Senator Bong Go is pushing for the passage of five priority bills that aim to provide enhanced protection for workers across various industries.
Underpinning his efforts is the fundamental belief that government should ensure the well-being of ordinary workers and fortify their rights.
One of the bills proposed by Go is Senate Bill No. 1183, also known as the Media and Entertainment Workers’ Welfare Act, which seeks to safeguard the rights and improve the working conditions of individuals employed in the media and entertainment sectors.
The proposed legislation aims to address existing gaps in labor protection and promote fair compensation, ensuring that workers are treated justly and afforded appropriate benefits.
It likewise states that there should be a formal written agreement between the media entity and its employees to ensure maximum protection against unfair compensation and safeguard their rights and well-being. This contractual requirement aims to prevent neglect and ensure that employees receive proper protection.
“Media and entertainment workers’ dedication for public service is truly undeniable.”
“Media and entertainment workers’ dedication for public service is truly undeniable. In recognition for their invaluable contribution in the society and the hazardous circumstances they are exposed to during crises, it is right and proper to commensurate their hard work with just emoluments and added labor protection under the law,” the legislator noted.
Recognizing the importance of the rapidly growing delivery service sector, the senator has also championed SBN 1184 or the proposed “Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act”.
The proposed legislation prohibits food, grocery, and pharmacy delivery service providers from requiring riders or drivers to spend their own money to cover the costs associated with delivering orders. Even in cases where orders are canceled, service providers are obligated to compensate delivery riders for their services as if the transaction had been successful.
Furthermore, any service provider found in violation of the prohibition on requesting monetary advances from delivery riders will face penalties in the form of fees.
“Tinuturing nating mga frontliners ang ating mga delivery riders dahil sinisugurado nila na inihatid sa inyo ang inyong kinakailangan habang sinasakripisyo nila ang kanilang kalusugan.”
“Tinuturing nating mga frontliners ang ating mga delivery riders dahil sinisugurado nila na maihatid sa inyo ang inyong kinakailangan habang sinasakripisyo nila ang kanilang kalusugan. Kaya naman marapat lang sa gobyerno ang mabigyan sila ng kinakailangan nilang proteksyon,” he stressed.
“Napakalaki po ng kontribusyon nila sa ating ekonomiya. Bukod sa mabilis na paraang makabili ng pagkain, nagbibigay rin ang industriyang ito ng maayos na kabuhayan sa ating mga kababayan sa ligtas at marangal na paraan,” he added.
In addition to these sector-specific bills, he also emphasized the significance of broader worker protections. Go introduced SBN 1705, which proposes to increase the service incentive leave (SIL) of private sector employees; and SBN 1707 which seeks to provide competitive remuneration and compensation packages to social workers in the country.
If approved, SBN 1705 will amend Article 95 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, making it compulsory for employers to provide an annual SIL of ten days with pay to employees who do not enjoy vacation leaves.
The proposed legislation known as SBN 1707, on the other hand, aims to ensure that social workers are safeguarded against discrimination, interference, intimidation, harassment, or any form of punishment while carrying out their duties and responsibilities. This includes protection from arbitrary reassignment or termination of service.
Furthermore, Go’s advocacy extends to freelance workers, who often face unique challenges and uncertainties. SBN 2107 or the Freelance Workers Protection Bill aims to establish safeguards for these individuals, including fair pay, job security, and access to essential benefits.
In the explanatory note of the bill, he highlighted the increasing number of Filipinos engaged in freelancing as a source of income, particularly during the recent pandemic years.
“Freelance workers contribute to the growth of our economy in just the same manner as other Filipino workers who are rendering their worthwhile service. Though considered self-employed they should also be subjected to the equal protection and entitlement given to other Filipino workers,” Go noted.
Through these proposed bills, he sends a clear message that the government should continue prioritizing the protection of ordinary workers and grant them increased rights.
Go added that by addressing the specific needs of workers in various industries and ensuring their well-being, these legislative measures aim to foster a more equitable and supportive work environment for all Filipinos.
