As the nation prepares to commemorate Labor Day, Federation of Free Workers (FFW) President and senatorial candidate Atty. Sonny Matula is calling on the public and government leaders to refocus national energy on workers’ demands—not on political dynasties’ rivalry.
“Let us step away from the Marcos-Duterte dynastic clashes,” Matula said. “We cannot eat political drama. What our workers urgently need is a ₱200 daily wage increase that can bring real relief to struggling workers and their families.”
Matula emphasized that workers’ wages are not just about take-home pay—they are also about economic recovery and survival.
INSUFFICIENT WAGE HIKES
“A wage hike is a stimulus. Kapag may pera ang manggagawa, pambili ‘yan ng pagkain—kikiam, maruya, pares, gulay, isda—mga produkto ng magsasaka, mangingisda, at informal sector workers.”
Matula was in Manila with the result of the National Wage Coalition (NWC) calling for a ₱200 legislated wage hike.
He echoed the recent pronouncement of Labor Committee Chair Rep. Fidel Nograles, who criticized regional wage boards for issuing “measly and insufficient” wage hikes. “We’ve seen enough delays. It’s time for a national solution.”
Matula underscored that wage reform is directly tied to the fight against hunger and malnutrition. “Every single day, more than 99 Filipino children under five years old die of malnutrition. This is a national emergency.”
INVOLUNTARY HUNGER
Citing the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, Matula pointed out that 27.2% of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger in the last three months—the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In light of these alarming numbers, I join the call to legislate a ₱200 wage hike nationwide, and I urge the President to certify the bill as urgent. This is not just about economics. It’s about justice and dignity.”
Matula, who is running under the Workers’ and Peasants’ Party (WPP) is running with a platform calling for living wages, security of tenure, right to freedom of association and other workers’ rights.
“This Labor Day, let’s not waste our energy on political dynasties. Let’s stand together for the living wage our workers deserve,” Matula concluded.
