Camille Naredo

Various groups gather at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on June 12, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Various groups gather at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on June 12, 2025, to protest the Senate's decision to remand the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives. Complainants, progressive organizations, and human rights advocates criticized the Senate for allegedly shielding Duterte from accountability.
The protesters also condemned the perceived collusion between Congress and Malacañang in blocking a proposed wage hike bill, highlighting the government’s neglect of workers’ welfare amid rising living costs.
Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

INDEPENDENCE DAY PROTEST

Mon Rodelas

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175086998810220250612-independence-day-protest-MT2.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Various groups gather at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on June 12, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News"/>Various groups gather at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on June 12, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA — Labor groups from the Wage Coalition on Wednesday renewed their push for a legislated wage increase and the elimination of regional wage boards.In a press conference in Quezon City, they took aim at the Marcos administration and the 19th Congress, criticizing them for not implementing a wage hike despite separate bills being approved in both chambers.Atty. Luke Espiritu from Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) argued that increasing wages wouldn’t lead to inflation; instead, it would boost economic growth. He pointed out that real economic progress is unattainable if wealth continues to be hoarded at the top.“Hindi inflationary ang pagtaas ng sahod,” Espiritu said. “Saan ka nakakita ng ekonomiya na gagana o gaganda kung ang wealth ay concentrated lang sa tuktok,” he added.Joanne Cesario of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) slammed the regional wage boards as “useless” and called for their abolition, claiming they cater to the interests of big businesses.“Itong regional wage board matagal na siyang walang kwenta... Hindi natutupad ang kanyang mandato… Nakikita natin na ‘yung kinikilingan at pinapaburan ay ‘yung big businesses, ‘yung malalaking negosyante sa bansa,” Cesario expressed.She also took President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Congress to task for allegedly putting corporate interests ahead of workers’ needs.“Bongbong, &#x27;di makakalimutan ng mga manggagawa ang ginawa mo. Alam namin kung bakit mo hindi ipinasa ang dagdag na sahod. Alam namin kung ano ang mga motibo. Alam namin kung an ang hand mo dito sa hindi pagko-convene ng bicameral. At hindi namin makakalimutan, patuloy na kikilos ang mga manggagawang Pilipino,” she added.Caren Martinez from NAGKAISA highlighted the struggles of many small vendors who are grappling with low sales and poor health due to meager incomes. She urged the 20th Congress to take action, accusing the President of being more attuned to large corporations than to everyday workers.Carlos Miguel Oñate of the TUCP Partylist announced plans to refile the wage hike bill, affirming that the battle for fair wages is far from over.Ka Rene Magtubo of NAGKAISA criticized both Senate and House leaders for bowing to pressure from wealthy capitalists and the administration, despite both chambers having already passed versions of the wage hike. He dismissed excuses about time constraints and procedural delays, calling for swift action in the next Congress.Labor groups warned lawmakers that they would be keeping a close eye on their actions and urged the President to prioritize the wage hike bill.“Panawagan namin sa upcoming congress, we will be watching you every step of the way. Kailangan tindigan ninyo ang inyong oath na kayo’y magsisilbi sa welfare ng sambayanan,” Magtubo stated.Magtubo concluded with a call to action message for the President, suggesting to certify the urgency and prioritize the legislated wage hike especially for the Filipino labor forces in the country.

Labor groups from the Wage Coalition on Wednesday renewed their push for a legislated wage increase and the elimination of regional wage boards.

Labor groups from the Wage Coalition on Wednesday renewed their push for a legislated wage increase and the elimination of regional wage boards.

Labor groups blast Congress, Marcos over wage hike failure

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Labor groups blast Congress, Marcos over wage hike failure

Mon Rodelas,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 26, 2025 01:44 AM PHT

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wage hike

labor groups

BMP

KMU

NAGKAISA

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