By CESAR JOLITO III

The General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) has thrown its support behind a proposed “no work, no pay” bill for legislators, calling for its extension to cover all government officials, including those in local government units (LGUs), whether appointed or elected.

In a press statement issued on February 8, GAWA Secretary General Wennie Sancho said the principle of “no work, no pay” has long been applied to ordinary workers and should likewise apply to public officials as a matter of fairness and accountability.

“The principle is already imposed on all workers. It is only fair that government officials set the example,” Sancho said.

The bill, filed by House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, seeks to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance by ensuring that public funds are released only when elected officials fulfill their official duties.

GAWA said the proposed measure is a concrete step toward protecting taxpayers’ money and strengthening public trust in government.

Sancho stressed that there is no existing law that exempts government officials from the “no work, no pay” principle, arguing that equal treatment under this standard would promote discipline and responsibility in public service.

“Ordinary workers are not paid if they do not work. There is no reason government officials should be exempted,” he said.

GAWA strongly recommended that the measure be expanded to include all government officials, particularly those in LGUs, emphasizing that public funds should only be disbursed when public service is actually rendered.

“As a labor advocate, I believe lawmakers should not receive special treatment simply because they hold office,” Sancho said.

“If this principle applies to all workers nationwide, it should apply even more to those who craft the laws,” he added.

The labor group said it will continue to support reforms that promote good governance, fiscal responsibility, and fair treatment of workers and taxpayers alike./CJ, WDJ