Risa Hontiveros Calls Out Impact Of Soaring Prices On Workers’ Income
RISA HONTIVEROS – Senator Risa Hontiveros stressed that wage increases are not enough as rising prices continue to burden Filipino workers.
Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized that wage increases alone are not enough to sustain Filipino workers if the rising cost of basic goods and transportation continues to outpace salary adjustments.
Speaking during her address to the Philippine Metalworkers’ Alliance on Friday, May 1, the senator pointed out the ongoing struggle of workers whose incomes remain insufficient despite periodic wage hikes. She highlighted that inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of ordinary Filipinos.
“Magkukulang at magkukulang ang sahod ng mga manggagawa kahit ilang beses pa iyan taasan kung kasabay nito ang pagtaas rin ng presyo ng pagkain at pamasahe,” the senator said.
In her Labor Day speech held in Lipa, Hontiveros also urged the government to expand social services to shield citizens from the economic impact of global tensions, particularly the crisis in the Middle East. She stressed that without immediate and effective intervention, workers will continue to face financial hardship.
The senator proposed reallocating government funds to better support transportation workers.
“Mayroong P30 billion ang DSWD para sa AICS na sa tingin ko ay dapat ibigay na lang sa DOTr para sa service contracting. Sa ganitong paraan, makakasiguro ang mga driver ng mga bus at jeep na may kikitain sila at magtutuloy-tuloy ang kanilang pamamasada,” Hontiveros said.
She further expressed frustration over the lack of response from the Department of Budget and Management regarding her proposal.
“Noong Marso ko pa sinulatan ang DBM para malaman kung paano pwedeng ilipat ang pondo para sa AICS patungo sa service contracting. Nakakadismaya nga lang na hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin ako nakatanggap ng sagot mula sa kanila.”
Hontiveros is also pushing for the approval of a P52.8 billion supplemental budget, which includes P12 billion in subsidies for public utility vehicle drivers, Transport Network Vehicle Service drivers, and delivery riders.
“Pangmatagalan dapat ang ginhawang binibigay ng gobyerno sa mga kababayan natin, lalo na sa ating mga manggagawa. Ibig sabihin, kinakailangan ng malawakang reporma para mapunan ang kakulangan sa pagkain, transportasyon, at serbisyo sa tao,” she added.
She concluded by calling on different sectors to take active roles in addressing the crisis.
“Ang mga unyon ay hindi lang lumalaban, kundi dapat ay namumuno rin. Ang mga kumpanya ay dapat magturo at hindi lang maghabol ng kita. At ang gobyerno ay hindi dapat pinanonood lang ang paghihirap ng taumbayan sa gitna ng krisis, kundi nagbibigay ginhawa para sa lahat.”
Reaffirming her commitment, Hontiveros vowed to continue advocating for workers’ welfare.
“Huwag tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Dahil habang patuloy tayong magkakasama, makakamtan natin ang magandang kinabukasan,” she said.
“Hindi ko kayo iiwan.”
