Speaker Bojie Dy reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to stand shoulder to shoulder with Filipino workers, citing a broad and expanding labor agenda advanced through sustained partnership with workers’ organizations.
Addressing the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) during its 50th anniversary celebration, Dy emphasized the House’s institutional solidarity with the labor sector.
“Gusto ko pong sabihin ito nang malinaw: the House of Representatives is your partner. Ang Kapulungan po ninyo ay bukas palagi para sa inyo,” the veteran legislator said.
“Our doors are always open for you, dahil ang lakas ng ating inang bayan ay nakaugat sa lakas ng manggagawa.”
The Speaker said this commitment is rooted in the central role of Filipino workers in national development “Our doors are always open for you, dahil ang lakas ng ating inang bayan ay nakaugat sa lakas ng manggagawa,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
Dy credited TUCP’s five decades of advocacy for helping push labor legislation forward, noting that lawmakers feel the impact of workers’ engagement inside Congress.
“At sa Kongreso, ramdam na ramdam po namin iyon. Dahil sa pakikipagtulungan ninyo, mabilis ang pag-usad ng maraming panukalang batas na may direktang epekto sa manggagawa,” he said.
The House chief cited labor measures approved at the committee level, including stronger protections against workplace discrimination, particularly for women; the creation of barangay-level workers’ registries to improve job matching and skills training; and the modernization of the National Registry of Workers.
Dy also pointed to the institutionalization of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD, a Department of Labor and Employment emergency employment program that ensures sustained protection and assistance for displaced and vulnerable workers.
He further cited legislation extending protection and incentives to freelancers and online workers, the push for a minimum wage system that is more just and no longer based solely on geography, and congressional support for the ratification of International Labour Organization Convention 188 to protect Filipino fisherfolk.
Taken together, Dy said, these reforms reflect a clear direction.
“We move because workers deserve more.”
“Lahat ng ito ay malinaw na mensahe: hindi tayo pwedeng tumigil. Hindi tayo pwedeng makuntento,” he said. “We move because workers deserve more.”
Dy reiterated that the House’s alliance with labor is a continuing commitment, not mere lip service.
“The House of Representatives is and will always be a partner of the working class. Hindi po ito slogan; ito ay pangako,” he stressed.
Dy assured workers of sustained legislative action under his leadership.
“Hindi kami magsasara ng pinto. Hindi kami magsasara ng isip. Hindi kami magsasara ng puso. Asahan po ninyo: habang ako ang Speaker, tutuloy ang laban para sa mas makatao, makatarungan, at makabagong polisiya para sa manggagawang Pilipino,” he concluded.
