Senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros Friday said that among her priority bills is the reduction of “contractual employment” down to 10 percent, or not beyond 20 percent in any company.

She made the statement before the biggest group of showbiz writers who invited her. Hontiveros, currently a member of the House of Representatives, stressed that it is not fair that employment is now dominated by “contractual workers” who are hired and work only for about five months, and at times only for four months.

The situation is a perpetuation of poverty and does not help improve the economy – or if it does – only for the benefit of the employers, she said.

Hontiveros cited the bill “Security of Tenure” which she filed in the House of Representatives and she would refile in the Senate if she gets elected.

She explained that with security of tenure, the employee can contribute more to the overall growth of the economy because he or she is assured of a sustained purchasing power.

The employee, she added, can also undertake a savings program, and thus assured of a well-deserved retirement. She also decried the current “contractual employment” system as depriving the employee of loyalty benefits, his or her rights to a peaceably assemble to express themselves.

Hontiveros added that she will, of course, give priority to the filing of an anti-corruption bill, and attached to it is the increase of salaries of employees. She will also have a universal health insurance coverage and free medical treatment of those suffering cancer especially among the poor.

Another significant bill provides support to single parents, abandoned wives or widows.