Sen. Nancy Binay's
LABOR DAY STATEMENT
Bracing for the New Normal

On Labor Day, we pay a grand tribute to all our frontliners for their unwavering service and sacrifice. We say thank you and salute all of you.

As we continue to fight and go through this pandemic, every breadwinner painfully deals with the prospects of being out of work.

In the coming weeks, few businesses would be allowed to operate, some still hanging by a thread, while many will be clinging to hope.

The new normal will have an impact on the most vulnerable, disrupt the labor market and disengage millions more from the informal sector without means to continue with their livelihood. The shift to the "new normal" will determine which industries could get back to work.

Uncertainty may grip the labor sector, but it is critical that that we in government--together with movers in the private sector--support the Filipino workforce as they face new challenges in this trying time. We must be enablers, not disablers, who will strengthen our workers' competitive edge.

We, in Senate, are ready to help temporarily displaced Filipino workers by issuing measures to supplement government's existing funds, and help open windows for jobs and investments.

We urge the Department of Labor and Employment to continue and improve its programs for displaced workers; its emergency fund for OFWs; and its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) for those in the informal sector. Tulungan natin ang mga nasa impormal na sektor dahil sila ang saligan ng muling pagbangon ng ekonomiya.

We commend industry leaders and entrepreneurs who are willing to create and provide jobs to those who have been displaced here and abroad. Captains of industry and entrepreneurs who understand our workers and give hope to those who are dispossessed, abandoned and vulnerable; and we salute the private corporations for their big hearts especially to employers who continue to help and keep their employees during this emergency.

Together, we will get through this. We shall overcome.

MABUHAY ANG MANGGAGAWANG PILIPINO.