Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros advocated for a fundamental shift in the government’s economic approach during an address to the Philippine Metalworkers’ Alliance in Lipa, Batangas, on Friday.
Observing Labor Day, the senator warned that temporary measures are insufficient to break the cycle of poverty, especially as the Middle East conflict continues to inflate global commodity prices.
Hontiveros noted that while increasing the minimum wage is critical, its impact is often neutralized by the simultaneous surge in the costs of food and essential services.
“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.”
(“Workers’ wages will always be insufficient, no matter how many times they are raised, if the prices of food and transportation rise at the same time.”)
To create a more stable economic environment, the senator proposed a strategic reallocation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) ₱30-billion fund for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).
She recommended redirecting these resources toward public utility vehicle (PUV) service contracting to ensure the stability of the transport sector.
“Sa ganitong paraan, makakasiguro ang mga driver ng mga bus at jeep na may kikitain sila at magtutuloy-poly ang kanilang pamamasada.”
(“In this way, bus and jeepney drivers can be assured of earnings, allowing them to continue their operations.”)
In addition to fund reallocation, Hontiveros voiced her support for a ₱52.8 billion supplemental budget. This proposed funding aims to provide targeted subsidies for delivery riders, transport network vehicle service (TNVS) workers, and traditional drivers, effectively widening the government’s safety net.
The senator emphasized that the state must transition from a reactive stance to a proactive one, focusing on long-term quality of life improvements.
“Pangmatagalan dapat ang ginhawang binibigay ng gobyerno sa mga kababayan natin, lalo na sa ating mga manggagawa.”
(“The comfort provided by the government to our countrymen, especially our workers, should be long-lasting.”)
Concluding her speech, Hontiveros challenged both the private sector and the state to prioritize human welfare over mere profit or passive observation.
“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.”
(“Companies should teach and not just chase profits. And the government should not just watch the suffering of the people in the midst of a crisis, but should provide relief for all.”)