Nakakahiya kung P2,000 ayuda at 2 preso lang ang maging highlight ng SONA 2026

Nakakahiya ang ikalimang SONA ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. kung ang magiging laman lamang nito ay ang P2,000 ayuda sa ilalim ng Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) program para labanan ang nararansang krisis sa ekonomiya, at 2 presong nakakulong dahil sa pagkakasangkot sa flood control scam.

 

Ayon ito sa Partido Manggagawa (PM) na kabilang sa mga grupo ng manggagawa na magsasagawa ng kilos-protesta ngayon araw ng SONA.

 

Matatandaang bago ang kanyang SONA ay nag-anunsyo ang Pangulo ng panibagong financial assistance na nagkakahalaga ng P2,000 mula July hanggang December para sa mahihirap at sa tinawag niyang “malapit nang maging mahirap”, terminong naging mainit na usap-usapan sa social media. 

 

Isang taon naman matapos ang kanyang “mahiya naman kayo” na mensahe kaugnay ng korapsyon sa flood control sa nakaraang SONA ay dalawa pa lamang ang nasa kulungan – sina Senador Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. at Jinggoy Estrada. Samantalang ang dalawa pang nakakulong na sina Senador Rodante Marcoleta at dating Kongresman Mike Defensor ay nahaharap naman sa ibang kaso ng plunder na may kinalaman sa hindi idineklarang kontribusyon noong nakaraang eleksyon.

 

Una nito ay nanawagan ang PM na upang hindi maging SONAkakahiya ang ikalimang SONA ni PBBM ay agaran at pangmatagalang solusyon laban sa lumalalang cost-of-living crisis ang dapat ilatag at aksyunan.

 

Ayon kay Renato Magtubo, Pangulo ng PM, una dito ang sertipikasyon ng P200 na legislated wage hike at pagsasabatas ng National Minimum Wage na parehong nakabinbin sa ngayon Kongreso; pagrepaso sa Oil Deregulation Law, Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) at Value Added Tax (VAT); public employment program at iba pang reporma na makapagpapagaan sa buhay ng mga Pilipino. 

 

Malinaw aniya sa resulta ng dalawang magkahiwalay na survey ng Pulse Asia at EON-Tangere bago ang SONA na ang mas marami sa listahan ng gustong marinig ng mga Pinoy sa SONA ni BBM ay ang tungkol sa presyo, sweldo, trabaho, kahirapan, at iba pang economic concerns.

PRESS RELEASE

Partido Manggagawa 

27 July 2026

To Avoid a SONA Embarrassment: Address Workers' Demands

Photo from Inquirer.net

Partido Manggagawa (PM) called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that tomorrow's fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) does not become a "SONAkakahiya"—a play on words meaning an embarrassing SONA—by presenting both immediate and long-term solutions to the cost-of-living crisis confronting workers and the majority of Filipinos.

 

According to PM Chairperson Renato Magtubo, the government's priorities should include certifying as urgent the proposed P200 legislated wage hike and the National Minimum Wage Act, both of which are currently pending in Congress. He also called for a review of the Oil Deregulation Law, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), and the Value-Added Tax (VAT), as well as launching reforms that would genuinely ease the economic burden on Filipino families.

 

"It would be SONAkakahiya to boast tomorrow that the Philippines has reached the World Bank's upper middle-income country (UMIC) status when workers do not feel its benefits in their daily lives," Magtubo said.

 

The labor leader, who now serves as a councilor in Marikina City, added that even the P85 wage increase granted in Metro Manila—which Malacañang described as "historic"—will simply end up paying higher Meralco electricity bills, as the country's electricity rates have now become even higher than Singapore's.

 

Magtubo also pointed to the latest Pulse Asia survey, which showed that while Filipinos primarily want to hear about the results of the government's anti-corruption campaign, a greater number of the issues they expect President Marcos to address concern prices, wages, jobs, poverty, and other economic concerns.

 

"It would truly be SONAkakahiya if nothing is said about these issues in tomorrow's SONA," Magtubo stressed.

 

The group also noted that although the same survey showed relatively low public interest (1.2%) in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, this merely reflects the public's desire to see all corrupt officials held accountable—including members of the Duterte and Marcos families, as well as other political dynasties. This, they said, is precisely what is reflected in the much higher public interest (29.8%) in the government's anti-corruption campaign.

