Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has moved in the current 20th Congress to champion the welfare of surviving legitimate spouses and dependent children of retired National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) officials who have passed away.

Go refiled last Monday, Feb. 9 Senate Bill (SB) No. 1778, also known as the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) Survivorship Benefits Bill. It seeks to ensure support for the families left behind by NLRC officials who devoted their lives to public service.

“Ang paggunita at bigay-pugay sa mga dating kawani ng gobyerno ay hindi lang simpleng okasyon. Paalala ito na may obligasyon ang Estado sa mga pamilyang naiwan, lalo na sa edukasyon ng kanilang mga anak,” Go said.

(Honoring and remembering former government employees is more than just a ceremonial occasion. It is a reminder that the State carries an obligation to the families they leave behind, especially in ensuring the education of their children.)

The proposed statute seeks to grant survivorship benefits to the surviving legitimate spouse and dependent children of a deceased retired chairperson, commissioner, or labor arbiter of the NLRC, which are at par with those of the members of the judiciary, recognizing the quasi-judicial functions and critical role performed by NLRC officials in upholding labor justice.

“Kung gusto nating maging makabuluhan ang pag-alala sa ating mga NLRC officials, kailangan itong tumbasan ng malinaw na polisiya na tutulong sa mga pamilya nila (If we want our remembrance of NLRC officials to be truly meaningful, it must be matched with clear policies that provide real support to their families),” the senator underscored.

Go noted that NLRC officials render decisions that significantly affect the lives of workers and employers alike.

In pushing for the bill, the senator stressed that the families of deceased retired NLRC officials deserve financial security, access to proper education, and peace of mind, particularly after years of service rendered by their loved ones to the government and the Filipino people.

He reiterated that honoring public servants must extend beyond recognition during their tenure and include safeguarding the welfare of their families.

Through SB No. 1778, Go reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that uphold compassion and respect for those who serve in the pursuit of justice and workers’ rights.

“Magseserbisyo po ako sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos (I will serve to the best of my ability, because service has become my calling, and I believe that service to people is service to God)," the senator stated.