Press Release
October 7, 2008

MITIGATE PROJECTED JOB LOSSES - REVILLA

Senator Bong Revilla today called on Malacañang to prepare a mitigation plan for the inevitable effects of the global economic slowdown, particularly on the looming mass lay-offs in local industries.

According to one of President Arroyo's economic advisers, the Philippines has yet to see the major effects of the financial troubles being experienced by top trading partner the United States. It is estimated that once the crisis hits full-blast, at least 250,000 Filipinos may lose their jobs, primarily in the export industry. This is because 35 percent of the country's exports go to the US .

"Hunger is the number one problem of the country right now, followed by unemployment. If this projection is not mitigated, another 250,000 will become unemployed and fall into hunger. Government has a responsibility to prevent this," said Revilla, a member of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Labor and Employment (COCLE).

Revilla pushed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to immediately activate its Quick Reaction Team. He also proposed the creation of an umbrella ad hoc team composed of representatives from the DOLE, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that will comprehensively look into the matter.

"The responsibility of this team is to formulate and implement a mitigation plan to provide an immediate alternative source of income for workers who will be displaced, and if necessary, to provide a financial assistance program that will help cushion the effects of unemployment."

The senator challenged Malacañang to walk the talk on the positive impacts of the EVAT by allocating part of its proceeds for this program. "We can fund this through the proceeds of the EVAT. Ito ang panahon para madama ng taumbayan ang ipinagmamalaki ng pamahalaan na Katas ng VAT. This is the challenge to the Executive Branch - to back up their words with action," he stressed. "Kapag hindi ito natugunan ng gobyerno, lalo pang masasadlak sa kahirapan ang taumbayan."

The lawmaker warned the government that a short term plan will not effectively address the effects of additional unemployment in the country. "Food aid subsidy is not enough. When it runs out, people will creep back into hunger. A solid employment plan is the solution," Revilla explained.

He further pointed out that there will be no excuse for the government if it does not come up with a solution. "We still have enough time to act so government should not dilly-dally. Alam na natin ang problema, kaya agaran tayong magtulungan at kumilos para sa solusyon. If we play our cards right, we will get through this with minimal losses."

News Latest News Feed