 

"It would also be SONAkakahiya to boast about an anti-corruption campaign if it is ‘makapili’ or selective," Magtubo concluded.

 

Tomorrow, Partido Manggagawa will participate in the State of Labor Address (SOLA) to be held at the TUCP Compound under the leadership of the National Wage Coalition and the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition. The event will present the situation of Filipino workers and their demands amid the worsening cost-of-living crisis. It will be followed by a program and a march at the Elliptical Circle and along Commonwealth Avenue. 

PRESS RELEASE

Partido Manggagawa

26 July 2026

 

Prices surge, but wages remain frozen

Partido Manggagawa (PM) criticized the government’s inaction on workers’ demand for a wage increase amid the spike in inflation to 7.2% this April from 4.1% in March.

 

“Prices of goods have been jumping sharply. But while BBM may have jumped to show he is physically fit, in reality the President is paralyzed when it comes to pushing for wage increases for workers,” said Renato Magtubo, PM Chairperson.

 

According to Magtubo, the surge in inflation this April will further worsen the erosion of the current minimum wage. The ₱695 minimum wage in the NCR has already lost ₱156 in value in the past month.

 

“Workers are already war-shocked by price hikes and bill shock. But even more shocking is the inaction of Malacañang and Congress on wage increases. There is a state of emergency, but the response is anything but urgent,” Magtubo added.

 

It can be recalled that workers gained no wage increase despite the widespread protests during the recent Labor Day.

 

PM reiterated its call for a ₱200 wage hike and for lowering prices by removing regressive taxes such as VAT on critical goods like oil and electricity.

-------------------------------

 

Hataw ang presyo pero sweldo walang galaw

 

Binatikos ng Partido Manggagawa (PM) ang kawalang aksyon ng pamahalaan sa kahilingan ng manggagawa sa dagdag-sweldo sa harap ng pagsirit ng inflation rate paakyat sa 7.2% ngayong Abril mula sa 4.1% noong Marso. 

 

“Naglundagan na paitaas ang presyo ng bilihin. Pero kung nakisabay lumundag si BBM para ipakitang healthy ang pangangatawan, sa realidad ay paralisado ang Pangulo sa pagtulak na dagdagan ang sweldo ng mga manggagawa,” pahayag ni Renato Magtubo, Tagapagulo ng PM. 

 

Ayon kay Magtubo, ang pagsirit ng implasyon ngayon Abril ay lalo lang magpapalaki sa wage erosion ng kasalukuyang minimum wage. Ang P695 na minimum wage dito sa NCR ay nabawasan na ng P156 sa nakaraang buwan. 

 

“Na-warshock na ang manggagawa ang price hikes at bill shock. Pero mas shocking ang kawalang aksyon ng Palasyo at Kongreso sa wage hike. May state of emergency pero hindi naman emergency ang kilos,” ani Magtubo.

 

Matatandaang walang napalang umento ang manggagawa sa kabila ng malawakang protesta sa nagdaang Mayo Uno. 

 

Muling iginiit ng PM ang panawagang P200 wage hike at pagpababa sa presyo sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggal ng regressive taxes tulad ng VAT sa kritikal na produkto tulad ng langis at kuryente.

PRESS RELEASE

Partido Manggagawa

HINDI KAMI MULTO: Workers are the ones subsidizing the government and business

 

“Manggagawa ang totoong nagbibigay ng subsidy sa gobyerno at negosyo subalit pinakahuli sa benepisyo at serbisyo,” stated Partido Manggagawa (PM) on the eve Labor Day, countering the prevailing narrative that it is the government that provides subsidy to the poor.

 

“May iba’t-ibang klase ng limitado at patronage na ayuda, pero galing din naman sa manggagawa ang pondo sa mga ito. Kahit ang yaman ng mga korporasyon, after taxes, ay sa labor din galing. Lahat ay galing sa manggagawa, pero ghosting ang tugon ni BBM sa amin ngayong Labor Day,” PM Chair Renato Magtubo protested.

