On 7.8% inflation and 7,000 projects in congressional insertions to the 2027 budget

Partido Manggagawa (PM) slammed the government’s misplaced priorities as inflation surged to 7.8% in October, up from 7.2% in September, further eroding workers’ purchasing power and pushing struggling families deeper into hardship.

 

“While workers struggle to put food on the table, congressmen schemed to insert 7,000 pet projects worth ₱180 billion, mostly multipurpose halls, to the 2027 budget. Meanwhile, Malacañang is busy defending the ₱4.38-billion allocation linked to presidential son Sandro Marcos, reportedly the biggest among the questioned allocations,” said Renato Magtubo, PM Chairperson.

 

“Inflation is eating up workers’ wages while politicians feast on budget insertions. Billions for political projects, higher inflation for working families! Politicians’ priorities are completely misplaced,” declared Magtubo.

 

The labor group said the worsening cost-of-living crisis demands urgent economic relief, not more political patronage and questionable budget allocations.

 

“Workers see no better purpose for thousands of multipurpose halls except serving politicians’ publicity interests. Public funds must serve public needs, not political dynasties!” stressed Magtubo.

 

PM reiterated its call for a substantial legislated wage hike, decent and secure jobs, and economic policies that protect workers’ purchasing power. It also demanded full transparency and accountability for questionable budget insertions.

 

“Workers need higher wages and better jobs, not bigger pork barrel and patronage politics,” concluded Magtubo.

PRESS RELEASE

05 November 2026