Bong Go calls for enhanced livelihood support for 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 on Friday, 17 November, after aiding fire victims in Davao City, Go said, "Actually, bumaba slightly ang unemployment. Still, mataas pa rin. From 4.8 percent last July 2023, naging 4.4 percent 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.

Reflecting on the underemployment rate, which declined from 15.9 percent in July 2023 to 14.7 percent in August, he explained the concept of underemployment: "Halimbawa graduate ka ng college course, pero 'yung trabaho na napasukan mo, eh, factory worker ka."

"Kumbaga, mas mababa po 'yung level ng work mo at mas mababa ang sweldo mo kaysa sa nakuha mong educational attainment," he added.

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."

"So, balansehin, kung ayon po sa pagtaas sa presyo dapat po ay tumaas na rin ang sweldo ng mga manggagawa natin," added the senator.

Finally, highlighting the role of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in equitable aid distribution, Go appealed, "Ngayon kung mayroon pong ayuda ang gobyerno through DSWD, nakikiusap po ako na gamitin nyo po ito sa pagtulong sa mga indigents at yung mga walang trabaho."

Go continued, "Don't be selective, 'wag piliin kung sino 'yung tutulungan ninyo. 'Wag nyo pong haluan ng politika. Kaya nga po 'Assistance in Crisis Situations.' Ibig sabihin in crisis, nagugutom, walang perang pambili, kailangan po sa edukasyon, pambaon, at para may makain," he reminded.

"So, tulungan po natin 'yung mga nararapat, gamitin n'yo po ang pondo ng taumbayan sa mga nangangailangan. Pera po ng taumbayan iyan, ibalik po dapat sa kanila. Hindi po dapat hahaluan ng politika o maging selective sa pagpili ng mga beneficiaries. Dapat po 'yung mga mahihirap nating kababayan ay talagang mapakinabangan ang pondo ng bayan," he concluded.

PSA's recent report indicates a decline in the underemployment rate from 14.7 percent in August 2022 to 11.7 percent in August 2023, with 1.4 million fewer underemployed persons. However, challenges remain, as indicated by the decrease in middle- and high-skilled occupations and an increase in low-skilled jobs.