Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – On May 1st, Labor Day, thousands of people in Manila, Philippines, took to the streets to rally and march, demanding higher wages; simultaneous labor demonstrations and protests were also held in central Luzon, Cebu, and other locations.
The Manila march was spearheaded by the prominent Philippine labor organization, the May Day Movement (KMU). Its president, Adonis, called this year's Labor Day a "day of reckoning" for labor rights.
Various labor groups put forward their demands: the Free Workers Union called on Congress to legislate a nationwide daily wage increase of 200 pesos (approximately S$4.15); the Philippine National Trade Union Congress suggested providing a monthly living allowance of 5,000 pesos to minimum wage workers. In fact, the Philippine House of Representatives passed a bill for a daily wage increase of 200 pesos last June, but the Senate only proposed a 100-peso increase, with significant differences between the two houses failing to reach a consensus before Congress adjourned.
The Philippine government has previously stated that the authority to adjust the minimum wage is delegated to local governments, and a nationwide uniform wage increase will not be implemented unless Congress enacts a specific law.
Data released by the IBON Foundation shows that the average daily wage in the Philippines is only 503 pesos, a shortfall of 750 pesos from the standard of living for families, highlighting significant pressure on people's livelihoods. Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with several large labor federations, issued a joint statement calling on the government to postpone or cancel the value-added tax on fuel, electricity, and essential goods. The federation warned that the continued rise in the price of essential goods has placed unbearable pressure on the livelihoods of ordinary people and the operations of businesses.
Philippine President Marcos Jr. delivered a speech on Labor Day, praising workers as the backbone of national development and promising to continue creating more jobs, but he did not signal any policy of implementing a nationwide uniform wage increase.
In his speech, he called on the government and the private sector to work together to ensure that workers receive fair compensation and have equal opportunities for social development. Marcos Jr. stated that despite technological advancements and industrial transformations, Filipino workers remain the core force driving the nation forward and maintaining social order. He also pledged to continue creating quality jobs, strengthening labor rights protections, and expanding avenues for wealth creation and development for the people. (End)
