President Marcos has assured Filipino workers on Labor Day that their concerns on better wages are being addressed by the government through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB).

"We hear the call of our workers for better wages and assure you that your concerns are being addressed through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards," he said in his speech during the 123rd Labor Day celebration on Thursday, May 1.

"The government stands firm in its commitment to protecting and advancing workers’ welfare while promoting inclusive economic development," he added.

The President said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards continue to study the level of wages in every region, citing that since June last year, 16 regions in the country have implemented additional wages.

"Sa kabuuan, 28 wage orders na ang naaprubahan (In total, 28 wage orders have been approved)," he said.

International labor standards

The Chief Executive stressed that the country remains committed to advance international labor standards by ratifying the ILO Convention No. 155.

"We remain steadfast in our task to fully advance international labor standards, including our workers’ rights to freedom of association, their right to organize, and the protection of human rights," Marcos said.

"This is why the Philippines is committed to ratifying the ILO Convention No. 155, establishing the core framework for Occupational Safety and Health management at national and workplace levels, including a dynamic policy approach to OSH," he added.

According to Marcos, from July 2022 until March this year, the government have inspected more than 90,000 laboratories in the country to ensure that workers have safe workplaces, better salary, and just treatment.

"We continue to improve our labor dispute resolution services. We also continue to restore the status of the Philippines in the international community as a beacon of the democratic rights and civil liberties of workers in the Asia Pacific," the President said.

Last year, the Philippine Government gained a seat in the governing body of the ILO, as well as in the ILO’s Freedom of Association and on the board of the ILO’s International Training Center.

Marcos said the country has "made significant progress in addressing the long-standing issues against the implementation of freedom of association and the rights of workers to organize," adding that they have adopted and started implementing a Tripartite Roadmap on Freedom of Association.

He vowed that his administration will continue to ensure that the Anti-Terrorism Act shall not be used to restrict union activities and that legal remedies are available under penal laws in case of abuse.

He further said that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Commission on Human Rights have signed an agreement that aims to establish a program called Labor Intervention for Financial Economic or LIFE Empowerment.

Under the program, victims of human rights violations will gain access to employment programs, training, scholarships, and livelihood assistance.

P2.57B aid to workers

The DOLE said it has allocated P2.57 billion in assistance to workers nationwide under the agency’s Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).

The DILEEP, which consists of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), is seen to help a total of 406,781 Filipinos.

Of this number, a total 389,613 are listed under emergency employment through TUPAD, while 17,168 are supported with livelihood grants or kabuhayan packages under DILP, according to DOLE.

Minimum wage rates review

The review of the minimum wage rates in some regions is set to start this month as ordered by President Marcos, said DOLE's Bureau of Local Employment head Assistant Secretary Patrick P. Patriwirawan Jr.

When asked about the appeal of labor groups for a P200 legislated wage hike, Patriwirawan said DOLE is ready to implement this if Congress passes the law and Marcos approves it.

Patriwirawan said employers are consulted on the possible impact of wage hikes on their businesses.

NCR

The DOLE-National Capital Region (NCR) said it will also start the process for the wage rate review this month.

“Sixty days prior to the anniversary date ng (of) effectivity ng (of) wage order, magsa-start na kami (we will start),” said DOLE-NCR Regional Director Sara Mirasol.

“We’ll have labor consultation as well as the employer consultation, dalawa (two) this May and then magkakaroon ng public hearing by June (there will be a public hearing by June),” she added.

The result of the wage deliberations is expected to be released in July.

In July 2024, the RTWPB approved the P35 hike in the daily minimum wage of workers in the NCR, increasing it from P610 to P645 for the non-agriculture sector.

‘We will never abandon you’

President Marcos recognized that the country's progress rests on the shoulders of Filipino workers and assured them on Labor Day that the government will never abandon them.

In his message, Marcos said the government is not merely a bystander in Filipinos' progress, but an active partner.

"Inyong matitiyak na ang pamahalaan ay hindi lamang tagapagmasid sa pag.unlad, kung hindi aktibong katuwang ng sambayanan sa paglikha ng Bagong Pilipinas kung saan ang lipunan ay patas at makatarungan (You can be assured that the government is not merely a bystander in our progress, but an active partner of the people in building a new Philippines—a society that is fair and just)," Marcos said on Thursday, May 1.

"Alam namin nasa inyo nakasalalay ang kaunlaran ng ating bansa kung kaya't patuloy ang mga proyektong magsusulong sa inyong paglago at kasaganahan (We know that the progress of our country rests on your shoulders, and that is why we continue to push forward projects that promote your growth and prosperity)," he added.

He assured Filipino workers that the government will not abandon them, but will continue to support them.

The President said he recognizes the hardship and sacrifice of workers and their vital role in shaping the society.

Thus, he said, the government must take concrete steps to meet the needs of every Filipino worker and their family.

Remain strong, patient

Vice President Sara Duterte also paid tribute to all Filipino workers on Labor Day and encouraged them to remain strong and determined.

"Anumang hamon ang ating kinakaharap sa kasalukuyan, nawa’y manatili tayong matatag, matiyaga, at mapagpursige sa ating nagkakaisang hangarin para sa tunay na kaunlaran at makabuluhang pagbabago sa ating bansa (Whatever challenges we may be facing at present, may we remain strong, patient, and determined in our shared pursuit of genuine progress and meaningful change in our nation)," Duterte said.

In her message, the Vice President also recognized Filipino workers who continue to persevere for the betterment of their lives, families, and communities.

"Ako ay sumasaludo sa inyong katatagan, talino, at kasipagan na inyong ipinapakita sa inyong kani-kaniyang sektor, sa loob man o sa labas ng bansa (I salute your resilience, intelligence, and diligence that you demonstrate in your respective sectors, whether here in the country or abroad)," Duterte said.

Lawmakers push for higher workers’ pay

Senators 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.”

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.”

“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.

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.”

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go 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.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano proposed the creation of an Executive-Legislative Labor Commission that will pursue a sustainable and transparent solution to the daily minimum wage issue.

Similar to the Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM), Cayetano said the proposed Labor Commission will convene representatives from Congress, the Executive branch, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), trade and industry experts, and the labor sector to collectively pursue a sustainable solution to the living wage issue.

Speaker Martin Romualdez reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to workers saying the true essence of commemorating Labor Day is by bringing lasting reforms for the benefit of Filipino workers here and abroad.

“Labor Day is not just about honoring the Filipino worker - it is about delivering real, lasting change to improve their lives,” Romualdez said, adding that this has been the focus of the House of Representatives since the start of the 19th Congress.

Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo has renewed his call for the institutionalization of a national minimum wage for private sector workers, if only to ensure that wage policies reflect the realities faced by ordinary Filipinos. (With reports from Hannah Torregoza and Ellson Quismorio)

READ MORE: Marcos to Filipino workers: We will never abandon you