Labor groups protest on Recto Ave after Mendiola blocked

Various labor groups proceeded with their Labor Day protest along Recto Avenue in Manila after police barricades blocked roads leading to Mendiola, their originally planned site.

Hundreds of workers, including youth and student activists, converged on Recto Avenue, attempting to bypass the Manila Police District's barricades, which led to a short scuffle over steel barricades near the University of the East.

MPD Spokesperson Maj. Philipp Ines stated that Mendiola is not designated as a freedom park for rallies, explaining the reason for the road closures.

The NCRPO had deployed over 11,200 personnel across Metro Manila for Labor Day security.

The protesters are urging the national government to certify the proposed wage hike bill as urgent, demanding the minimum wage be raised to P1,200, citing the soaring cost of basic goods and electricity.

Labor group representatives stated that current wages are no longer enough to meet the daily needs of ordinary workers amid rising inflation.