PNoy reassures workers, employers of reforms, but not overnight

President Benigno Aquino III reassures workers and employers the government is working to improve their lot, but reforms cannot be expected overnight. At a breakfast meeting with labor leaders at Malacañang Sunday morning, Aquino also asked both sectors to help government find solutions to their own problems. In his speech, excerpts of which were aired on dzBB, Aquino assured early implementation of salary standardization law by June instead of July. Also, he sought prompt action to address workers' calls for a wage hike. Aquino said there are many benefits for laborers and their children that lack appropriations such as the P1.3 billion in the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholarships, adding that the agency may soon file charges against those responsible. He assured workers the government is addressing their concerns but said reforms cannot be felt by the labor sector overnight. Aquino junked anew calls to regulate fuel prices, saying government does not have funds to subsidize prices. He said govt will instead spend funds to benefit the greatest number of people. — LBG, GMA News