ON LABOR DAY, BONGBONG MARCOS GETS ENDORSEMENT OF TWO BIG LABOR GROUPS
Marcos' Pro-Labor Advocacy Cited

On Labor Day, Vice Presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. received the endorsement of two large labor groups, namely the Philippine Trade Group Workers Organization (PTGWO) and the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) as they cited his pro-labor advocacy.

Among others, Marcos has filed a bill for the establishment of a Jobs Creation Council to provide more job opportunities and better working conditions. He likewise opposed contractualization and recently backed the calls of labor groups for a hike in the minimum wage.

PTGWO has over a hundred affiliated labor unions and reputedly the largest labor federation under the umbrella of the TUCP (Trade Union Congress of the Philippines).

At the group's assembly in Rajah Sulayman Park in Ermita, Manila PTGWO Secretary General Atty. Hernan Nicdao and the group's National President Atty. Arnel Polendo raised the hands of Marcos before their members to formally endorse his candidacy.

Thanking the group for its endorsement, Marcos noted that if he wins as Vice President and given the choice of a portfolio he would choose the Department of Labor and Employment to continue his efforts to promote the interests of the country's labor force.

"Kaya po lagi kong sinasabi na aking hihingin yung DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) para matapos na yung kanilang polisiya na pikit-mata sa mga end of contract, sa mga 5-5-5, sa mga contractualization. Itigil na natin yan at ibalik na natin ang karapatan ng mga manggagawa sa Pilipinas," Marcos said.

In a separate gathering at the Lyceum of the Philippines in Manila, leaders of the Federation of Free Workers Philippines, which boasts of over 200 thousand members, also endorsed the candidacy of Marcos to representatives of their member organizations.

"Unang una, ipinaglalaban niya ang seguridad sa trabaho ng mga manggagawa sa Pilipinas," acknowledged FFF National President Atty. Sonny Matula. He likewise noted that transport groups under FFF had earlier lobbied for the group to support Marcos.

Aside from reiterating his commitment against anti-labor practices like contractualization, Marcos also said it is important to institute policies to encourage better partnership between the private sector and the government as a means to encourage and generate more jobs.

In addition, Marcos also said the government must pour in more investments for business-driven infrastructure that would not only provide immediate employment opportunities but also drive economic growth for the benefit of the entire nation and not just for the rich.

Likewise, Marcos urged labor leaders to join his call for national unity, saying this is necessary for everyone to work together to address the problems besetting the country.

"Kayat magsama-sama tayo at sabay-sabay nating harapin ang magandang kinabukasan na kumikilala sa karapatan ng mga manggagawa," said Marcos.

Aside from Marcos, FFW endorsed the Senatorial bid of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.