Press Release - Bong Go advocates for social justice as he co-sponsors increases daily wage hike proposal

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go co-sponsored Senate Bill (SB) No. 2534 on Wednesday, February 7, aimed at increasing the daily minimum wage for private sector employees by PhP100. Go is also one of the co-authors of the proposed measure.

In his co-sponsorship speech, Go highlighted the critical need to uplift the living standards of ordinary Filipino workers, especially in light of the economic setbacks caused by the pandemic and the steady rise in the cost of living.

"Sa nagdaang taon, marami sa mga kababayan natin ang nawalan ng trabaho dahil sa pandemya. Marami sa mga business sectors natin ang nahinto at nagsara kaya't marami sa kanila ang nawalan ng hanapbuhay," said Go.

"Dagdag pa rito ang patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin sa merkado na nagbibigay pasakit sa bulsa ng mga mahihirap nating kababayan," he added.

Go emphasized the government's duty to ensure fair wages, benefits, and equal opportunities for all Filipinos.

He pointed out the challenges faced by many Filipinos who lost their jobs during the pandemic and are now struggling with inflation and low wages as the economy gradually recovers.

"A survey conducted by the SWS from September to October of last year revealed that around 13.2 million families consider themselves poor," Go remarked, underlining the urgency of addressing poverty and economic disparity in the country.

He stressed that the proposed wage increase ensures that the economic recovery is inclusive and benefits all sectors of society, particularly the working class.

"Totoo po na dahan-dahan nang bumubukas ang ating ekonomiya at marami na rin ang nakakabalik sa kanilang mga trabaho at hanapbuhay. Ngunit hirap pa rin ang mga ordinaryong Pilipinong itawid ang araw-araw na gastusin dahil sa inflation at mababang suweldo," he said.

Go also underscored the importance of prioritizing the needs of the impoverished, advocating for policies that ensure no Filipino is left behind in the nation's path to recovery.

"Mr. President, unahin natin ang kapakanan ng mga mahihirap. Dapat walang magutom. Dapat maramdaman nila ang pagbangon ng ekonomiya tungo sa mas ligtas at komportableng buhay pagkatapos ng pandemya," he said.

SBN 2534,