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Sunday, July 6, 2025
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Senators call for reform in Labor Day messages

As the nation prepares to commemorate Labor Day, senators called for urgent reforms to improve workers’ lives, including wage increases, expanded benefits, and stronger legal protections.

“At present, the total labor force of the Philippines exceeds 50 million people. They come from various sectors, such as agriculture, construction, transportation, and industry, and serve as the driving force of our economy,” Senate President Francis Escudero said.

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“Today, let us celebrate their achievements and together recognize their valuable contributions to our society,” he added.  

Escudero described Filipino workers as the true pillars of the nation’s economy and emphasized that through their hard work, dedication, and tireless efforts, they sustain the industries, businesses, and services that keep the country alive and provide livelihoods for its people.

In a separate statement, Sen. Grace Poe said a wage increase would be a timely and meaningful response to the rising cost of living, as many Filipinos are tightening their belts to stretch their income and meet basic family needs.

“Let us give them the time to breathe and feel the rewards of their hard work,” Poe said.

She cited legislative efforts that aim to improve worker compensation and rights, including the recently enacted teaching allowance increase. The senator also authored a bill proposing a P100 daily minimum wage hike to provide workers with a more livable income.

“As the backbone of the economy, the Filipino labor force deserves a decent living wage that will give their families a respectable standard of living,” Poe said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri joined the calls, pledging continued support for higher wages and labor reforms.

“I reaffirm my full commitment to push for a daily minimum wage increase: whether it’s the P100 hike already approved by the Senate, the proposed P200 increase in the House of Representatives, or any reasonable amount in between that brings real relief to our workers,” Zubiri said.

He emphasized that wage increases are not gifts but rights that must be upheld, vowing to keep pushing for legislation that ensures fair wages, decent working conditions, and sustainable opportunities.

“We cannot speak of economic growth when those who make it possible continue to live paycheck to paycheck. Real progress must be felt at the dining table, in the classrooms where workers send their children, and in the homes they struggle to build,” Zubiri concluded.

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