CNN Philippines (Metro Manila, May 1) — President Rodrigo Duterte marked Labor Day on Friday by reaffirming the government’s commitment to protect the rights of all workers through “humanization of laws and the equalization of social forces.”
The business sector has a “shared responsibility in improving the lives of our workers by providing them stable career opportunities and humane working conditions,” the President asserted.
Duterte also honored all types of work saying they are vital in helping a country progress. He expressed hopes that all Filipinos ‘rightfully enjoy the fruits of their labor.’
“Today, we celebrate the Filipino worker whose hard work serves as the very foundation of our nation’s prosperity and growth,” he said.
For the first time in Philippine history’s Labor Day celebration, various militant groups staged rallies online — instead of in the streets — to demand higher wages and safe working spaces as mass gatherings are prohibited to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Amid the pandemic crisis, the rallyists also urged the government to provide concrete plans to help Filipino workers get back on their feet.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the government will unveil today (Friday) a recovery plan for the working class.
He reminded the private sector to do so as well.
