Returning Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada has vowed to continue to fight for “what is closest” to his heart and that is to resolve the plight of Filipino workers here and abroad.

Estrada elaborated on his legislative agenda after taking his oath of office on Tuesday evening before Supreme Court Justice Samuel Gaerlan.

“I was asked several times, what Jinggoy Estrada brings to the table this time. In terms of issues, I (will) continue to fight for what is closest to my heart – the plight of the Filipino labor force, whether here or abroad,” Estrada said in his speech.

“As chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor for 12 years, I was the voice of the distressed and oppressed OFWs (overseas Filipino workers). I investigated and pursued issues without fear or favor. I exposed the dirty, tragic and deplorable conditions suffered by our Filipino migrant workers,” he said.

“The fight continues, because of the millions of OFWs who continue to fight for basic rights, benefits and humane treatment abroad. the fight continues because of the challenges that our domestic labor force faces today: Kulang na sahod, sa taas ng mga bilihin at gasoline; kulang na benepisyo mula sa mga employer na hirap na din (meager pay, which is not enough due to the high cost of basic goods and fuel; lack of benefits from employer who are also facing difficulty),” the incoming senator also said.

In an interview, Estrada also said he will file his first 10 bills in the Senate which are all labor-related measures.

Asked about his plans regarding the “endo” bill (end of contract scheme), Estrada said he sees the need to “strike a balance between the laborers and the businesses.”

And while he is also glad that the P1,000 increase for household workers in Metro Manila has been granted, the returning lawmaker said he will seek to make sure household helpers in provinces will also experience an increase in their salary.

Estrada also said he will look into other possible ways that would provide relief to the middle-class workers.