 

Magtubo explained further that as consumers, millions of workers pay regressive taxes like excise and VAT multiple times for manufactured goods and services they purchase. As metered customers of Meralco and other distribution utilities, they are made to subsidize the power bills of their poorer neighbors. As income earners, they pay personal income taxes once the exemption level is breached. And as OFWs, they remit billions of dollars for their families to spend.  

 

Labor groups are demanding for a P200 wage hike and the enactment of the national minimum wage bill, but Malacañang and business groups maintain a policy of wage restraint despite a ₱155 erosion of the minimum wage in NCR.

 

Partido Manggagawa under the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition is joining other labor groups under the National Wage Coalition tomorrow morning, for a WELGA unified march from Welcome Rotonda and España Boulevard going to Mediola. PM members will also join the nationwide protests particularly in the cities of Cebu, Bacolod, and Iloilo.

 

WELGA stands for Wage Hike Now Tungo National Living Wage, E-VAT Tanggalin Income Tax Repasuhin, Lagyan ng Buwis ang Sobrang Yaman at Kita, Gawing Abot Kaya ang Presyo, and Arestuhin Lahat ng Kurakot.

 

PM is also taking an anti-war call, saying it is the US-Israel tandem which should be held accountable for their war of aggression on Iran and its impact on the global economy.

 

Meanwhile, on the issue of corruption, PM Secretary General Judy Miranda said the fight for good governance will always be a part of labor’s advocacy, along with topmost and urgent economic concerns like wages and jobs.

 

“Ikulong ang lahat ng korap, Duterte camp man yan o Marcos. Pababain si Sara, pero pababain din ang presyo ng mga bilihin,” Miranda said. ###

Workers are the ones subsidizing government and business—Partido Manggagawa

 

“Workers are the ones providing subsidies to both government and business, yet we are the last ones to receive benefits and services,” stated Partido Manggagawa (PM) on the eve of Labor Day, countering the prevailing narrative that it is the government that subsidizes the poor.

 

“There are various forms of limited and patronage-based assistance, but the funds for these ultimately come from workers themselves. Even corporate profit, after taxes, is derived from labor. Everything comes from workers, yet BBM’s response to us this Labor Day is silence—we are being ghosted,” protested PM Chair Renato Magtubo.

 

Magtubo further explained that, as consumers, millions of workers pay regressive taxes such as excise taxes and value-added tax (VAT) multiple times on the goods and services they purchase. As metered customers of Meralco and other distribution utilities, they effectively subsidize the electricity bills of poorer households. As income earners, they pay personal income taxes once they exceed the exemption threshold. And as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), they remit billions of dollars to support their families’ consumption.

 

Labor groups are demanding a ₱200 wage increase and the enactment of a national minimum wage law. However, Malacañang and business groups continue to uphold a policy of wage restraint despite a ₱155 erosion in the real value of the minimum wage in the National Capital Region (NCR).

 

PM, under the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, will join the National Wage Coalition in a unified WELGA march tomorrow morning, beginning at Welcome Rotonda and España Boulevard and proceeding to Mendiola. WELGA stands for: Wage Hike Now Toward a National Living Wage; Eliminate E-VAT and Review Income Tax; Impose Taxes on Excess Wealth and Profits; Make Prices Affordable; and Arrest All Corrupt Officials.

 

The Labor Day protests are nationwide. In Cebu, around 1,000 members of PM and SENTRO will assemble at 8:00 a.m. at Sto. Rosario Church before proceeding to Metro Gaisano on Colon Street. The group will then join other labor organizations for a joint program at Fuente Osmeña at approximately 10:00 a.m. In Bacolod, the PM chapter will hold an indoor assembly from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m., followed by a march along San Juan Street corner Gonzaga Street, and then proceed to Bacolod Plaza for a joint program with other workers’ groups. In Iloilo, PM will join United Labor in a march starting from the flyover in front of UP Visayas at 3:00 p.m., proceeding to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol for a program lasting until 5:00 p.m.

 

PM is also advancing an anti-war position, asserting that the United States–Israel alliance must be held accountable for its war of aggression against Iran and its impact on the global economy. Meanwhile, on the issue of corruption, PM Secretary General Judy Miranda emphasized that the struggle for good governance remains integral to labor’s advocacy, alongside urgent economic concerns such as wages and employment.

