Sen. Christopher Go (Photo from his office)
MANILA, Philippines — Workers can rely on the continued support of the government as it steers the country towards economic recovery through the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said in a statement issued on Saturday, Labor Day.
“Filipino workers have always been the foremost reason for the growth of our economy and our people. The progress that our country enjoys today is the result of the industriousness and skill that they have shown in their work,” Go said in Filipino.
“That’s why it’s important to protect the health, rights, and welfare of all Filipino workers, especially our frontliners,” he added.
Go assured that the government would continue to do its best to promote their welfare, especially in these trying times. He also urged employers to prioritize their employees given the adverse socio-economic impact of the pandemic on their lives.
“I’m encouraging my colleagues in government and the owners of various industries and businesses to continue to ensure that workers are in good health and that their places of work are in order, especially in this time of a pandemic,” he said.
“I invite everyone on this day to unite in advancing the welfare of every worker so that we can achieve a more prosperous future. Long live the Filipino worker,” he added.
Go, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Labor, also vowed to continue pushing for measures to promote swift economic recovery for the benefit of workers.
“As we slowly and carefully reopen our economy in a safe way, we need to continue to alleviate the suffering of our countrymen,” he said.
In the course of the pandemic, Go noted that he had successfully pushed for measures to protect workers and vulnerable sectors adversely impacted by community quarantine restrictions to fight COVID-19.
Some of these measures include the Social Amelioration Program, the Small Business Wage Subsidy Program, Supplemental Amelioration Program, a moratorium on electricity bills, rent and bank loans, and the passage of Bayanihan 1 and 2 laws.
As the national vaccination program makes headway, he assured that essential workers in the A4 category would be prioritized for vaccination after medical frontliners, senior citizens, and those with comorbidities.
“If our workers are protected, we are more in a position to regain the vitality of their livelihood. They can help in the economy, and we better ensure that their families won’t go hungry,” he said.