Estrada mulls ‘overhaul’ of Labor Code

Returning Senator Jinggoy Estrada said on Tuesday that there might a need to overhaul the Labor Code of the Philippines to make sure it was still timely and suitable for the present situation of workers.

“We have to revisit and I think there is a need to overhaul the Labor Code,” Estrada said in a press statement on Tuesday. “It was enacted in 1974 and there are a lot of provisions which are already obsolete."

"Kailangan tiyakin natin na ang pangunahing batas para sa ating manggagawa ay napapanahon at akma sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon na kinakaharap ng ating mga manggagawa,” he added.

At the opening of the 19th Congress on Monday, the lawmaker filed his top ten priority measures including the Strengthening the National Wages and Productivity Commission Act, Magna Carta for Workers, Enterprises, and Organizations in the Informal Economy Act, Condonation of Penalties for Unpaid SSS Contributions of Household Employers Act and the Working Time Flexibilization in the Private Sector Act.

Also among his pet bills were the Protection to Freelancers Act, Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, 20% Discount in Payment of Fees and Charges for Certain Certificates and Clearances for Indigent Job Applicants Act, Fixed Monthly Salaries for Public Utility Vehicle Divers and Conductors, National Manpower Data and Placement Center Act, and National Employment Assistance Center of the Philippines Act.

Further, Estrada raised the possibility of legislating wage increases amid the continuous rise in the prices of fuel and basic commodities.

"As the incoming Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, I will see to it that the Regional Wage Board is looking after the welfare of our workers by ensuring decent and adequate salaries,” he said. "If in the course of our committee hearings sabihin nila na kulang yung sweldo na binibigay nila sa mga manggagawa, I might be forced to legislate a wage hike.

"But of course, we have to strike a balance between the urgent needs of the labor sector and burdens of key economic players,” said Estrada. — DVM, GMA News