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Kuya Bong champions minimum wage hike, healthcare access reforms
To address unemployment, Go introduced Senate Bill No. 177, titled the Rural Employment Assistance Program Act, to provide temporary jobs for economically disadvantaged individuals in rural areas.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed a series of legislative measures aimed at providing wage relief, expanding rural employment opportunities, and strengthening public healthcare access as rising commodity prices continue to pressure household budgets nationwide.
Go authored Senate Bill No. 175, or the proposed P100 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act, which seeks an across-the-board daily wage hike for private-sector workers across the country.
During recent Senate budget deliberations, the lawmaker urged labor officials to implement regional wage adjustments outside Metro Manila to assist provincial families coping with inflation.
“The prices of goods continue to increase faster than wages,” Go said, pointing to the widening gap between worker earnings and essential living costs.
To address unemployment, Go introduced Senate Bill No. 177, titled the Rural Employment Assistance Program Act, to provide temporary jobs for economically disadvantaged individuals in rural areas.
He also filed Senate Bill No. 174, the Indigent Jobseekers Assistance Act, which waives government fees for pre-employment documentation required of qualified low-income applicants.
In public health, Go continues to advocate for expanded medical relief through the Malasakit Center network established under Republic Act 11463, a measure he principally authored to consolidate government financial aid for indigent patients.
The lawmaker also supported Republic Act 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, to construct specialized medical facilities in regional public hospitals.
Addressing public infrastructure spending, Go called for strict oversight and legal action regarding reported irregularities in flood control and public works projects during Department of Public Works and Highways budget hearings.
“Let us hold all those responsible for this mess accountable,” Go said, stressing that government funds must be safeguarded against corruption and directed toward public services.