Villar: Stranded Laborers Should Be Allowed To Return To Work

Senator Cynthia Villar reiterates her call for the re-opening of the construction sector. 

“I agree with those who say that there is a humanitarian crisis in the making in the current situation of those laborers who are not only stranded in their workplaces away from their families, but cannot help themselves and their families since they have no source of income. It’s doubly difficult for them,” said the senator.

She added that most construction workers are not qualified for the financial assistance provided by the government and are not reached by relief efforts since they are at construction sites.

The senator said many workers would rather stay at job sites and continue working instead of going home without money.

The Philippine Construction Association (PCA) cited that 1.3 million workers are expected to lose or have already lost their jobs because of the implementation of the community quarantine. 

Villar said workers are still expected to follow government-implemented health and safety protocols such as social distancing and wearing of face masks. Employers can also provide for their transport or accommodation if necessary. 

Aside from construction, Villar also called for the reopening of the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.