DIVERT STIMULUS SPENDING TO FURTHER EASE JOBLESSNESS - CHIZ

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday said the government should use most of the P330-billion stimulus funds to create new jobs, noting that the number of unemployed Filipinos in July increased to 2.9 million from 2.7 million in the same month last year.

"We should realign the spending plan and focus on job creation. Dole-outs should be the least of our priorities," he said.

"Until now, the government has not disclosed how the stimulus funds are being spent and how much has been spent. I hope these funds will not be used mainly to stimulate the chances of the ruling party's bets in the 2010 elections," the 39-year old lawmaker pointed out.

In its latest report, the National Statistics Office said that while overall joblessness increased, about 1.3 million new jobs were generated in the past year. Of the 58 million Filipinos of working age, those who are 15 years and above, only 35.5 million are employed.

Escudero has batted for calibrated stimulus spending in infrastructure towards key sectors like services and agriculture. He also said spending should be focused on sectors that are poised to pick up and recover quickly such as tourism and business process outsourcing.

He has also asked the Senate to convene as a Committee of the Whole so it can recommend policy measures aimed at addressing the impact of the global economic crisis on the labor sector.

In a resolution, Escudero asked the Senate to consider short-term measures including a subsidy program for all displaced workers; tax refunds for all wage and salaried employees; tax deductions and other incentives for employers; and incentives for local businesses.