Today, on Labor Day, Gabriela Women’s Party marched alongside thousands of workers, enduring the intense heat to demand the immediate enactment of a legislated wage increase. Despite the challenging conditions, the burning desire among workers for a substantial wage hike in the face of the economic downturn remains unwavering.

We vehemently condemn the Marcos Jr. administration for its refusal to implement meaningful wage hikes for workers. While the country grapples with economic challenges, the government’s reluctance to address the pressing needs of the working class is unacceptable.

The need for a wage increase is further underscored by the soaring prices of essential goods, including food and public utilities. Filipino workers are burdened by the relentless rise in living costs, exacerbating their already poor conditions.

Gabriela Women’s Party filed House Bill 4898, which proposes a national minimum wage aligned with the family living wage, and House Bill 7568, advocating for a P750 across-the-board wage increase for private sector workers. These bills, if consolidated, would establish a P1,100 uniform national minimum wage. However, these crucial measures languish in Congress while policies favoring big businesses, such as Charter Change, swiftly advance. It’s abundantly clear that the government’s priorities lie in serving the interests of big businesses while disregarding the rights and welfare of Filipino workers.

We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to pushing the rights of Filipino workers and will persist in advocating for a legislated wage increase. Furthermore, we urge the Senate to reject Charter Change and prioritize legislation that uplifts the dignity and well-being of Filipino workers.