TUCP: WORKERS DESERVE 14TH MONTH PAY AFTER NEARLY 50 YEARS

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has filed House Bill No. 3808 to give 14th month pay to all workers in the private sector after almost half a century since 1976 when the 13th month pay was required by Presidential Decree No. 851. Senate Minority Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III has also filed a bill requiring private employers to grant workers a 14th month pay.

“Ang pagkakaroon ng panukala sa parehong kapulungan ng Kongreso ay patunay na hindi na sapat ang 13th month pay at panahon na para sa 14th month pay na matagal nang hinihintay ng ating mga manggagawa. Once this 14th Month Pay Bill is enacted, workers will get their 13th month pay earlier in June and will get the additional 14th month pay in December. Mayroon nang pang-matrikula para sa mga anak sa pasukan sa Hunyo, mayroon pang pang-noche buena sa pasko para sa buong pamilya!,” stated TUCP Party-list Representative and Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza. 

Aware that some distressed companies may not be able to comply right away, the bill provides exemptions but subject to the strict approval by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). 

“These exemptions prove that we heed the concerns of employers, especially those who are struggling. But let us be clear: when workers receive more and better benefits, they are not only happier but more motivated and productive at work. And when productivity rises, so does profitability. Working families become more comfortable as businesses and the economy grow stronger. Together, we can make this 14th month pay work not only for our workers but our employers and the country,” explained Mendoza.

TUCP: MINIMUM WAGE EARNERS SHOULD ALSO GET 50% DISCOUNT IN METRO MANILA TRAINS

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) calls on Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to include minimum wage earners as beneficiaries of the 50% discount in LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3. 

“As we continue to relentlessly press both the Senate and the House of Representatives to urgently act on the pending legislated wage hike measures: dapat gumawa tayo ng paraan upang ngayon pa lamang ay makaramdam na ng ginhawa ang ating mga manggagawa. Mr. Secretary, there are over a million minimum wage earners in Metro Manila alone and this is the least we can do to help alleviate their struggle in making ends meet,” stated TUCP Party-list and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza. 

Based on the train fare matrix of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), a single train ride from Antipolo to Recto costs ₱35 or ₱70 per day for a round trip. For six working days a week, that amounts to ₱1,680 a month. 

“With a 50% discount, minimum wage earners can save as much as ₱840 a month or an extra ₱35 take-home pay every day. Bawat pisong natitipid sa pamasahe siguradong diretso yan sa hapag ng pamilya para sa mas masarap at mas malusog na pagkain para sa pamilya,” explained Mendoza. 

Starting September, special Beep cards with automatic 50% discount for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities will be available on the MRT and LRT lines.

“But why are minimum wage earners left out? Kaya pa nating isama ang ating mga manggagawang Pilipino. Indeed, Mr. Secretary, the last thing we want is for our workers to fall in long lines all the time just to avail of the discount. Sobra na nga ang sakripisyo nila sa trabaho—huwag na nating dagdagan ng paghihirap sa pila. It should be simple: workers can present a certificate of employment, which states their salary, and be given special Beep cards for hassle-free rides to and from work,” added Mendoza.