By Vanne Elaine Terrazola Senator Risa Hontiveros said the "new normal" should no longer include poor working conditions, low wages, and abuse of Filipino workers. Sen. Risa Hontiveros (Senator Risa Hontiveros / Facebook / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) In her Labor Day message, Hontiveros said no job is not important or less important than that of others, as proven by the outbreak of the novel coronovirus disease. She paid tribute to healthcare professionals and non-medical staff in hospitals, as well as factory workers, food and goods delivery drivers, grocery workers, and government workers who continue to work despite the threat of infection. "Ngayon, hindi na dapat tayo makarinig ng 'low-skilled' o 'non-essential' worker. Naipakita sa buong mundo na sa panahon ng krisis, ang lahat ay nakaasa sa sakripisyo, sipag, at galing ng mga manggagawa," Hontiveros said. (Now, we should no longer hear the phrases 'low-skilled' or 'non-essential' worker. It has been seen all over the world that in this time of crisis, everyone depends on the sacrifice, hard work, and competence of workers.) "We cannot go back to the way it was: heinous working conditions, contractualization, no living wage. Right now, more than ever, workers are essential," she pointed out. The opposition senator said "COVID-19 highlighted the failure of a system that is oppressive to workers, that prioritizes profit over human welfare." As the country adapts to the pandemic, Hontiveros said the "new" system should recognize the rights and welfare of workers. "There is a new normal and this should include better working conditions and the full protection of all workers," she said.