Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1) — The Makati Business Club (MBC) on Labor Day called on the government to pass measures beefing up Filipino workers’ rights and “redouble” its efforts to curb high inflation.
In a statement over the weekend, the business group expressed support for House Bill No 6523, which proposes to strengthen workers’ competitiveness by revising the country’s apprenticeship program. This would also give businesses the green light to launch training seminars for higher-skill jobs.
The proposed measure received the lower chamber’s final approval in December. MBC hopes a similar measure would secure the Senate’s nod.
The group also said rules allowing employees in the business process outsourcing sector to enjoy flexible working arrangements could be expanded to other industries, such as the electronics sector.
“We support more dialogue on other measures that will promote flexibility and competitiveness while protecting labor rights and improving healthcare and social protections, including or especially for the rising number of ‘gig’ workers,” it added.
To enable Filipinos to “enjoy the fruits of their labor,” the Marcos administration must double down on its battle against rising commodity prices, the MBC said.
The country’s inflation slowed down last March to 7.6%. The central bank expects the inflation rate to continue cooling in April, seeing it settling within the range of 6.3% to 7.1%.
