First nominee of DIWA Partylist, Cong. Mike Aglipay underlined the need of fighting for independent contractors and putting an end to labor exploitation nationwide.
He criticized the systemic lack of protection for workers in the Philippines compared to other countries, citing Germany as a model where labor unions have representation in corporate boards.
“'Yan ang nakakalungkot sa PIlipinas hindi nila binibigyan ng halaga ang manggagawa kasi. The advance countries po, hindi ko naman sinasabi na maging katulad ng pamamalakad nila pero yung katulad ng Germany. Doon po yung Top 1000 corporation lahat po required corporation yung 20% of Board of Directors galing sa union nila sa labor force nila para may boses po ang manggagawa sa board policy making ng kumpanya,“ he stressed.
“If you value your labor force, sila rin ang magiging consumer ng produkto mo. A strong labor force will give a strong middle class,“ he added.
On labor standards, Aglipay praised the progress for security guards in National Capital Region (NCR) who now earn P1,300 for a 12-hour shift, inclusive of rest day premiums and night differentials, which he believed a result of his efforts to improve their welfare.
Meanwhile, as a security sector official, Aglipay also emphasized the importance of security guards in maintaining peace and order in the country.
“Malaki po ang role nila, sila po ang force multiplier. Kaya ipinasa ko ang Private Security Industry Act para matiyak ang tama nilang benepisyo at proteksyon,” Aglipay emphasized.
He noted that despite the scale of the industry, no new law had been passed in over years, something he worked to change by championing legislation for the 400,000-strong security guard workforce.
Addressing partylist system in the Congress
Aglipay further pointed out the discrepancy between the purpose of the partylist system and its current reality.
“Ang pinaka nakakalungkot ngayon sa Congress, dapat talaga ang partylist para sa underrepresented at marginalized pero majority na ngayon ay mga may negosyo sa gobyerno,”
Aglipay explained the focus of DIWA Partylist:
“Ang focus namin ay mga independent workers, ang mga walang unions. Kaya ang tawag ay Democratic Independent Workers Association,” he added.
K-12 in public school is free education - Aglipay
When asked about the K-12 program and fees in public schools, Aglipay clarified that the program tuition is free.
“Bawal po talagang maningil kahit ano. Dapat po walang babayaran—zero. Kasi ‘yan po ay libre pag public school miski hanggang state college and universities,” he stressed.
If elected, he promised to file a resolution to investigate illegal tuition collection in public schools and reasserted that the right to education is free at all levels.
#BakitIkaw: DIWA Partylist?
Aglipay emphasized DIWA’s focus on representing independent workers without unions, the very reason why the group is called Democratic Independent Workers Association.
“Ang focus namin ay mga independent workers ang mga walang unions. Kaya ang tawag ay democratic independent workers association,” Aglipay stated.
“Ang DIWA ay may track record na 12 years sa Kongreso, nagmamahal sa mga manggagawang Pilipino. Hindi tayo negosyante na kumikita para sa sarili. Lahat po ng pondo, 100% inalay natin para sa manggagawang Pilipino at sa ating constituents,” Aglipay explained.
Moreover, Cong. Aglipay, who served as a lawmaker in the 18th Congress, highlighted his authorship of key legislation such as RA11210 (Expanded Maternity Leave Law) and laws benefiting first-time job seekers.
He also pushed for the Security of Tenure Bill, which seeks to criminalize “endo” or labor-only contractualization, a persistent issue affecting over 24 million contractual workers in the country.
With a bold and grassroots-driven platform, Cong. Aglipay is banking on his consistent pro-labor stance to earn another term in Congress — a battle he sees as one for justice, fairness, and the true spirit of public service.