 

“All corrupt officials must be jailed, whether from the Duterte camp or the Marcos camp. Remove Sara from office—but also bring down the prices of basic goods,” Miranda stated. 

 

PRESS RELEASE

Partido Manggagawa

May 1, 2026

Labor coalition welcomes lower tax on personal income but rejects regressive impact of excise taxes

Workers have long been demanding for higher tax exemptions, hence, the approval by the House of Representatives of Package 1 of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) is a welcome relief.

Under the TRAIN, income lower than P250,000 per year will be tax free while higher income brackets, except for those who earn more than P5 million, will be charged a lowered tax rate of 25% from the current high of 32%.

This is surely a welcome development.  But for the labor coalition Nagkaisa, the workers’ gain in Personal Income Tax (PIT) will be offset in a regressive manner by the imposition of excise taxes on fuel products and the lifting of VAT exemptions in the sale of specific goods and services.

“Everyone knows, not just workers, that it will increase prices of goods and services that would affect mostly the poor and those at the lower income brackets,” said Nagkaisa spokesman Renato Magtubo. 

Magtubo said the TRAIN’s objective of shifting the tax burden from the poor to the rich, “Seems to be scheming if not tricky as forgone revenue on the side of the government, which is equivalent to individual savings derived from lower PIT of specific income group, shall be recovered in a universal manner through excise taxes and expanded VAT.”

The group explained further that the tax base can never be expanded through exemptions in PIT and corporate income, making indirect taxation through excise taxes and VAT expansion the main strategy in generating new and more revenue.  “Otherwise, nobody is going to pay for the lost revenue,” added Magtubo.

Under TRAIN’s package 1, a P3.00-P6.00 excise taxes will be imposed per liter on fuel and P10 for locally produced sugary products while several VAT-exempt products and services will be lifted, including cooperative income exceeding the P3 million thresholds.  Likewise, sale of real estate for socialized housing will now be covered by VAT.

According to the group, even the simulations made by staffs of the finance department showed the inevitable impact of increase in VAT payments by decile group – 43% for the richest 10% and 35% for the bottom 80%.  Increase for the second richest 10% is 22%. 

“An increase of 43 and 22 per cent respectively may mean nothing for the richest 20% who got significant savings from PIT exemptions.  But a 35% increase is surely a burden for the bottom 80% who includes the majority in the formal and informal sector, employed and unemployed, of the working class.  In the same manner everyone will be paying for the direct and indirect impact of excise taxes on fuel,” explained Magtubo. 

The labor leader added that those living in SPUG areas which rely on diesel as their single source of power will be absorbing a “minimal” impact, according to DOF.  But that would mean additional P84 for those who consume 100 kWh per month and P106 for those who consume 300 kWh. 

“These are the immediate impact that will hit everyone while the poor wait for the promised transfers contained in the proposed expenditure programs of the government,” said Magtubo.

The group said it will intervene in the continuing deliberation of the tax package in Congress especially on the proposed lowering of income taxes for corporations from 30% to 25%. 

“Our main question for this is why a tax rate on corporate income, which is supposed to be a tax on profit, is being lowered down to the same level of personal income which is a tax on labor?  A uniform rate on business and personal income can never be considered progressive taxation,” concludes Magtubo.”

NAGKAISA

On Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Package 1

13 June 2017

Labor party calls for removal of VAT on oil to reduce prices

Press Release

March 16, 2012

One day after the transport protest against the unabated increases in oil prices, the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) called on the administration of President Benigno Aquino III to remove the VAT on oil products as an immediate measure to reduce prices.

“Noynoying at oil price hikes is unacceptable. Malacanang must assuage the public that despite movements in the international price of oil, the government has the menu of options to mitigate the impact of these price movements,” insisted Jong Pacanot, PM-Davao spokesperson.

He added that the government must seriously consider demands for the removal of VAT on oil to mitigate the impact of oil price hikes which is expected to reach the 2008 level of P60/liter.  The government collects twelve percent in every liter of oil products.

 “It is unfortunate that Energy Department officials get elated with the news that there might be a ‘pause’ in oil price hikes this week while the fact remains that more than a decade since the oil deregulation law, the regime of higher oil prices has been pestering the lives of the workers and the poor,” Pacanot asserted.

