JV Ejercito backs confirmation of DOLE’s Laguesma
September 20, 2022
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Tuesday
expressed his support for the confirmation of Labor Secretary Bienvenido
“Benny” Laguesma.
During the plenary session of the Commission
of Appointments earlier, Ejercito cited Laguesma’s “unblemished service
record,” as well as his honor, integrity, and modesty.
“In a country like ours, where opportunities
are limited, Filipinos need people in the government who will look after their
interests and promote their welfare. I am so glad that the President has picked
Secretary Benny to primarily do this job, for he has vision for the people and
commitment to public service,” he said.
Laguesma has served the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for
more than two decades.
He began as a labor meditator-arbiter in 1976
and rose through the ranks to become Labor Undersecretary in 1990.
He was later appointed as Secretary of Labor
and Employment in 1998 by former President Joseph Estrada.
Ejercito said he expects Laguesma to use his
experience as a labor arbiter in improving the working conditions of Filipino
laborers.
“As a labor law practitioner, he also knows
the plight of workers who are sometimes left with no choice but to settle with
a hostile work environment and working conditions. We look forward to seeing
the work of Sec. Benny in the department as he champions crucial reforms to
protect our workers,” he said.
The lawmaker from San Juan also called on
Laguesma and DOLE to take an active role in the country’s efforts to recover
from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With the country’s current employment rate at 94.8
percent in July 2022, I trust that Secretary Laguesma endeavors to further
improve this number so that no Filipino will be left behind in life. Under his
watch, I truly believe that our country’s workforce will genuinely build back
and recover from the damaging effects brought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he
said.
