Workers Demand Wage Hike and Push Labor Agenda for Labor Day

 

 Amid economic hardship, workers demand higher wages, job security, and public services on Labor Day as political elites vie for power

 

·       Manila: Groups comprising National Wage Coalition will assemble along various points in España then march at 7:00 am to Mendiola for a joint program. PM and allied groups will assemble at Petron Blumentritt at 6:30 am

·       Cebu: Various labor groups will converge at Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City at 9:00 am

for a joint program

·       Bacolod: Sugar farm workers will lead the rally in the city

·       Iloilo: The coalition United Labor will assemble in the morning in front of UP Visayas then march to the Provincial Capitol for a joint program

·       Iligan: Unions will hold a rally in the morning at the plaza with the city’s tripartite industrial peace council

 

As the nation approaches Labor Day, Filipino workers are amplifying their demands for higher wages, regular employment, and accessible public services amid worsening economic conditions. Recent surveys reveal the deepening crisis: over one in four Filipino families experience involuntary hunger—the highest rate since the pandemic—while more than half consider themselves poor, the worst in 21 years. 

 

These findings contradict the government’s rosy economic claims of low inflation and unemployment. The reality is stark: minimum wages remain below the poverty threshold, contractualization (endo) is rampant, and public services like PhilHealth are being gutted to fund political patronage. 

 

Workers’ Demands

 

Workers demand a legislated wage increase and reject the regional wage board system that keeps provincial rates pitifully low. The Senate has approved a ₱100 hike, while the House passed ₱200. President BBM must immediately endorse a legislated salary increase.

·       Nationwide wage hike, not provincial rates

·       Regular jobs, not precarious endo contracts

·       Fully funded public services as a right, not subject to patronage

·       Respect for labor rights, including unionization and collective bargaining

 

Labor Day must spotlight the independent voice of the working class, whose agenda—higher pay, job security, affordable prices, and public services—are initial steps towards a lasting solution to mass suffering. 

 

Political Hypocrisy vs. Workers’ Unity

 

While political dynasties like the Marcoses and Dutertes battle for power and loot public coffers, workers face hunger and exploitation.

 

Enough of elite theatrics—Labor Day must unite workers across factions, regions, and generations behind a shared platform. 

 

On Labor Day, labor groups will be rallying together despite electoral divides, prioritizing workers’ demands over partisan loyalties. 

 

PM urges workers in key cities nationwide to join the Labor Day mobilizations to press for a P200 wage hike, regular jobs, quality public services, and affordable prices for basic goods and services.

April 28, 2025

Workers Demand Wage Hike and Push Labor Agenda for Labor Day

 

Amid economic hardship, workers demand higher wages, job security, and public services on Labor Day as political elites vie for power

 

·       Manila: Groups comprising National Wage Coalition will assemble along various points in España then march at 7:00 am to Mendiola for a joint program. PM and allied groups will assemble at Petron Blumentritt at 6:30 am

·       Cebu: Various labor groups will converge at Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City at 9:00 am for a joint program

·       Iloilo: The coalition United Labor will assemble in the morning in front of UP Visayas then march to the Provincial Capitol for a joint program

·       Iligan: Unions will hold a rally in the morning at the plaza with the city’s tripartite industrial peace council

 

As the nation approaches Labor Day, Filipino workers are amplifying their demands for higher wages, regular employment, and accessible public services amid worsening economic conditions. Recent surveys reveal the deepening crisis: over one in four Filipino families experience involuntary hunger—the highest rate since the pandemic—while more than half consider themselves poor, the worst in 21 years. 

 

These findings contradict the government’s rosy economic claims of low inflation and unemployment. The reality is stark: minimum wages remain below the poverty threshold, contractualization (endo) is rampant, and public services like PhilHealth are being gutted to fund political patronage. 

 

Workers’ Demands

 

Workers demand a legislated wage increase and reject the regional wage board system that keeps provincial rates pitifully low. The Senate has approved a ₱100 hike, while the House passed ₱200. President BBM must immediately endorse a legislated salary increase.

·       Nationwide wage hike, not provincial rates

·       Regular jobs, not precarious endo contracts

·       Fully funded public services as a right, not subject to patronage

·       Respect for labor rights, including unionization and collective bargaining

 

Labor Day must spotlight the independent voice of the working class, whose agenda—higher pay, job security, affordable prices, and public services—are initial steps towards a lasting solution to mass suffering. 

