Duterte vows to continue giving opportunities to workers

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday lauded Filipino workers for being a source of pride for the country and vowed to provide them opportunities that will allow them to achieve their potential.

“Our people have been known worldwide for the great passion, integrity and professionalism they demonstrate in everything that they do. These qualities have not only brought economic gains to our country, but have also been a source of immense pride and encouragement among our people,” Duterte said in his Labor Day message.

“This administration, even if it is coming nearly to a close, shall remain committed to providing the people with the opportunities they need to realize their full potential,” he added.

The President underscored that he welcomes the annual celebration of Labor Day with much fervor because it gives the people “the chance to celebrate all the triumphs and progress that the labor movement has accomplished over the years.”

“We are likewise reminded to overcome the challenges by recognizing the rights of our workers and reassessing the systems that may hinder their growth and development,” he added.

The Chief Executive also expressed hope that Labor Day was able to recharge workers as they continue to work for themselves, their families and the nation.

Labor groups have criticized Duterte for vetoing a security of tenure bill that sought to remove ambiguities that allowed employers to skirt laws against labor-only contracting in 2019. They said Duterte had rejected the measure even if it was one of his campaign promises in 2016.

Officials have defended Duterte’s decision to veto the bill, saying there is a need to consider the interests of both the employers and workers.

In a statement issued last month, acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said the security of tenure bill passed by Congress “unduly broadens the scope and definition of prohibited labor-only contracting, effectively proscribing forms of contractualization that are not particularly unfavorable to employees involved.”

“The President hopes that Congress will rectify the vetoed provisions as he remains committed to eradicating all forms of abusive employment practices and protecting the workers’ right to security of tenure,” Andanar said in a statement issued last April 7.

Leni calls for just wages, protection from abuses

Vice President Leni Robredo yesterday commemorated Labor Day with calls for “just wages, protection from abuses and elimination of old and corrupt system” to achieve progress.

Robredo, who is running for president on May 9, attended the Labor Day event organized by the Alliance of Labor Leaders for Leni (ALL4Leni) and Workers for Leni at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

She asked Filipinos to pursue the road to a brighter future that is free from hunger, violence and corruption.

“In pushing for just wages, protection from abuses and elimination of old and corrupt system, we can remove the hindrances to our continued progress,” Robredo said in her Labor Day message delivered in Filipino.

“We can realize these noble objectives if we put the welfare of our labor force at the heart of our governance,” she added.

The Vice President emphasized that everyone who works wholeheartedly makes a great contribution to the community.

‘Post-pandemic Filipino workforce’

Meanwhile, Sen. Joel Villanueva yesterday said a “post-pandemic Filipino workforce” is emerging in the country coming from the past two years, so government policies should catch up in addressing their concerns.

“We are seeing the rise of health and well-being as a priority in the Filipino workplace because of the pandemic. It has reached a level where employees will resign or change jobs if employers do not meet employees’ expectations of a workplace, which is taking care of employees’ physical and mental health, as well as work-life balance,” Villanueva said.

The senator cited a recent 2022 World Trend Index (WTI) by technology giant Microsoft, where it was reported that nearly half or 49 percent of Filipino employees hired during the pandemic are already considering changing jobs.

The survey also reported that 67 percent of Filipino workers are likely to prioritize their health and well-being over work more than before the pandemic – higher than the global trend of 53 percent.

The WTI also found that 20 percent of Filipino employees said they actually left their jobs in the past year.

“Our task now as policymakers is to figure out how to maintain productivity and grow the economy while accommodating the changes in the physical, mental and emotional needs of the workforce,” Villanueva said. – Pia Lee-Brago, Paolo Romero, Delon Porcalla