A ranking congressman highlighted on the eve of Labor Day three of his longstanding proposals that aim to provide Filipino workers with a decent life. "As we celebrate Labor Day this May 1, we recognize the indispensable role of labor as the backbone of our economy and society, and thus, we stand with our Filipino workers in the fight for fair and just working conditions,” Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo said in a statement on Sunday night, April 30. Salo chairs the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs in the current 19th Congress. “Consistent with one of the core advocacies of Kabayan Party-list which is livelihood, we have filed three bills, among many other bills, that aim to ensure decent life for our workers,” said the lawyer-congressman. "First, we need to address the issue of low wages. No worker should have to live in poverty because of a very low minimum wage. That's why I am advocating for the passage of HB (House Billl) No.525 or our Minimum Wage bill which seeks to adjust the minimum wage to P750 nationwide, that will allow workers to live decently," Salo noted. "Second, we must recognize the hard work and dedication of our workers by providing them with a 14th month pay. This will not only boost their morale but also provide them with additional funds to cover their needs," he said. "In this regard we have filed HB No.520, mandating a 14th month pay for all workers, whether in the government or in the private sector and regardless of the status of their employment," he said. Finally, Salo highlighted the importance of providing automatic civil service eligibility to government contract workers and job orders by filing HB No.521. "These workers have been serving our country for years, and they deserve to be given the chance to become permanent government employees after a certain number of years. This will not only benefit them but also our government, as it ensures a stable and efficient workforce," he explained. Salo's bills, which he has been pushing for since the 17th Congress, have gained significant support from fellow lawmakers and various labor groups who recognize the urgency of improving the situation of Filipino workers. "Our workers deserve nothing but the best. Let us continue to work together to uplift their lives and provide them with the support and protection they need and deserve," Salo concluded.