 

Political Hypocrisy vs. Workers’ Unity

 

While political dynasties like the Marcoses and Dutertes battle for power and loot public coffers, workers face hunger and exploitation.

 

Enough of elite theatrics—Labor Day must unite workers across factions, regions, and generations behind a shared platform. 

 

On Labor Day, labor groups will be rallying together despite electoral divides, prioritizing workers’ demands over partisan loyalties. 

 

PM urges workers in key cities nationwide to join the Labor Day mobilizations to press for P200 wage hike, regular jobs, quality public services, and affordable prices for basic goods and services.

Partido Manggagawa

April 27, 2025

Workers rally to protest zero subsidy for Philhealth and call for board resignation

 

In a protest at a Philhealth branch office today, workers decried the zero subsidy for Philhealth in the national budget that was signed by President Bong Bong Marcos, Jr. last December 30. Dozens of members of the Nagkaisa labor coalition picketed the Philhealth branch at Mother Ignacia, Quezon City and called for the resignation of the board of the public health insurance body.

 

“In the 2025 national budget, there is zero subsidy for Philhealth but full subsidy for trapos in the form of AKAP, AICS, TUPAD and confidential funds,” stated Judy Miranda, Partido Manggagawa (PM) secretary general, which was among the groups that participated in the protest.

 

PM called on workers and the poor to continue to press for the restoration of the Philhealth subsidy because this may be repeated next year if the Marcos Jr. administration does not see any outrage from citizens. “Senior citizens, poor mothers and indigent Filipinos who are supposed to be covered by Philhealth as per the Universal Health Care Act stand to lose their benefits due to the zero subsidy,” Miranda explained.

 

PM slammed both the executive and the legislative for not allocating any subsidy for Philhealth. “It is the confidential funds of Vice President Sara Duterte and all other officials that must be taken out, not support for health insurance of workers and the people. Zero subsidy for Philhealth, NO! Zero budget for confidential funds, YES!,” asserted Miranda.

 

However, the group added this is also partly the fault of Secretary Herbosa. PM called for the resignation of Herbosa for his failure to make good on commitments to improve Philhealth benefits for its members, many of whom are workers. “Sectary Herbosa should step down since he cannot do his job and make good on his promises. He committed to increasing by 50% across-the-board hike in Philhealth benefits which has not materialized. Philhealth has excess funds since it is scrimping on benefits. Herbosa, Alis dyan!,” Miranda asked.

 

PM’s demand for Herbosa’s resignation is part of the group’s advocacy for quality public services. PM earlier joined the Nagkaisa labor coalition in filing as intervenor in the Supreme Court case to oppose the transfer of P90 billion of Philhealth’s excess funds to the National Treasury. The group has also been demanding public laundromats and whole day childcare centers to ease the burdens of employed and unemployed women.  

Photos of the protest today can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/posts/pfbid02yrYgp8jD5bUoRBMDCX5HKcVUAM1d1Kva6BJcpve2o7mhh2vnwd81dtP2nGgiJEPml

Press Release

January 15, 2024

Group lambasts PBBM as a Scrooge for not restoring Philhealth subsidy

 

The labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) lambasted President Bong Bong Marcos, Jr. as a Scrooge for not restoring the subsidy for Philhealth and funds for social services in the national budget that he signed today.

 

“President Marcos, Jr. is being disingenuous in his veto of a few line items as AKAP remains embedded in the national budget. Further, he is being dishonest in saying that Philhealth benefits will not be affected by lack of subsidy. Philhealth members and beneficiaries are demanding significant improvement of benefits—a 50% increase in coverage as was discussed in the budget deliberations & promised by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa,” stated Judy Miranda, PM secretary general.

 

PM was among the coalition of labor groups, health workers and medical advocates that held a big protest to ask for the restoration of the Philhealth subsidy in the 2025 national budget. Members of the Nagkakaisang Mamamayan para sa Pangkalusugang Pangkalahatan marched to Mendiola in Manila last December 18 to call on President Marcos, Jr. to veto the budget and reform the Philhealth. Last December 26, members of PM and Sentro also held a rally at the Philhealth office in Cebu City.

