Duterte’s Labor Day message: Uphold dignity of workers

MANILA, Philippines — Amid a health crisis that has stunted industries and left thousands jobless, President Duterte yesterday reminded businesses in his Labor Day message of their responsibility to improve the lives of workers and safeguard their rights in accordance with the law.

“I thus remind everyone in the business sector of their shared responsibility in improving the lives of our workers by providing them stable career opportunities and humane working conditions,” the President said in a statement.

The President pointed out that the hard work of the Filipino worker is the foundation of the nation’s prosperity and growth.

Duterte said Filipino workers are globally renowned for their professionalism and unmatched diligence.

“Our workforce continues to benefit communities and industries around the world,” the President added.

“As all work is vital in forging a more inclusive and progressive Philippines, may each and every Filipino rightfully enjoy the fruits of their labor and lead more productive and dignified lives,” the President added. 

“I take this occasion to reaffirm the government’s commitment to uphold the dignity of labor by safeguarding the rights of our workers through the humanization of laws and the equalization of social forces,” he said.

The Luzon-wide lockdown enforced by the government to check the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disrupted the operations of industries and displaced thousands of workers across the country.

The government has unveiled billions of pesos in assistance to workers and to sectors worst hit by the crisis.