Trabaho Party-list Advocates for Worker Rights Ahead of Labour Day

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On the eve of Labour Day and in the run-up to the mid-term elections, the Trabaho Party-list is reinforcing its commitment to champion the rights and needs of the working class in the Philippines. "We know what the workers want and need because we are workers ourselves," stated spokesperson and lawyer Mitchell-David Espiritu on April 30.

The party-list, represented by nominees Lawyer Johanne Bautista, Ninai Chavez, and Nelson de Vega, has pledged to drive legislation in the House of Representatives focused on creating sustainable employment opportunities, ensuring equitable wages, and enhancing worker benefits and protections.

Formed by a diverse group of professionals, underpaid workers, informal workers, and entrepreneurs, the Trabaho Party-list aims to tackle the challenges faced by various sectors, particularly those related to job access discrimination and emerging workforce threats posed by climate change.

Espiritu highlighted the lack of robust national regulations addressing the rising national heat index as an area needing urgent attention. In response to these hazards, the party-list is advocating for comprehensive medical benefits and health insurance coverage, ensuring access to preventive care, regular health screenings, and a full range of insurance plans that cover heat-related illnesses.

"Non-wage benefits and protections are essential to mitigate the financial burdens of medical expenses and to ensure timely medical attention for affected workers," Espiritu emphasized, underscoring the importance of these measures in safeguarding worker health and financial security.

As Labour Day approaches, the Trabaho Party-list reaffirms its dedication to representing the workers' voices in shaping policies that reflect their needs and aspirations, striving for a fairer, more supportive work environment across the nation.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-04-30