The Communist Party of the Philippines strongly condemns Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his minions for deliberately derailing the proposal to raise the minimum wage of Filipino workers, set at ₱200 by the Lower House.
Senator Chiz Escudero’s excuse of having “no more time” and “insufficient study” is a deceitful and calculated ploy to derail the ₱200 wage bill that would have fulfilled one of the most urgent demands of millions of workers.
“The Senate acted as Marcos’ agents to block the bill to increase minimum wages by ₱200 so it would not reach his desk,” Marco Valbuena, CPP’s chief information officer, said.
“Even in the midst of their squabbles over the vice president’s impeachment, the senators— including the pro-Dutertes who hypocritically claim to serve the people—united to protect the interests of foreign and big capitalists.”
Valbuena pointed out that the Senate even prioritized Marcos’ foreign-oriented bills such as extending foreign land ownership by 99 years, as well as briskly confirming Marcos’ appointees to military and civil bureaucracy posts.
“Marcos and his minions are turning a deaf ear to the just demands of the people,” Valbuena added. “The Marcoses and Dutertes ignore the harsh reality that over half of Filipino families live in poverty, and that the number of people who go hungry continue to rise.”
“No amount of statistical manipulation can mask the deep, worsening crisis in the people’s livelihood,” Valbuena underscored.
“What the workers really demand is a minimum wage of ₱1,200 per day, which is based on studies reflecting the basic needs of their families,” Valbuena stated. “While the ₱200 increase is far from enough, it would have provided some relief to minimum earners who receive less than half of what is needed to sustain their families daily.”
The CPP calls on Filipino workers: Continue the fight for a living wage!
“You are the true creators of the nation’s wealth,” Valbuena said. “”It is only right that your labor-power be fairly compensated so you and your families can live decently and with dignity.”