The labor party added its voice in calling for the government to take decisive steps in stopping relentless hikes in oil prices. The group also asked the government to adjust the current level of wages by granting labor groups’ petitions for wage increase. Last Wednesday, PM and the Philippine Airlines Employees Association picketed the Petron headquarters in Makati City.

“Raising the consumers’ capacity to buy is also an option.  Thus, a new wage order at this point in time must be issued by the government,” Pacanot explained.

The group is open to supporting all means to raise wages from the petition filed by the TUCP at the regional wage boards to a legislated wage hike bill filed in Congress by militant lawmakers.

While supporting demand for wage hike: PALEA joins protest vs. oil price hikes

PRESS RELEASE

March 14, 2012

Locked out workers of the Philippine Airlines add their voice in calling for the government to take decisive steps in stopping relentless hikes in oil prices.

And while still battling for reinstatement after having been outsourced since October 1, 2011, members of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) is also asking the government to adjust the current level of wages by granting Labor groups’ petitions for wage increase.

In a picket held at the Petron headquarters in Makati City, PALEA and Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) insisted that the energy department and Malacanang must assure the public that despite movements in the international price of oil, the government has the menu of options to mitigate the impact of these price movements. 

“It is really contemptible to see energy and Palace officials getting elated with the news that there might be a 'pause' in oil price hikes this week while the fact remains that more than a decade since the oil deregulation law, the regime of higher oil prices has been pestering the lives of the masang Pinoys,” said PALEA President Gerry Rivera.

Rivera said the government must seriously consider demands for the removal of VAT on oil to mitigate the impact of oil price hikes which is expected to reach the 2008 level of P60/liter.  The government collects twelve percent in every liter of oil products.

“Raising the consumers’ capacity to buy is also an option.  Thus, a new wage order at this point in time must be issued by the government,” added Rivera. 

The group is supporting a wage increase petition filed by the TUCP at the regional wage boards as well as the bills on legislated wage hike filed in Congress by militant lawmakers.

Militant workers slam wage hike as loose change, call for abolition of wage boards

Press Release
June 8, 2010

The militant Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) slammed the wage hike of P22 for Metro Manila workers as “loose change” and called for the abolition of the regional wage boards for “betraying the working class.” Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson, declared that “P22 is not even enough for workers to buy a kilo of commercial rice or even the cheapest NFA rice worth P25. Since the last wage hike was in June 2008, the wage hike is effectively P11 per year over two years. Na-onse na naman ang mga manggagawa."

He stated that “The wage hike exposes the real economic legacy of the Gloria Arroyo government—deepening poverty exacerbated by a cheap labor policy and lack of social protection. The 7.3% economic growth is a myth for the workers since they cannot partake of so-called progress.”

Magtubo also warned that “If the recommendation of the Department of Finance to increase VAT from 12 to 15 per cent is approved, then half of the wage hike will be wiped out. That is P12 or 3% of the new minimum wage of P404 will not go to the pockets of the workers and just possibly end up in the wallets of politicians.”

PM renewed its call for the abolition of the regional wage boards. “The wage boards have repeatedly betrayed the workers since they were established in 1989. The yawning disparity between the minimum wage and the cost of living is the clearest expression of a system failure,” Magtubo exclaimed.

The group also revealed that they will talk to the labor groups who sponsored or supported the P75 wage petition and discuss a campaign to reform the wage fixing system via the new Congress.

Magtubo explained that “Instead of the regional wage boards, we want a National Wage Commission formed with the mandate to fix wages based on the single criterion of cost of living. Despite the huge gap between the present minimum wage and the current cost of living, the National Wage Commission can achieve equalizing the two by a host of mechanisms among which are direct wage increases, tax exemptions, price discounts at social security subsidies for workers.”

According to a study by PM the cost of living for a six-member family in Metro Manila already reached P1,000 per day last April. “Even if two members of the family earn a living—the buy one, take one policy of the state—their combined income will not even be enough for a decent life,” insisted Magtubo.

He added that “Out of 19 million waged and salaried workers, only 2 million minimum wage earners will be directly affected by the wage hike. Of the latter, hundreds of thousands more will not enjoy the wage hike because of exemptions and deferments clauses in the wage order."

