Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Bea Cuadra

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1111795334496521%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><p>MANILA — Thousands of workers and activists led by the labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) transformed España Boulevard into a sea of red banners and placards on Friday morning, kicking off a massive demonstration to mark Labor Day.</p><p>The mobilization, joined by various labor groups and sectoral organizations, effectively halted traffic on both sides of the thoroughfare as protesters gathered to voice grievances over the rising cost of living and stagnant wages. Many participants were seen carrying hand-painted signs calling for economic relief.</p><p>Protesters have three primary demands, namely, the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law, an immediate rollback of fuel prices, and a substantial increase in the national minimum wage.</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=315&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F884545617978311%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span>For many of those marching, the struggle is personal. Mody Floranda, president of the transport group Piston, asserted that the crisis facing the transport sector is a crisis for all workers. He laid out specific figures the group believes were necessary to provide immediate breathing room for drivers and the general public.</div><p>&quot;Ngayong araw ay pandaigdigang araw ng mga manggagawa. Ang una, ang panawagan ng manggagawa sa public transport ay yung pagbasura dito sa Oil Deregulation Law, yung pagtanggal ng excise tax at VAT sa langis, at yung kagyat na pag-rollback sa halagang P55 sa presyo ng diesel at P57 naman sa presyo ng gasolina,&quot; Floranda stated.</p><p>&quot;At kaakibat din nyan, yung ating panawagan na nakabubuhay na sahod—yung dagdag-sahod ng ating mga manggagawa na P1,200 sa buong bansa,&quot; he added.</p><p>The call for a P1,200 national minimum wage was a central theme throughout the morning’s speeches. Organizers pointed out that current wage levels were no longer sufficient to meet the &quot;living wage&quot; threshold.</p><p>The massive crowd has since begun its march toward Mendiola. </p><div><br style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"/></div><div><br/></div><div><em></em><br/></div>

<p>Protesters filled both sides of España Boulevard on Labor Day, Friday morning, as various labor groups and sectoral organizations began their march toward Mendiola.</p>

Protesters filled both sides of España Boulevard on Labor Day, Friday morning, as various labor groups and sectoral organizations began their march toward Mendiola.

Massive Labor Day protest demands wage hike, relief from soaring prices

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Massive Labor Day protest demands wage hike, relief from soaring prices

Bea Cuadra,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 01, 2026 09:17 AM PHT

|

Updated May 01, 2026 09:35 AM PHT

Read More:

Labor Day

protest

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.