PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. yesterday said he would prioritize the rewriting of the proposed security of tenure bill to include just wages and benefits, better working conditions for workers, determination of specific functions of the Department of Migrant Workers, and provision of retraining programs for workers nationwide, if he win the May 9 elections.
During the Labor Day town hall meeting organized by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) in Quezon City, Marcos said he hopes to start these activities or at least start its planning within his first 100 days of office, if he wins.
“When it comes to labor, my number one priority is to protect the labor force. Doon natin unahin and from there magpo-flow na basta’t maayos ang ating pagtrato sa ating mga workers, I think the rest of all of the issues will flow from that (When it comes to labor, my number one priority is to protect the labor force, we will start there and from there, it will flow towards the proper treatment of workers, I think the rest of all of the issues will flow from that),” Marcos said.
The former senators has repeatedly said during the campaign that job creation and ensuring the welfare of workers including those from the micro, small, and medium enterprises are among his priority programs.
During the town hall meeting, Marcos said he wants the proposed security of tenure bill, and the issues raised by President Duterte that led to its veto, reviewed and addressed to ensure that an acceptable law is passed.
He said he wants a law that promotes the rights of workers, and provides security of tenure, just wages and benefits, and appropriate working conditions.
He said he also wants a law that would balance and address the needs of both workers and employers.
“The security of tenure bill that we hope to amend and rewrite at ayusin para mapasa na because kung ako eh palarin at ako ay nakaupo kung maganda naman ang version, pipirmahan ko naman talaga ‘yan (The security of tenure bill that we hope to amend and rewrite and fix because, if I am lucky and win, and the version is good, I will sign it),” he said.
TUCP officials have endorsed the candidacy of Marcos and his running-mate Sara Duterte-Carpio.
TUCP president Raymond Mendoza said there was an overwhelming response from their 1.2 million-strong members to support the UniTeam tandem when they held consultation meetings with TUCP members all over the country.
Also yesterday, Marcos, Duterte-Carpio, and their senatorial candidates continued with their campaign in Ilagan City.
