Workers protest for P1,200 daily wage, P200 legislated hike

Workers' groups staged protests across the Philippines on Thursday, Labor Day, calling for a P1,200 living wage and a legislated P200 wage hike.

Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) organized demonstrations in several cities including Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Pampanga, Laguna, Iloilo, and Davao, demanding a daily minimum wage of P1,200 to support families.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) also called for a P200 legislated wage increase, noting that it represents only 9% to 15% of employers' profits.

Both KMU and TUCP criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s initiatives such as free train rides and job fairs, stating they are insufficient compared to the needed wage hike. Elmer Labong, KMU chairperson, called these initiatives mere publicity stunts and urged candidates for the 2025 elections to prioritize measures ensuring a living wage.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that it will review minimum wage rates in some regions this May following a presidential directive.