 

PM reiterated its demand for the resignation of Herbosa and the Philhealth board for their failure to make good on their promises as well as for their inefficiency that has become an alibi for the zero subsidy.

 

PM earlier joined the Nagkaisa labor coalition in filing as intervenor in the Supreme Court case to oppose the transfer of P90 billion of Philhealth’s excess funds to the National Treasury. Moreover, the group has been demanding public laundromats and whole day childcare centers to ease the burdens of employed and unemployed women. 

Press Release

December 30, 2024

Ahead of expected signing of budget, PBBM asked to restore Philhealth subsidy

Photo from Freeman

With the expected signing of the national budget on December 30, the labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) called on President Bong Bong Marcos, Jr. to restore the subsidy for Philhealth and the budget cut for other social services.

 

“President Marcos, Jr., do you hear the people’s demand? Restoring the Philhealth subsidy and social services budget will be a great welcome gift for the new year. Do not be a Scrooge by affirming the flawed 2025 budget in toto,” stated Judy Miranda, PM secretary general.

 

She noted that the clamor for restoring the Philhealth subsidy and social services budget is widespread as workers in Cebu held a protest yesterday to highlight the demand. Members of PM and the labor group Sentro trooped yesterday afternoon to the Philhealth office at Cebu City to call for the restoration of the budget for social services.

 

Miranda criticized President Marcos, Jr.’s recent pronouncement that no Philhealth benefits will be affected even if there is no subsidy in the 2025 budget. She explained that “President Marcos Jr. is missing the point. The demand of Philhealth members and beneficiaries is the significant improvement of benefits and services. In 2025, we hope to see a 50% increase in Philhealth coverage—as was discussed in the budget deliberations and promised by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.”

 

PM was among the coalition of labor groups, health workers and medical advocates that held a protest last Wednesday and asked for the restoration of the Philhealth subsidy in the 2025 national budget. Members of the Nagkakaisang Mamamayan para sa Pangkalusugang Pangkalahatan marched to Mendiola in Manila to call on President Marcos, Jr. to veto the budget and reform the Philhealth.

 

PM is also calling on the President to axe Secretary Herbosa and the Philhealth board for their failure to make good on their promises as well as for their inefficiency that has become an alibi by solon for the zero subsidy.

 

PM earlier joined the Nagkaisa labor coalition in filing as intervenor in the Supreme Court case to oppose the transfer of P90 billion of Philhealth’s excess funds to the National Treasury. The group has also been demanding public laundromats and whole day childcare centers to ease the burdens of employed and unemployed women.

 

Photos of the Cebu rally can be accessed at: https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/posts/pfbid0iwhgYKFUvWSUtktmQjgP9bqTGigyHRJWHK2nyS3ScFH7Z9tSfYpxapzQevsJ8T37l

Press Release

December 27, 2024

PBBM asked to restore Philhealth subsidy and not be a Scrooge

 

The labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) called on President Bong Bong Marcos, Jr. to restore the subsidy for Philhealth and the budget cut for other social services. “President Marcos, Jr., do you hear the people’s demand? Restore the Philhealth subsidy and social services budget as a Christmas gift to workers and the people. Do not be a Scrooge by affirming the flawed 2025 budget,” stated Judy Miranda, PM secretary general.

 

Miranda criticized President Marcos, Jr.’s recent pronouncement that no Philhealth benefits will be affected even if there is no subsidy in the 2025 budget. She explained that “President Marcos Jr. is missing the point. The demand of Philhealth members and beneficiaries is the significant improvement of benefits and services. In 2025, we hope to see a 50% increase in Philhealth coverage—as was discussed in the budget deliberations and promised by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.”

 

President Marcos, Jr. has postponed the scheduled signing today of the 2025 national budget. Aside from the zero subsidy for Philhealth, several departments like DSWD, DepEd and DOLE suffered reductions in the bicameral conference committee version of the budget.

 

PM was among the coalition of labor groups, health workers and medical advocates that held a protest last Wednesday and asked for the restoration of the Philhealth subsidy in the 2025 national budget. Members of the Nagkakaisang Mamamayan para sa Pangkalusugang Pangkalahatan assembled at Morayta before marching to Mendiola to call on President Marcos, Jr. to veto the budget and reform the Philhealth.

