Administration Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada expressed his intent to revisit, review, and, if necessary, overhaul the Labor Code of the Philippines to ensure adequate benefits, support, and protection of the country’s workforce. Estrada earlier filed his top 10 priority bills focusing on the labor sector and workers’ welfare.
“We have to revisit and I think there is a need to overhaul the Labor Code. It was enacted in 1974 and there are a lot of provisions which are already obsolete. Kailangan tiyakin natin na ang pangunahing batas para sa ating manggagawa ay napapanahon at akma sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon na kinakaharap ng ating mga manggagawa,” Estrada said.
The lawmaker also underscored the possibility of filing for a Legislated Wage Increase given the continuously rising cost of fuel, utilities, transportation expenses, and basic commodities. However, Estrada believes this should be appropriately studied and deliberated to ensure a mutually beneficial law for laborers and capitalists.
“As the incoming Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, I will see to it that the Regional Wage Board is looking after the welfare of our workers by ensuring decent and adequate salaries. If in the course of our committee hearings sabihin nila na kulang yung sweldo na binibigay nila sa mga manggagawa, I might be forced to legistlate a wage hike but of course we have to strike a balance between the urgent needs of the labor sector and burdens of key economic players.” Estrada added.