Cayetano pushes for living wage, says it's good for public health

"Kaya hindi matapos-tapos ang gulo at hirap ng tao. Wala na ngang libreng serbisyong pangkalusugan, wala pang living wage para tustusan ang mahal na presyo ng pagpapagamot sa bansa."

Two days following the first-ever presidential debate, Vice presidential bet Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano had this to say as he took a swipe at the administration's failure to provide workers with a living wage, which in turn deprived them of better healthcare services.

"The lack of a living wage are killing Filipino workers," Cayetano stressed, citing the tragic death of construction helper Roger Benigno, who reportedly underwent an appendectomy at a hospital in Isabela but committed suicide after seeing his costly hospital bill.

The senator said he could not help but to agree with what his running mate, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, said during the debate on Sunday. "Paano nga naman natin masasabing may tuwid na daan kung puro gulo at hirap ang nararanasan ng tao," he said.

Cayetano said it's time for bold solutions and swift actions to create real changes in the country. And based on the outcome of the debate, he said it is clear that only Duterte can offer this kind of change.

Cayetano said that if elected, he and Duterte will provide workers with a living wage. Citing data from the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), he said estimated family living wage in Manila is P27, 510 per month or P917 daily. But Metro Manila's daily minimum wage is only P9,620 monthly.

"I will not allow our workers to commit suicide because they can't pay their hospital bills. If elected, we will provide workers with a living wage so that they can have more opportunities for better health and healthcare services," Cayetano said.

"Real changes call for leaders who have the courage and strength of character to do what is necessary. This is what I and Mayor Duterte are bringing in this election," he ended.