MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Saturday expressed support for policies that will protect workers as the country commemorated Labor Day.
In a statement, Velasco said honoring COVID-19 pandemic frontliners requires more than just a day of recognition.
“This moment requires action. Since they are the ones risking it all, they deserve a greater role in charting our social and economic recovery,” Velasco said.
Velasco said workers’ struggles and experiences during the pandemic should be considered in policies for their protection.
“We support policies that will expand their health and life insurance; provide them all-important protective equipment and access to the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine; and guarantee their allowance, sick leave and hazard pay,” Velasco said.
“These should serve as a token of our appreciation and gratitude for them for keeping the economy in motion and the rest of us healthy and safe,” he added.