Senator Bong Go has reiterated the importance of inclusive and targeted employment solutions amid the release of new labor data showing a slight increase in the national unemployment rate.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 2.06 million Filipinos were unemployed in April 2025, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.1%, up from 3.9% in March.
Go expressed concern over the figures and emphasized the need to not only create more jobs, but to ensure these jobs provide fair compensation and security, especially for vulnerable sectors such as freelancers, rural workers, and government employees.
“We will also push for legislation that, if enacted, will provide more opportunities in terms of job creation and livelihood support,” the legislator said.
“Importante po sa akin ang laman ng tiyan ng mga kababayan natin, lalo na po ‘yung mahihirap.”
“Together, we must pursue and strengthen food security in order to ensure that there is food on the table of our people. Importante po sa akin ang laman ng tiyan ng mga kababayan natin, lalo na po ‘yung mahihirap,” the lawmaker added.
While the PSA highlighted that 48.67 million Filipinos were employed in April 2025, marking a 95.9% employment rate, this still reflected a drop from the previous month’s 96.1%. Underemployment also remained a concern, with 7.09 million workers—equivalent to 14.6% of the employed population—seeking additional income through more hours or a second job.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, known for his proactive approach on grassroots concerns, has laid out a legislative agenda that responds directly to these labor issues.
He co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2534, which proposes a daily minimum wage hike nationwide. This proposal aims to cushion workers from the rising costs of living and inflation, providing more breathing room for Filipino families.
Go also filed SBN 420, known as the “Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP)”, which seeks to offer temporary employment opportunities for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers if enacted. This initiative targets communities often left behind in economic recovery efforts, offering them a pathway to earn a living and contribute to local development projects.
In line with the evolving labor landscape, he filed SBN 2107, or the “Freelance Workers Protection Bill.” With the freelance economy growing rapidly, more Filipinos are turning to project-based and independent work. However, many face unjust working conditions, pay delays, and a lack of basic protections. The bill mandates written contracts, ensures timely and fair payment, and includes benefits such as a 10% night shift differential and 25% hazard pay for those working in dangerous or emergency settings if enacted.
Go also filed SBN 1184, the “Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act,” designed to safeguard delivery riders, who became essential during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill seeks to guarantee that these workers are shielded from abuse, provided with fair treatment by both customers and platform providers, and given access to mechanisms for reporting unfair practices if passed.
Public sector workers are also central to his labor agenda. Through SBN 2504, also known as Salary Standardization Law 6, Go is pushing for higher and more competitive wages for government employees, recognizing their critical role in delivering essential services and upholding governance. He previously authored and co-sponsored SSL 5 Law passed in 2020.
“Ituring niyo po akong para ninyong kapitbahay na bawat oras ay pwede ninyong lapitan.”
“Hindi po ako isang politiko na mangangako sa inyo. Gagawin ko lang po ang aking trabaho sa abot ng aking makakaya. Ituring niyo po akong para ninyong kapitbahay na bawat oras ay pwede ninyong lapitan,” said Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
