Thousands of workers and activists march along España Boulevard in Manila on May 1, 2026, as Labor Day protests call for higher wages and lower prices of basic goods. (Photo taken by Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN)

Thousands of workers, activists, and members of various sectors filled the streets of Manila on Thursday, May 1, as Labor Day protests intensified. Authorities installed barricades along key routes leading to Malacañang Palace.

Protesters marched along España Boulevard toward Mendiola, calling for higher wages, lower prices of basic goods, and stronger labor protections amid rising economic pressures.

Thousands of workers and activists march along España Boulevard in Manila on May 1, 2026, occupying both lanes as they call for higher wages and lower prices of basic goods during Labor Day protests.

The mobilization was part of a nationwide Labor Day action led by labor coalitions, including Kilusang Mayo Uno and allied organizations, as demonstrators pressed long-standing demands for wage hikes and policy reforms.

Participants carried placards and chanted slogans highlighting inflation and stagnant wages. They also condemned successive oil price hikes, which they said continue to burden public utility drivers and low-income earners.

The rally echoed the call “Sahod itaas, presyo ibaba (Raise wages, lower prices),” as protesters filled both lanes of España Boulevard, bringing traffic to a standstill. Some rallyists also rode motorcycles, with flags and banners attached to their vehicles as they joined the march.

Police and security forces were deployed in front of the University of the East (UE)-Manila Tan Yan Kee Garden, blocking the protesters’ route along Recto Avenue toward Mendiola.

Several progressive groups later converged from P. Noval and Mendiola in a show of unity, renewing calls for a living wage and stricter regulation of basic commodity prices amid what they described as a worsening economic crisis.

They also denounced oil deregulation policies and called for the removal of excise tax on fuel, saying these continue to burden transport workers and consumers.

Meanwhile, youth groups marched to Mendiola to demand justice for a student leader killed during an encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental. Authorities said the youth contingent joined other sectors in calls for accountability and justice.

Rallyists carry placards and flags during the Labor Day protest in Manila, voicing calls for stronger labor protections amid rising economic pressures.

Manila Police District Chief Arnold Santiago and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional director Police Major General Anthony Aberin were present along Recto Avenue to monitor the situation.

Some groups also raised calls for justice for the “Toboso 19” ahead of a planned march toward the U.S. Embassy, where protesters are set to denounce what they described as U.S. aggression.

In anticipation of the demonstrations, police deployed around 15,000 personnel and reinforced barricades in Mendiola and surrounding areas leading to Malacañang to maintain order and prevent protesters from reaching the presidential palace.

A wing van was also positioned near Mendiola to serve as a mobile stage for the rally’s main program.

Authorities said the measures were part of standard crowd control protocols during large-scale demonstrations.

Another group is also set to hold a separate protest action in Manila to raise similar calls.

Labor and progressive groups vowed to continue demanding for reforms beyond Labor Day, saying workers’ and youth demands remain urgent amid persistent economic challenges.

Rallyists carry placards and flags during the Labor Day protest in Manila, voicing calls for stronger labor protections amid rising economic pressures.