Senator Christopher “Bong” Go acknowledged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s renewed emphasis on employment and livelihood in his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), but also reminded concerned agencies that words must translate into real, measurable benefits for struggling Filipinos.
“Mahalaga ‘yung sinabi ng Pangulo na dapat bilisan pa ang serbisyo at gawing tunay na makabuluhan ang mga programa para sa kabuhayan ng mga tao,” said Go.
In his address, Marcos noted that while inflation has eased and investor confidence has improved, these developments hold little value if ordinary citizens continue to struggle with day-to-day expenses. He called on key agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Tourism (DOT), to intensify efforts in reducing unemployment and supporting job creation, particularly for the remaining 4% of the labor force who remain jobless.
Marcos also underscored the government’s commitment to helping micro and small businesses through low-interest, collateral-free financing, while urging greater private sector investments in agriculture. He described Filipino workers as globally competitive and highly adaptable, capable of succeeding in both local and international markets.
Go, who has long championed the welfare of Filipino workers, welcomed these pronouncements but emphasized the importance of delivering tangible outcomes.
“Hindi lang basta hanapbuhay ang kailangan ng tao, kundi ‘yung hanapbuhay na may dignidad, may sapat na kita, at may seguridad,” he said. “Kaya bilang senador, ako mismo ay tuluy-tuloy ang pagsusulong ng mga batas na makakatulong sa mga manggagawa, lalo na sa mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan.”
Among Go’s priority measures in the 20th Congress is Senate Bill No. 175, which seeks to mandate a PhP100 daily minimum wage hike across the country if passed. The bill is a response to the growing impact of inflation and rising living costs, especially for minimum wage earners and low-income households.
To ease the burden of jobseekers, Go filed SBN 174, or the Indigent Jobseekers Assistance Bill, which proposes government subsidies for pre-employment expenses, including medical examinations, clearances, and transportation.
To strengthen rural economic resilience, Go filed SBN 177, or the Rural Employment Assistance Bill, which institutionalizes temporary employment programs for displaced and seasonal workers in rural communities. The measure if enacted builds on existing initiatives such as the TUPAD program by providing a more sustainable legal and funding framework.
Go also seeks to protect vulnerable creative professionals through SBN 667, or the Media and Entertainment Workers’ Welfare Bill, which aims to improve employment conditions, security, and access to benefits for workers in the media, film, and entertainment sectors.
For freelancers, Go filed SBN 670, or the Freelance Workers Protection Bill, which if passed, establishes payment guarantees and penal provisions to protect independent contractors from abusive clients and delayed compensation.
To support grassroots entrepreneurship, he filed SBN 679, or the Sustainable Financing Program for Micro and Small Enterprises. This proposed law will create a specialized fund offering accessible, non-collateral loans to small business owners who are often excluded from traditional lending channels.
“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ang inyong tiwalang ibinigay. Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya, dahil bisyo ko po ang magserbisyo sa kapwa ko Pilipino,” said Go.
Through these measures, Go reaffirmed his support for Filipinos who continue to face economic challenges and reiterated his goal of ensuring that no one is left behind in the country’s development efforts.
“We will also push for legislations that, if enacted, will provide more opportunities in terms of job creation and livelihood support. Together, we must pursue and strengthen food security in order to ensure that there is food on the table of our people. Importante po sa akin ang laman ng tiyan ng mga kababayan natin, Lalo na po ‘yung mahihirap,” said Go in his proclamation speech.