Gibo, Edu say their platform will include workers' welfare

CEBU, Philippines - The administration candidates, presidential aspirant Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro and his running mate actor Edu Manzano yesterday assured the officials of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines that their platform of government will include the issues concerning the workers.

Both Teodoro and Manzano, who were in town yesterday as guests of the convention of the One Cebu party of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, made the assurance when they personally visited ALU-TUCP National President Democrito Mendoza at his office at the JSU-PSU Mariner’s Court/PSU-ALU office.

Teodoro lamented the fact that some managements ride on the issue of the global economic crisis to avoid giving what is due for their workers.

He explained the situation of the workers here in Cebu does not have much difference to those who are in Manila and even in other regional offices where ALU has members.

Union officials said that the economic crisis is not just affecting the workers in the industrialized sector, but also those who are working in the plantation.

However, they added that there are still measures that can prevent massive retrenchment by telling union members to be stronger and united.

Teodoro said that his platform of government will cater to the issues concerning the workers especially those who are union members.

According to him, he had noticed the important role of the labor sector in the development in the country.

Manzano, on the other hand, said that he will support the programs of Teodoro particularly the ones concerning the workers.

The vice presidential aspirant shared that he owned an arrastre firm based in Cagayan de Oro City and he recognized the important role of the workers especially during dark times.

During their visit, Mendoza briefed Teodoro and Manzano on the workers unions’ current initiatives to respond to the difficult times which include, among others, addressing problems of the displaced workers as well as those who are facing retrenchment. — Pepe Sollano/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)