Rizal 4th District Rep. Fidel Nograles vowed to have “an open ear, an open heart, an open mind” as he takes on his role as chairperson of the House Committee on Labor and Employment.
“We are committed to having an open ear, an open heart, an open mind, and giving equal opportunity to all as we tackle issues regarding the welfare of our workers and the challenges they confront amid the pandemic and the rising cost of goods,” Nograles said.
Among the top issues that Nograles hopes to address during his tenure is improving the country’s labor environment and rooting out labor abuses.
Nograles also thanked labor groups that welcomed his appointment.
The Philippine Trade and General Workers Organization, the largest federation of workers in the country, and the Federation of Free Workers, which has over 200,000 members, have expressed support for his appointment.
The said groups have supported Nograles’ candidacy since 2019.
The lawmaker and Harvard-trained lawyer is an advocate for beneficial labor rights, free legal services, and the advancement of marginalized sectors.
“Nagagalak tayo sa suporta ng PTGWO at FFW na matagal na nating ka-alyado sa laban para sa kapakanan ng mga manggagawa, sa ating appointment. Makakaasa ang lahat na makikipagtulungan tayo sa lahat ng stakeholders para matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga manggagawa,” the solon said.
Among the top issues that Nograles hopes to address during his tenure is improving the country’s labor environment and rooting out labor abuses.
Last month, the International Trade Union Confederation’s Global Rights Index showed that the Philippines is among the ten “worst countries for working people.”
The lawmaker and Harvard-trained lawyer is an advocate for beneficial labor rights, free legal services, and the advancement of marginalized sectors.
Nograles also said the committee would tackle the Security of Tenure and End of Endo Act, which Congress passed in 2019 but former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte vetoed.
“Isasama din natin sa diskusyon ang hinihiling na dagdag na sahod sa gitna ng matinding pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain at iba pang basic commodities,” he added.
