Duterte, Robredo reaffirm vow to protect workers

The country’s highest leaders on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to protect workers’ rights and welfare on International Workers’ Day.

President Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo issued separate statements that shared the same theme as they gave tribute to the sacrifices and contributions of the Filipino worker to the country’s economic growth and development.

“Workers play a significant role in pushing for the rights to humane conditions at work, basic wages, and organized acts including collective bargaining and unionism. The government recognizes these basic rights of workers in all industries, and we are committed to protect and defend these rights,” Mr. Duterte said.

The President gave the assurance that his administration would create “thousands of jobs” in the country, “as we tap the skills, experience and expertise of our own people.”

“Everyone who contributes labor as part of his commitment to nation-building deserves nothing less than a share of the fruits of his hard work,” Mr. Duterte said.

Presidential spokesperson, Ernesto Abella, said that the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey showing adult joblessness at 22.9 percent in March, below the 25.1 percent in December last year, “is an affirmation of the significant strides of the Duterte administration in sustaining the country’s robust economic growth and making it inclusive.”

Abella said the government’s massive infrastructure program is expected to employ “millions of Filipinos in the next five years and spur economic activities by stimulating countryside development.”

In her own statement, Robredo said that it is the diligence and sacrifice of the workers that have built the country’s economy.

“More than just expressing our gratitude to them, we should intensity our efforts to protect their rights and welfare,” Robredo said in Filipino.

She emphasized that International Workers’ Day is also a time when leaders should revisit and study the reforms that aim to strengthen workers’ rights.

The Vice President said this includes putting a stop the end-of-contract (ENDO) practice of companies and “making sure that companies do not abuse” contractualization.