ANTI-GOVERNMENT activites could drive away foreign investors, Malacañang on Wednesday, May 1, told militant group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).
This was the warning of Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo after KMU organized nationwide demonstrations on Labor Day to protest President Rodrigo Duterte's failed campaign promise to protect labor rights.
"The KMU criticizes the government for being anti-poor and anti-worker while blaming the government for the lack of jobs and alleged worsening labor conditions. What seems to escape them is the truth that their anti-government activities could scare away foreign investors in the country resulting in job losses to the people they are fighting for and vow to protect," Panelo said in a statement.
KMU and other labor groups held protest rallies on Labor Day to urge the government to raise wages and prohibit all forms of contractualization, among others.
Panelo said the executive branch is one with all Filipino workers, both in the private and public sectors, as well as those residing here and abroad, in celebrating Labor Day.
He said Labor Day serves as a reminder that "it is through our toil that we are able to improve ourselves and contribute to the nation's gains."
Panelo said labor groups seemed to ignore Duterte's "pro-labor initiatives" that improve the labor conditions of our workers.
Panelo cited Duterte's signing of laws that strengthen occupational safety and health standards (Republic Act or RA 11058); approve work-from-home arrangements (RA 11165); increase female workers’ maternity leave period (RA 11210); and provide a handbook on the rights and responsibilities of migrant workers (RA . 11227).
He also noted that the President has signed Executive Order (EO) 33 raising employment compensation funeral benefits for private and public workers; EO 51 protecting workers' right to security of tenure; and EO 54 raising employees’ compensation benefits in private sector and career’s allowance in public sector.
He also emphasized that Administrative Order 2 was signed by the President to grant gratuity pay to job order and contract service workers in the government.
Panelo said it was also under Duterte's watch when the welfare and concern of overseas foreign workers (OFWs) were given priority, noting that the country already has a one-stop service center for OFWs, a 24/7 OFW Command Center and an Overseas Filipino Bank.
He added that the Philippines has already signed bilateral labor agreements with Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, among others.
"The Filipino worker is the President's most valued resource as labor is one of the engines that will propel the country’s growth and development," the Palace official said.
"The Administration’s resolve is the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of Filipino workers not only in the country but in foreign soil as well. We are committed in creating jobs as we look forward to welcoming more Filipinos in the workforce," he added. (SunStar Philippines)