MANILA, Philippines — As the country observes Labor Day on Wednesday, senators stressed that Filipino workers should be given priority over foreign workers.
Senator Joel Villanueva, chair of the Senate committee on labor, employment, and human resources development said the influx of illegal foreign workers should be stopped to protect the jobs of Filipinos.
“Our fight continues as we continuously push for the security of tenure of our workers, ensure fair labor practices, support the call for a reasonable living wage, and protect the jobs of Filipinos by putting an end to the influx of illegal foreign workers that causes wage disparity among Filipino workers,” Villanueva said in a statement.
“Ngayong Araw ng Paggawa, sama-sama po nating pagsumikapan na itaguyod ang isang magandang kinabukasan para sa ating uring manggagawa,” he added.
Senator Win Gatchalian likewise noted the need to prioritize Filipino workers and provide opportunities for them.
“Sa pagdiwang natin sa araw na ito na inilaan para kilalanin ang pagsisikap ng mga manggagawa, nawa’y suklian natin ang ambag ng manggagawang Pilipino sa ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggol sa kanilang karapatan at kapakanan,” Gatchalian said.
“What is for the Filipino should be for the Filipino. We should always prioritize our workers and provide them opportunities to build a better future for themselves, their families, and our country,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan recognized the benefits workers have achieved thanks to their collective action.
“Salamat sa sama-samang pagkilos ng mga manggagawa, maraming benepisyo ang tinatamasa natin ngayon: 8 oras kada araw ng paggawa, pahinga tuwing Linggo, overtime pay, holiday pay, walang batang manggagawa, maternity at paternity leave,” Pangilinan said.
But he also mentioned how Filipinos are being “robbed” of jobs: “Ngayon, kinakaharap natin ang pag-agaw ng mga trabaho sa Pilipinas mula sa mga manggagawang Pilipino.”
Detained Senator Leila de Lima, on the other hand, urged Filipinos to vote for candidates who will address the labor sector’s problems.
“Ngayon po, nalalapit na ang halalan. Nariyan na naman ang mga kandidatong manliligaw para sa inyong boto. Sa nalalabing mga araw, kilalanin natin ang mga pinunong tunay na mapagkakatiwalaan para tugunan ang mga suliranin sa sektor ng paggawa,” De Lima said.
“Nasa atin pong mga kamay ang kapangyarihan para muling itama ang landas na tinatahak ng ating bansa. Nagkakaisa nating suportahan ang mga lider na tapat, may paninindigan, at tunay na itataguyod ang kapakanan ng manggagawa,” she added. /muf