Connor Anthony Canlas Sr., a former Air Force Commanding General who became the third nominee of the United Frontlines Partylist, emphasized the need for better wages and local job opportunities to prevent Filipino workers from seeking employment abroad.
During the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Monday, Canlas expressed concern over Filipino workers being forced to work overseas due to the lack of employment opportunities and well-paying jobs in the country.
“Kaya sila nag-o-OFW dahil wala silang makuhang trabaho dito,” he stated.
He proposed establishing competitive wage standards, similar to those in other countries, to encourage workers to stay and contribute to the Philippine economy.
“Kung tayo ay magtatatag ng fair wages para sana iwasan ang pag-aabroad ng ating mga kapwa Pilipino. Maganda ma-establish dito sa ating bansa ang standards na pareho ng ibang bansa para hindi na sila umalis,” he explained.
“Magtayo tayo ng trabaho na sapat para sa kanila,” Canlas stressed.
Citing challenges faced by Filipino soldiers
As a former military officer, Canlas underscored the need to improve military salaries and family benefits. While there have been pay increases for soldiers, he noted that the rising cost of living makes current wages insufficient.
“Dapat siguradong ang pamilya nila ay napangangalagaan para hindi na nila iisipin yung misyon nila kasabay ng welfare ng kanilang pamilya,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of mental health support for soldiers and police officers, recognizing the trauma they experience in the line of duty.
“Minsan yung ibang mga sundalo natra-trauma sa giyera, nasisiraan ng bait, hindi po masyadong natutugunan, mental health number one psychological na aspeto na pamumuhay ng sundalo at ng pulis,” Lt. Gen. Canlas added.
Addressing proper hazard pay distribution
Meanwhile, Canlas called for the government’s attention to delays and misallocations in hazard pay, citing the SAF 44 (Special Action Force) incident, where the families of the fallen officers allegedly did not receive their rightful benefits.
“Yung pera na dapat natanggap nila ay hindi nila natatanggap, kahit yung ibang kasundaluhan, sabihin na natin yung mga biktima ng mga SAF 44, hindi pa rin nila natatanggap,” he stated.
“Sa tingin ko po mayroong diversion ng pondo sa gobyerno,” he said, questioning whether hazard pay funds are being diverted to programs like AICS and ACAP.
He vowed to push for better budgeting and allocation of government funds to ensure that frontliners receive their full benefits.
“Hanapan natin ng paraan para maibigay ang tamang benepisyo sa kanila,” he concluded.
Possible volunteer and frontliner benefits
During Man on the Street by Edniel Parrosa, fire volunteer Jonathan Dela Cruz asked about the benefits that volunteers could expect from the party-list.
Canlas responded that their proposed bills and policies will include:
- A Specialized Healthcare Insurance Program to reduce the financial burden on frontliners and their families.
- Fair and Competitive Wage Standards to ensure frontliners, including volunteers, receive appropriate compensation.
- He also cited the importance of providing safety equipment and training for volunteers and frontliners to minimize risks and enhance workplace safety.
BAKIT IKAW?: Ensuring laborers' safety
Canlas laid out key proposals, including the Safe Environment Act, which aims to enhance workplace safety for laborers often overlooked by the government in policymaking.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for fair wages, noting that competitive salaries would prevent Filipino workers from seeking opportunities abroad.
“Kung kami ay papalarin manalo, siguraduhin namin na mapangalagaan ang tao. Kasi ang United Frontliners Party-list ay magre-representa sa mga ordinaryong manggagawa,” Canlas said.
He concluded by reiterating the party’s commitment to representing all frontline workers and expanding workers' benefits, not just for those in the health sector, but also for laborers such as construction workers, taxi and motorcycle drivers, and other service providers.
Canlas is a retired Air Force General who served as the 38th Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force.