 

PM is also calling on the President to axe Secretary Herbosa and the Philhealth board for their failure to make good on their promises as well as for their inefficiency that has become an alibi by solon for the zero subsidy.

 

PM earlier joined the Nagkaisa labor coalition in filing as intervenor in the Supreme Court case to oppose the transfer of P90 billion of Philhealth’s excess funds to the National Treasury. The group has also been demanding public laundromats and whole day childcare centers to ease the burdens of employed and unemployed women. 

Press Release

December 20, 2024

 

Workers and allied groups rally to demand restoration of Philhealth subsidy

A newly formed coalition of labor groups, health workers and medical advocates asked for the restoration of the Philhealth subsidy in the 2025 national budget. Members of the Nagkakaisang Mamamayan para sa Pangkalusugang Pangkalahatan assembled this morning at Morayta before marching to Mendiola to call on President Bong Bong Marcos, Jr. to veto the budget and reform the Philhealth.

 

“In the 2025 national budget, there is zero subsidy for Philhealth but full subsidy for trapos in the form of AKAP, AICS, TUPAD and confidential funds,” stated Judy Miranda, Partido Manggagawa (PM) secretary general, which was among the groups that participated in the protest.

 

PM is demanding a “veto, restore and reform”: Veto the bicam version of the GAA; Restore the subsidy for Philhealth; Reform the system through the resignation of Department of Health (DoH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and a revamp of the Philhealth board. Aside from the restoration of the Philhealth subsidy, PM is also asking for the removal of confidential funds not just for OVP of Sara Duterte but for all other agencies including the OP.

 

PM slammed the Congressional bicameral conference committee for not allocating any subsidy for Philhealth. “It is the confidential funds of Vice President Sara Duterte and all other officials that must be taken out, not support for health insurance of workers and the people. Zero subsidy for Philhealth, NO! Zero budget for confidential funds, YES!,” asserted Miranda.

 

However, the group added this is also partly the fault of Secretary Herbosa. PM called for the resignation of Herbosa for his failure to make good on commitments to improve Philhealth benefits for its members, many of whom are workers. “Sectary Herbosa should step down since he cannot do his job and make good on his promises. He committed to increasing by 50% across-the-board hike in Philhealth benefits which has not materialized. Philhealth has excess funds since it is scrimping on benefits. Herbosa, Alis dyan!,” Miranda asked.

 

PM’s demand for Herbosa’s resignation is part of the group’s advocacy for quality public services. PM earlier joined the Nagkaisa labor coalition in filing as intervenor in the Supreme Court case to oppose the transfer of P90 billion of Philhealth’s excess funds to the National Treasury. The group has also been demanding public laundromats and whole day childcare centers to ease the burdens of employed and unemployed women. 

Press Release

December 18, 2024

Workers hold forum and rally vs zero Philhealth subsidy

 

Labor leaders and activists of the Nagkaisa labor coalition today held a forum then a rally against the zero subsidy in the proposed General Appropriations Act. “In the 2025 national budget, there is zero subsidy for Philhealth but full subsidy for trapos in the form of AKAP, AICS, TUPAD and confidential funds,” stated Judy Miranda, Partido Manggagawa (PM) secretary general.

 

PM is demanding a “veto, restore and reform”: Veto the bicam version of the GAA; Restore the subsidy for Philhealth; Reform the system through the resignation of Department of Health (DoH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and a revamp of the Philhealth board. Aside from the restoration of the Philhealth subsidy, PM is also asking for the removal of confidential funds not just for OVP of Sara Duterte but for all other agencies including the OP.

 

The activities today are buildup for a big rally on Wednesday, December 18. Tomorrow, Nagkaisa is launching a press conference to air its demands.

 

PM slammed the Congressional bicameral conference committee for not allocating any subsidy for Philhealth. “It is the confidential funds of Vice President Sara Duterte and all other officials that must be taken out, not support for health insurance of workers and the people. Zero subsidy for Philhealth, NO! Zero budget for confidential funds, YES!,” asserted Miranda.