Labor party opposes tax on tiangge, political contributions

PRESS RELEASE
06 November 2009

Describing the scheme as anti-poor and oppressive, a labor partylist group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), denounces the plan by Malacañang to impose taxes on tiangge as well as on political contributions for political parties, including partylists.

According to PM Secretary General Judy Ann Miranda, the plan to impose taxes ontiangge operations is a sinister way of shifting the burden of failed revenue collection to the poor. This was after the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) admitted huge shortfall in its revenue target this year and which eventually led to the resignation of BIR Chief Sixto Esquivias IV.

“Instead of making convincing explanations on why the BIR missed its targets, Malacañang is now convincing the tiangge operators to make up for its shortfall. It’s like telling a Baclaran vendor to make up for the members of the PCCI and foreign chambers of commerce,” said Miranda.

“This is besides the fact that their buy-and-sell products have already been subjected to VAT and other taxes,” added Miranda.

Miranda said the scheme is patently anti-poor and oppressive since those who are engaged in tiangge, especially the small ones, belong to the informal sector (own account workers or the self-employed) – a big part of the of the labor force who are without regular work. Ninety nine percent of these workers are engaged in small buy-and-sell business, transport, and personal services, among others. Own account workers account for 12.083 million of the country’s labor force of 35.509 million in the July Labor Force Survey. Aside from that, most of those who render help for own account workers belong to what are called ‘unpaid family workers’, which now count to 3.828 million.

“Clearly, this sector needs support from the State not new forms of oppression through taxation especially in the face of ripping calamities,” stressed Miranda.

Meanwhile, the labor party is also opposed to the 5% tax on political contributions, saying the government should never consider counting revenue out of political exercise.

Miranda pointed out that while election-related businesses such as supplies can be considered taxable incomes, contributions to sectoral parties, like the PM Partylist whose contributions mainly came from ordinary workers, is not.

“A worker’s income have already been taxed before it reaches his hands, why tax it again if he/she contributes part of it for his/her political party?,” protested the group.

PM said Mrs. Arroyo better focus on ensuring good election process rather than generating funds from her rival parties.

Workers say economic resurrection can occur through policy reversal

Press Release
April 12, 2009

The labor group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) declared that the economic crisis must be transformed into an opportunity for reconstruction by making policy changes. “An economic resurrection can come about through a policy reversal and paradigm shift in the national development model,” asserted Renato Magtubo, chairperson of PM,

He added that “The policies of liberalization, deregulation and privatization must be stopped. The local economy must be developed by strengthening industry and modernizing agriculture based on agrarian reform. Since the beginning of the global crisis it has been Black Friday for workers. It has been like Calvary for workers who have lost their jobs and have sustained pay cuts due to reduced work days and compressed workweeks.”

As examples of the policy changes, the group cited the repeal of the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act), Oil Deregulation Law and VAT. “Such reversals in policy will rollback the price increases that came about because of privatization and deregulation of basic services. Also tariff protection and quota restrictions must be imposed on foreign goods that compete with locally-produced products and services,” Magtubo explained.

He also mentioned the review and revocation of unequal trade agreements such as the multilateral GATT-WTO and bilateral ones like JPEPA and the proposed EU-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. “These so-called trade agreements have favored multinational corporations to thee detriment of workers, farmers and local business,” Magtubo insisted.

The labor group also called on workers to challenge the government’s promises of assistance for the displaced. “The unemployment insurance proposal has been talked for weeks already. Workers cannot survive on news stories. It is high time that it be implemented. Workers should claim these benefits and protection through protest and struggle,” argued Magtubo.

For Labor Day, PM is demanding a bailout package for workers. The bailout includes subsidy for displaced workers from the SSS, GSIS and OWWA; tax refund for all wage earners; expansion and reform of the public employment program; extension of health care coverage for displaced workers; and moratorium on demolitions and evictions.

Magtubo clarified that “Bailing out the workers is just the first step. Reversing the policies that brought about the crisis itself is the next. But the ultimate solution is to replace moribund capitalism with a new society whose organizing principle is not prioritizing corporate profit but meeting people’s needs.”