Sen. Kiko Pangilinan called for immediate action to protect Filipino workers on Labor Day, sharpening the focus on the urgent need for wage reform. In his Labor Day statement, Pangilinan criticized the growing financial strain on workers, driven by rising costs and stagnant wages, and urged the government to implement reforms that directly address these challenges.
In a statement marking the annual observance of workers’ rights, Pangilinan said Filipino workers are admired worldwide for their competence, diligence and commitment, yet often receive low pay in their own country, especially amid rising costs of goods.
“Noon pa man, idinadaan na lang sa diskarte o raket para maitawid ang araw-araw. Ngayon, lalong kulang na kulang na ang minimum wage para sa isang buong araw na pangangailangan ng buong pamilya,” he said.
He pointed to mounting economic pressures, including rising fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed up food prices and transportation expenses. These increases, he said, have strained household budgets to the point where “there is nothing left to tighten.”
The senator also expressed support for calls to raise wages, framing the move not as charity but as a matter of justice. He said workers are not asking for more than what is fair—only a humane and equitable share of the value created by their labor.
“Hindi naman hinihingi ang higit sa nararapat. Yung sakto lang para sa pangangailangan – sakto na makatao at makatarungang bahagi sa halagang nilikha ng dugo’t pawis ng Pilipino,” he said.
Pangilinan argued that higher incomes for Filipino workers would help stimulate the domestic economy, allowing families to spend more on food, pay rent on time, commute with dignity and keep their children in school.
He also urged the government to take broader action, including creating more quality jobs within the country, ensuring affordable food and transportation, and fixing inefficiencies that erode workers’ incomes. He called for fair earnings across the food supply chain and for improvements in transport, energy and health systems.
