As the country commemorates Labor Day, senators on Thursday, May 1 pressed for higher wages for workers amid the soaring prices of goods and services. 

Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri reaffirmed his full commitment to push for a daily minimum wage increase whether the P100 increase already approved  by the Senate, the proposed P200 increase proposed by the House of Representatives “or any reasonable amount in between that brings real relief to our workers.”

“Amid the rising cost of basic goods and services, this is no longer a matter of choice but of justice. Ang dagdag sahod ay hindi regalo. Isa itong karapatan na dapat igalang at ipaglaban (Additional wages is not a gift. It is a right that we ought to respect and to fight for),” Zubiri said.

Zubiri had pushed for a P150 daily wage increase for workers in the private sector when he was still the Senate president. However, the Senate’s final version only approved a P100 increase. 

The proposed P200 daily wage increase proposed in the House, meanwhile, remains pending. 

Sen. Grace Poe echoed Zubiri’s call noting that with the “soaring prices, a wage increase will be a timely and meaningful gift to our workers.”

“Kung anu-ano ng paghihigpit ng sinturon ang ginagawa ng ating mga kababayan mapagkasya lang ang kinikita para sa lahat ng gastusin ng pamilya. Bigyan naman natin sila ng panahong huminga at maramdaman ang bunga ng kanilang pagsisikap (No matter how much our countrymen tighten their belts, they are barely making enough money to cover all their family expenses. Let's give them time to breathe and feel the fruits of their efforts),” Poe stressed.

“As the backbone of the economy, the Filipino labor force deserves a decent living wage that will give their families a respectable standard of living,” Poe stressed. 

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, meanwhile, urged the public to remember that Labor Day is an important opportunity to honor the country’s workers—“the true pillars” of the nation’s economy. 

“With their hard work, dedication, and tireless efforts, we sustain the industries, businesses, and services that give life to our country and livelihood to its citizens,” Escudero pointed out. 

Escudero noted that currently, the total labor force of the Philippines reaches more than 50 million people. 

“From various sectors—such as agriculture, construction, transportation, and industry—they serve as the strength of our economy,” he said. 

“Today, let us celebrate their success and together recognize their important contributions to our society,” the Senate leader stressed. 

Likewise, Sen. Loren Legarda emphasized the need to ensure that the gains of national progress must reach “the tables of every Filipino worker, at home and abroad.”

"Labor Day reminds us that decent work is the foundation of a just society. Every worker must have the opportunity not only to earn a living, but to thrive in conditions where dignity is upheld, rights are protected, and opportunities for advancement are accessible,” Legarda stated. 

"Our workers are more than resilient. They are creative, adaptable, and relentless in their pursuit of a better life. It is through their tireless efforts that our nation stands, innovates, and grows,” she further stressed. 

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, on the other hand, said Labor Day is best commemorated through meaningful dialogues to address lack of job security, stagnant wages, rising costs of living, and other struggles that Filipino workers face daily.

Echoing Legarda’s call, Go pointed out that workers’ rights are not limited to employment alone but must also encompass access to nutrition, healthcare, and a decent quality of life. 

“Ang karapatan sa disenteng sahod at kabuhayan ay karugtong ng karapatan sa pagkain, kalusugan, at dignidad. Hindi ito hiwa-hiwalay na isyu—magkakabit ang lahat ng ito (The right to a decent wage and livelihood is an extension of the right to food, health, and dignity. These are not separate issues—they are all interconnected),” he said. 

That is why, Go said, he too, supports the swift enactment into law of the bill seeking a daily minimum wage increase for private sector workers. 

“Umaasa ako na maipapasa natin ito habang may panahon pa bago magtapos ang 19th Congress sa tulong ng mga kapwa natin mambabatas (I hope that we can pass this while there is still time before the end of the 19^th Congress with the help of fellow lawmakers),” said Go.