Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed a measure seeking to grant civil service eligibility to casual and contractual government employees, in a bid to strengthen workers’ rights and address long-standing employment inequities in the public sector.

Go filed Senate Bill No. 1786, or the Civil Service Eligibility for Casual and Contractual Employees Act of 2026, on 9 February as part of his priority measures before the Senate.

“Hindi natin dapat pabayaan ang ating mga manggagawa na walang kasiguruhan sa kanilang kinabukasan. Mahalaga na magkaroon sila ng seguridad at tamang benepisyo para sa kanilang sakripisyo at serbisyo sa sambayanan,” Senator Go said.

The proposed bill seeks to grant civil service eligibility to casual and contractual government employees who have rendered the prescribed length of continuous and satisfactory service. The measure aims to address the situation of thousands of workers who remain in precarious employment arrangements despite years of service.

Go said many casual and contractual employees perform essential functions that keep public services running, yet continue to face job insecurity, limited benefits and restricted opportunities for advancement.

“Ang panukalang ito ay bunga ng pakikinig sa mga hinaing at pangangailangan ng iba’t ibang sektor. Mahalagang iakma ang ating mga batas sa kasalukuyang panahon at sa aktuwal na sitwasyon ng mga tao,” Go stressed.

The senator also cited his previously filed Senate Bill No. 177, or the Rural Employment Assistance Program, which seeks to provide temporary employment to individuals affected by economic hardship, displacement, seasonal unemployment and those residing in rural areas.

During a budget hearing on 1 October 2025, Go also raised concerns over the Human Resources for Health deployment program, particularly the longstanding appeal of contractual healthcare workers for plantilla status. He said regularization would make the profession more attractive and help retain health workers in the country.

He proposed that budgetary amendments could be directed toward strengthening the program, including possible plantilla conversion for healthcare workers.

Through these initiatives, Go reiterated his commitment to advancing measures that support workers and strengthen public institutions.

“We aim to continue to pass legislation that will address the weaknesses and gaps of our system. Patuloy nating tututukan at ipaglaban ang pangangalaga sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Dahil naniniwala ako na ang buhay ay katumbas ng kalusugan at buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.