Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Friday acknowledged the contributions of Filipino workers while calling attention to rising costs and proposals to help families cope.
“Ngayong Labor Day, saludo po ako sa bawat manggagawang Pilipino. Kayo po ang lakas ng ating mga pamilya, ng ating mga komunidad, at ng ating bansa,” he said.
Go cited programs and bills aimed at supporting workers, including a proposed PhP100 daily minimum wage increase, fuel subsidies, and temporary employment programs for rural and informal workers.
“Ang trabaho po ay hindi lang hanapbuhay. Para sa maraming Pilipino, ito ang paraan para maitawid ang pamilya sa araw-araw. Kaya dapat patuloy nating tiyakin na may malasakit ang serbisyo publiko para sa ating mga manggagawa,” he said.
Fuel prices remain a concern, particularly for transport workers, farmers, and small businesses. Go’s proposed Fuel Crisis Immediate Relief and Response Act would provide subsidies, discounted rides on priority routes, and access to credit for small enterprises and farmers.
“Kapag tumataas ang presyo ng gasolina, ramdam po agad ito ng mga driver, pasahero, magsasaka, mangingisda, manggagawa, at ordinaryong pamilya. Kaya mahalaga po ang agarang tulong para hindi lalo pang mabigatan ang ating mga kababayan,” he said.
Go also highlighted support for overseas Filipino workers and informal laborers, including vendors, drivers, and market workers, who face uncertain incomes and limited benefits.
“Marami sa ating mga kababayan ang araw-araw kumakayod kahit mahirap ang kalagayan. Ang hiling ko lang, huwag natin silang kalimutan. Sila po ang tahimik na bumubuhay sa maraming pamilya at komunidad,” he said.