As Filipino across the country mark Labor Day, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the importance of protecting the welfare of the labor force, describing workers as the “backbone” of the nation’s development.
“Ang manggagawang Pilipino ang gumigising nang maaga, lumalaban sa hirap, at nagtitiis sa init at ulan para lang makaraos ang pamilya. Sila ang tunay na haligi ng ating ekonomiya,” said Go.
The senator emphasized that Labor Day is best commemorated through meaningful dialogues to address lack of job security, stagnant wages, rising costs of living, and other struggles that Filipino workers face daily.
Go pointed out that workers’ rights are not limited to employment alone but must also encompass access to nutrition, healthcare, and a decent quality of life. “Ang karapatan sa disenteng sahod at kabuhayan ay karugtong ng karapatan sa pagkain, kalusugan, at dignidad. Hindi ito hiwa-hiwalay na isyu—magkakabit ang lahat ng ito,” he said.
With this broader context in mind, the senator renewed his call for the swift passage of the long-awaited legislated wage hike bill, which was already approved by the Senate on third and final reading last year.
Go, who co-sponsored and is one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2534—which seeks a PhP 100 daily minimum wage increase for private sector workers—highlighted that similar moves must be prioritized to address the urgent needs of ordinary laborers.
“Umaasa ako na maipapasa natin ito habang may panahon pa bago magtapos ang 19th Congress sa tulong ng mga kapwa natin mambabatas,” said Go who urged the Lower House and the Executive to prioritize the passage of the measure.
The proposed wage hike stands to benefit millions of Filipino workers struggling to cope with rising costs of living. Recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows that as of January 2025, the country’s unemployment rate is at 4.3%, with 2.16 million Filipinos out of work. Meanwhile, food inflation continues to burden working families, despite a brief slowdown to 2.1% in February.
“Hindi sapat na may trabaho lang ang tao. Dapat sikapin nating madagdagan din ang kita para sa pagkain, pamasahe, at gamot. Habang binabalanse rin ang kakayahan ng mga employers,” Go stressed.
Beyond the wage hike bill, Senator Go underscored the importance of sustained support for workers through other legislative measures. Among these is Senate Bill No. 420, or the “Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP),” which provides temporary jobs to displaced or seasonal workers, helping ensure no Filipino is left behind in times of economic hardship.
“Sa mga probinsya, maraming umaasa sa seasonal work. Ang REAP ay isang paraan para magkaroon sila ng pagkakakitaan at dignidad sa gitna ng krisis,” he noted.
He also filed Senate Bill No. 1707, which seeks to uplift social workers by pushing for competitive compensation. These frontline workers play a critical role in delivering services to vulnerable communities, yet often receive inadequate pay.
Recognizing the shift toward a gig economy, Senator Go likewise filed Senate Bill No. 2107, or the “Freelance Workers Protection Bill.” This measure aims to protect freelancers from exploitation by mandating written contracts and providing benefits such as night differential pay and hazard allowances.
Go has also long been advocating for the welfare of delivery riders through Senate Bill No. 1184, or the proposed “Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act.” The bill intends to protect delivery riders from abusive practices and ensure they receive proper compensation, insurance, and protection while on duty.
“Ngayong marami sa kanila ang umaasa sa kita mula sa delivery services, dapat siguraduhin nating ligtas sila at may karampatang benepisyo,” Go emphasized.
On Labor Day, the senator’s message was both timely and pointed—a gentle but firm reminder that legislation delayed is relief denied.
“Simple lang po ang panawagan ko: protektahan natin ang ating mga manggagawa. Sila po ang backbone ng ating ekonomiya. Magmalasakit at magserbisyo tayo sa kanila at palagi nating unahin ang kapakanan ng mga mahihirap at higit na nangangailangan,” he concluded. ###