DAVAO CITY — Anakpawis Party-list challenged today Congress to lobby in Malacaang the immediate approval of pending House Wage Bill for the soonest implementation of Filipino workers increase in their minimum wage.
Editha Inday Duterte, Anakpawis regional spokesperson, expressed the worries of workers after Malacaang shelved the bill to consider the protest of business sector.
We are inclined to believe that Mrs. Arroyo is playing along getting the support of the business sector for coming 2007 elections. Duterte said.
Duterte added that the Arroyo administration is putting aside the welfare of the Filipino workers to sway more businessmen to rally behind her unity ticket for the coming elections. While workers would have rejoiced for finally winning the battle in Congress, they doubt if the government is really sincere in alleviating poverty in the country.
Duterte said that this is supposed to be the right time for the Malacaang allies in Congress to prove their worth as the representatives of the people. This is supposed to be their chance to prove they are for the people.
But we are still urging them to pursue the passage of the bill so as to show the people the sincerity of the government to alleviate workers and the peoples plight. Duterte said.
Anakpawis believes that whatever fears the business sector is putting forward to block Malacag from approve the House Bill, the welfare and the condition of the workers must still be on top of the governments concern. Business is business; they are of course concerned of their super profits to be slashed even for just a bit. Duterte said.
The workers demand is not even for profit security, its about life, decent living. The wage hike would somehow, not even enough though, to at least bring food to the tables of the Filipino families; to send their children to school all worthy and practical of an investment for a stronger economy and a better future for the Filipinos. (pr)
