THE House of Representatives on Tuesday evening ended the plenary deliberations on the proposed budgets of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as well as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), amounting to P45.28 billion and P18.7 billion, respectively.
Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon and Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting sponsored the DOLE budget proposal, while Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. sponsored the TESDA allotment.
“For fiscal year 2025, DOLE’s budget proposal is consistent with its key accomplishments and targets which are to 1) to promote gainful employment opportunities and human resource development, 2) promote and protect workers’ rights and welfare, and 3) promote and maintain industrial peace,” Bongalon said.
He added that the DOLE proposed budget of P45.28-billion is 1.03 percent of the total national government budget. It is 26.09 percent or P16 billion lower than the 2024 budget of P61.268 billion.
Tambunting said the plenary interpellation is not just about deliberating on the budget of DOLE; the discussions will have an impact on the labor sector, which he described as “the engine of the country’s economy, the lifeblood of communities, and backbone of democracy,” who he said “deserve more.”
“This budget for the DOLE isn’t just about numbers. It’s about building an economy that leaves no one out and no one behind. This budget invests in job creation. TUPAD for example, provides emergency employment for our displaced workers, the government ‘s internship program was designed to help our youth realize their ambition and potential, fully utilizing their capabilities and giving them a head start in their careers,” Tambunting said.
Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas pushed for the abolition of the regional wage boards. “Sana po buwagin na natin yung mga regional wage boards. Nahihirapan na yung mga manggagawa natin dyan. 1986 hanggang ngayon nagkakaproblema ang ating mga workers sa regional wage boards na yan… Yung kailangang talagang increase ay di nabibigay at yung sinasabi sa atin sa mga dyalogo yun sana ang ibigay,” she said.
Brosas added that the living conditions of workers differ. “Siguro tingnan ng mabuti kung anong kalagayan nila, kasi mas mababa sila, P425 lang sa agriculture, P450 sa non-agriclture, pati yung may mga retail establishments P425 lang. Ano po ang nagging basis ninyo sa pag determina ng wage increase sa Calabarzon o Region 4-A at Central Visayas o Region 7,” she asked.
Bongalon said that under the wage law, there are three criteria being used as basis by the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards namely, 1) needs of workers and their families, 2) employers’ capacity to pay, and 3) the requirements of economic development.
After congratulating former Negros Occidental Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, for his appointment as the new director-general of TESDA, Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado took note of the 15.4% reduction in the budget allocated for the Technical Education and Skills Development Program or TESDP.
“This cut raises concerns about the program’s capacity to meet its targets and fulfill its objectives in providing skills training and workforce development. How will this reduction impact the overall effectiveness of TESDP?”
Campos said that the scholarship for trainees will likely be most affected by the budget cuts.
“I think Congress should seriously reconsider its position on the matter,” he said.
Bordado expressed hope that Congress increases the budget of TESDA because it cannot afford to cut the scholarship program. TESDA’S proposed budget of P18.7 billion is lower than this year’s allocation of P21.4 billion.
About the Author
