions about the unemployment rate in an interview, after aiding fire victims in Davao City, Go said, “Actually, bumaba slightly ang unemployment. From 4.8% last July 2023, naging 4.4% according po sa Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).”
He added that this figure pertains to individuals aged 15 and above who are jobless, with about 2.21 million still unemployed.
Go underscored the importance of creating quality jobs that correspond with workers’ education levels.
“Dapat po mahalaga makapagbigay tayo ng quality jobs para mas malaki rin ang income ng manggagawa dahil karamihan dito may mga pamilya po itong sinusuportahan. Importante dito walang magutom,” he stated.
He also mentioned his support for legislative proposals to increase wages, “Kaya bilang miyembro ng Senate Committee on Labor, nag-co-author tayo ng Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2002, ‘yun po ‘yung Across the Board Wage Increase (bill) na magkakaroon po ng increase sa sahod.”
Aside from this measure, Go also filed SBN 420, known as the Rural Employment Assistance Bill, which aims to provide temporary employment opportunities for qualified members of poor households in rural areas.
Another significant proposal is SBN 1183, or the Media and Entertainment Workers’ Welfare Bill. This legislation seeks to enhance the protection, security, and incentives for media workers. For delivery riders, who have become increasingly essential in modern commerce, SBN 1184 proposes better protection.
The Magna Carta of Seafarers, embodied in SBN 1191, is another noteworthy initiative of Go. As one of its authors and co-sponsors, he highlighted that the measure focuses on enhanced protection and programs for seafarers, a critical sector in the Philippine economy. This bill acknowledges their contributions and aims to safeguard their rights and well-being.
Meanwhile, SBN 1705 proposes an increase in the service incentive leave for private sector employees. For the burgeoning freelance workforce, SBN 2107, or the Freelance Workers Protection Bill, has been proposed by Go. It aims to provide protection and incentives for freelance workers, recognizing their rights and ensuring that they are adequately compensated and protected in their services if enacted into law.
Lastly, SBN 2115 which he also filed focuses on providing vocational programs for drug dependents. This initiative aims to integrate these individuals back into society, offering them opportunities for rehabilitation and skill development, thus facilitating their re-entry into the workforce.
Meanwhile, addressing the balance needed in wage increases, Go noted, “Pero importante din po balansehin rin po ito, dahil ayaw rin natin na may magsara na negosyante at mawawalan po ng trabaho ‘yung kanilang mga empleyado.”
