MANILA, (PNA) — Catholic bishops said that workers in the country should be given “fair” salary before considering giving them other financial benefits.
According to retired Caloocan bishop Deogracias Iniguez what is important is for the government to give the workers due salary.
“I have to know whether that would comply with just wage for laborers. That is what should be studied, just wage for labor in the Philippines,” he said in a text message.
Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo echoed Iniguez’s statement saying that workers should be paid what is due them.
“Give them the just salary that is due them before giving them anything out of charity. Justice first, that they be paid what is just,” he added.
On the other hand, Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said that salary of workers should be increased. “Better increase pay.”
They are reacting on the proposal of Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III for a 14th month pay for all government and non-government employees every year.
Senate Bill 1645 provides that all government and non-government rank and file employees should be entitled to 14th month pay annually.
At present, workers in the country are entitled to a 13th month pay, which is mandated by law.