Labor leader and senatorial candidate Atty. Sonny Matula has pledged to continue championing the rights of Filipino workers if he secures a seat in the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.
"Ang ating pagtakbo ay nakahanda tayo, ibig sabihin ay hindi tayo ikahihiya ng mga mangagawa na irepresenta sila sa Senado," Matula said during the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Friday.
The current President of the Federation of Free Workers firmly believes that the Senate should not be treated like a private corporation where only relatives, siblings, or even celebrities are elected. He emphasized that one is enough to represent the people.
"Bakit ikaw?"
Matula emphasized that he advocates for livable wages for all Filipino workers, highlighting his active involvement in initiatives to raise salaries, not just in Metro Manila, but across the entire Philippines.
"Kaya sinusuportahan natin ‘yung naaprubahan na House Bill. Second reading na at third reading na lang ang kulang at P200. Pero sabi nga natin ‘yung P200 ay significant na pero dapat dumating tayo doon sa living wage na sinasabi," said Matula.
"Kung hindi natin iyan makukuha sa legislation, gagawin natin iyan sa pamamagitan pag-organisa ng union at sa pakipag collective bargaining negotiation sa mga employers," he added.
Moreover, he also advocates for focusing on job security, firmly stating that workers in permanent positions should remain permanent and should not be subjected to contractual employment.
He emphasized that there should be no contractualization in regular jobs, stressing that practices like "555" and "ENDO" should be ended, as they reflect the idea that workers are disposable.
Matula also advocates for the respect of human rights and the rights of workers, particularly those in unions.
"Pang-apat syempre imoderno natin ang agrikultura patungo sa agri-industrialization na makalihkha ng maraming trabaho," Matula stated.
"At panlima, tutukan rin ang scholarship para sa mga anak ng manggagawa at anak ng mga magsasaka," he added.
He asserts that education is the essential tool for Filipinos to rise above poverty and build a better future.
Efforts to end "ENDO" during Duterte administration
Matula expressed his dissatisfaction with the unmet promise of former President Rodrigo Duterte to end contractualization in the country during his administration.
When asked to rate Duterte's efforts in fulfilling his promise, Matula gave him a score of zero.
"Syempre kung pag-usapan ay ang paghinto ng ENDO, zero kasi walang nangyari," said Matula.
"Natakot siya sa mga employer. SinabIhan siya na 'kapag tinuloy mo ‘yan, magsasara ang mga kumpanya.' Paano magsasara regular nga ‘yung mga trabaho na ginagawa ng manggagawa pero ‘yung manggagawa five months o contractual," he added.
He emphasized that workers in regular jobs should not be contractual, but this is still happening in factories across Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and other regions.
Matula then urged that Article 106 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, which covers Contracting and Subcontracting, should be reviewed, emphasizing that labor-only contracting should be clearly deemed prohibited.
Wage hike
The senatorial candidate expressed his belief that a P200 wage increase is feasible, particularly given the current rise in prices of goods, transportation fares, and the ongoing food security concerns.
"Kapag may pera ang manggagawa, umiikot iyan sa ekonomiya," he firmly stated.
In addressing concerns that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) may face difficulties in complying with the wage hike, Matula highlighted that there are existing laws that could provide assistance to these businesses.
Matula cited the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) law as an example, noting that businesses with a registered capital of up to P3 million are exempt from the minimum wage requirements.
He further mentioned that even large companies, if unable to comply, can file a petition for an exemption for a certain period.
"Hinihikayat din natin ang gobyerno na bigyan ng programa na makakatulong sa maliliit na negosyo," he added.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace
He noted that regarding the use of AI in the workplace, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), TESDA, as well as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Finance, should engage in discussions on the matter.
Furthermore, he mentioned that he sees the "Trabaho Para sa Bayan" council as the vehicle to study the future of work and how to address this significant challenge.
Matula emphasized that it should be an all-government and all-society approach.
Providing assistance and support for single parents
Matula emphasizes the need for affirmative action to support single parents, suggesting that the work-from-home law could provide a valuable option for those who are primarily at home.
Additionally, he emphasized the important role of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in assisting single parents through the enhancement of their skills and knowledge.
"Ayuda"
Matula believes that the Senate should use its oversight function to 'review the movements of the executive department'.
Citing the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), he emphasized the need to review such assistance programs in collaboration with trade unions and employer associations.
"Dapat ‘yung mga trade unions at employers association ay dapat kasama sa oversight na gagawin para makita kung tunay bang pumupunta itong mga ayuda ng gobyerno sa mga tao talagang nangangailangan," he added.
He emphasized that the oversight audit should verify whether the aid is being properly distributed or if it is being exploited by politicians for improper use.
Impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte
Matula acknowledged that it is inevitable for the impeachment case against the Vice President to become an election issue, as it is a crucial matter concerning the accountability of public officials.
He further noted that the positive outcome of this issue would be raising awareness among candidates, especially those running for the highest offices, about their responsibility to ensure the accountability of high-ranking officials in the Philippines.
If elected, Matula said he will play a significant role as a Senator in the upcoming impeachment trial against the country's second-highest official.
