House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday, May 1 reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to workers saying the true essence of commemorating Labor Day is by bringing lasting reforms for the benefit of Filipino workers here and abroad.
“Labor Day is not just about honoring the Filipino worker - it is about delivering real, lasting change to improve their lives,” Romualdez said, adding that this has been the focus of the House of Representatives since the start of the 19th Congress.
"To turn respect into results, and to ensure that every Filipino who works hard has a government that works just as hard in return,” he added.
Among the major labor laws passed by the House is the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, which Romualdez said aligns skills with real jobs - strengthening the link between education, training, and employment.
He also cited the enactment of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which wrote off over ₱57-billion in land debt for more than 600,000 farmers.
"That means freedom from decades of burdens and a fresh start for the families who feed our nation,” Romualdez said.
Moreover, the House also institutionalized free legal aid for uniformed personnel through Republic Act No. 12177.
"So that our soldiers, police, firefighters, and jail officers are protected when they are called to account for doing their sworn duty,” he expressed.
The House also approved laws like the Welfare of Caregivers Act and the Eddie Garcia Law, “ensuring that caregivers, media, and entertainment workers - those who give care and those who give voice - are shielded by law, with safe conditions, fair contracts, and clear protections.”
Congress also provided stronger safeguards for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), giving them better protection by safeguarding their remittances, expanding the AKSYON fund for legal and welfare assistance, and offering financial education to them and their families.
“These are not empty gestures. These are real laws with real impact: more security, more opportunity, and more dignity,” the House leader said.
“This is the promise of Bagong Pilipinas - a government that listens, acts, and delivers, especially for the working majority,” he further said.
“To every Filipino worker - in every field, factory, clinic, classroom, office, and job site - we see your sacrifice. We honor your strength. And we will always have your back,” Romualdez emphasized.