Protection of Workers from the Effect of Inflation

November 7, 1983

LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 1362

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Government to protect workers from the effects of inflation;

WHEREAS, in the light of economic realities, there is a felt need to consider measures that could provide additional relief for the workingman;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and direct as follows:

1. The National Food Authority (NFA) shall support the Workers' Rice Program by extending a thirty-day credit line to legitimate labor organizations and employees' cooperatives. If necessary, the Social Security System shall set aside a Guarantee Fund of Seventy Million Pesos (P70,000,000.00) to support the Program.

2. The Social Security System shall extend the following benefits to the workers upon proper application:

(a) a three-month salary and/or educational or public calamity loans as well as stock investment loans.

(b) a housing and/or real estate loan to the extent of P100.00.

3. The National Secretariat of the Kilusang Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran shall expand to the regional level the agreement providing for funds to finance projects of trade unions and their cooperatives, including organizations of the spouses and dependents of workers.

4. The National Wages Council and the Ministry of Labor and Employment shall immediately cause a study to be undertaken of the feasibility of upgrading wage-related benefits such as overtime and night work premium rates and the number of service incentive leaves, consistent with the Government's policy of improving benefits of workers. acd

These agencies are directed to issue guidelines on the proper implementation of these directives.

For immediate compliance.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 7th day of November, 1983.