 

However, the group added this is also partly the fault of Secretary Herbosa. PM called for the resignation of Herbosa for his failure to make good on commitments to improve Philhealth benefits for its members, many of whom are workers. “Sectary Herbosa should step down since he cannot do his job and make good on his promises. He committed to increasing by 50% across-the-board hike in Philhealth benefits which has not materialized. Philhealth has excess funds since it is scrimping on benefits. Herbosa, Alis dyan!,” Miranda asked.

 

PM’s demand for Herbosa’s resignation is part of the group’s advocacy for quality public services. PM earlier joined the Nagkaisa labor coalition in filing as intervenor in the Supreme Court case to oppose the transfer of P90 billion of Philhealth’s excess funds to the National Treasury. The group has also been demanding public laundromats and whole day childcare centers to ease the burdens of employed and unemployed women.

Press Release

December 16, 2024

Advisory: Workers rally against zero subsidy for Philhealth

Media Advisory

December 15, 2024

Partido Manggagawa

Contact Judy Miranda @ 09175570777, 09228677222

 

Workers rally and forum against zero subsidy for Philhealth and full subsidy for trapos in GAA

 

Labor leaders and activists of Nagkaisa labor coalition to hold a forum then rally against the General Appropriations Act (National Budget) in which there is zero subsidy for Philhealth but full subsidy for trapos in the form of AKAP, AICS, TUPAD and confidential funds.

 

Nagkaisa is demanding a “veto, restore and reform”. Veto the bicam version of the GAA, restore the subsidy for Philhealth and reform the system through the resignation of DOH Secretary Herbosa and a revamp of the Philhealth board.

 

Aside from the restoration of the Philhealth subsidy, Partido Manggagawa is asking for the removal of confidential funds not just for OVP of Sara Duterte but for all other agencies including the OP.

 

2:00 pm Blended forum at Workers (94 Scout Delgado St., Brgy. Laging Handa, QC)

 

5:00 pm Indignation rally and candle lighting at the Boy Scout Circle, QC

 

These activities are buildup for a big rally at the Senate on Wednesday, December 18.

Labor group slams zero Philhealth subsidy and asks for resignation of DoH Secretary

 

The labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) slammed the Congressional bicameral conference committee for not allocating any subsidy for Philhealth in the 2025 national budget. “It is the confidential funds of Vice President Sara Duterte and all other officials that must be taken out, not support for health insurance of workers and the people. Zero subsidy for Philhealth, NO! Zero budget for confidential funds, YES!,” stated Rene Magtubo, PM national chair and Marikina city councilor.

 

However, the group added this is also partly the fault of Department of Health (DoH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. PM called for the resignation of Herbosa for his failure to make good on commitments to improve Philhealth benefits for its members, many of whom are workers. “Sectary Herbosa should step down since he cannot do his job and make good on his promises. He committed to increasing by 50% across-the-board hike in Philhealth benefits which has not materialized. Philhealth has excess funds since it is scrimping on benefits. Herbosa, Alis dyan!,” stated Magtubo.

 

Philhealth announced a package of additional benefits for members last week. However, PM asserted that this falls short of the promised improved benefits that the DoH and Philhealth committed to during budget deliberations in Congress.

 

PM’s demand for Herbosa’s resignation is part of the group’s advocacy for quality public services. PM earlier joined the Nagkaisa labor coalition in filing as intervenor in the Supreme Court case to oppose the transfer of P90 billion of Philhealth’s excess funds to the National Treasury. The group has also been demanding public laundromats and whole day childcare centers to ease the burdens of employed and unemployed women.

 

PM’s call for Herbosa’s resignation follows the earlier demand of Agri partylist Representative Wilbert Lee. Magtubo averred that “A new DoH Secretary who is sincere in serving the people and delivers on promises would be a good Christmas gift to workers who deserve good governance and quality health services.”

 

Herbosa has also been criticized by other solons for lack of vaccines or expired ones in the DoH inventory. Last week the Commission on Audit flagged the DoH for P11 billion worth of vaccines, medicines and medical supplies which cannot be used anymore since they are past expiration dates.

 

“The wanton waste of people’s money is criminal. Resigning is the honorable thing to do. In other cultures, public officials even commit hara-kiri. But we don’t demand that. We only ask for better Health Secretaries who can do their jobs,” Magtubo explained.

Press Release

December 13, 2024