Gatchalian: Prioritize Filipino workers

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday said the government must ensure that Filipinos are prioritized in the hiring of workers in the country amid reports of foreigners employed in construction sites.

“Kaya tayo nagtatrabaho na mapabuti ang ating ekonomiya at humihikayat ng mga mamumuhunan sa bansa ay upang makapagbigay tayo ng trabaho sa ating mga kababayan (We are working to improve our economy and encourage investors, opening up job opportunities for our countrymen),” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“Huwag sana nating hayaan na makuha ng dayuhan ang mga trabahong nakalaan para sa mga Pilipino sa sarili nilang bansa, (Let us not allow foreigners to take over local jobs from Filipinos),” the senator added.

ABS-CBN News on Thursday reported that 15 Chinese nationals were spotted working at a construction site.

The report noted that the construction site’s contractor is also Chinese.

Citing Article XIII Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Department Order 97-09 on the issuance of Alien Employment Permit, Gatchalian argued that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that Filipino workers are in the forefront of employment opportunities in the country.

Gatchalian also stressed that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) must address the issue. / gsg