On Labor Day, May 1, 2025, various labor groups came together for a rally at Mendiola to push for an increase in the minimum wage to ₱1,200. Before this event, a cycling group rode from Quezon City to Manila City to show their support for this wage hike.
The cyclists included members from organizations like CycleSavers, Make It Safer Movement (MISMO), PARA – Advocates for Inclusive Transport, 350 Pilipinas, SUKI Network, and IBON Foundation. They started at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani (Memorial Park for Heroes) in Quezon City and made their way to the Andres Bonifacio Monument in Manila City. After a brief program, they rode over to Mendiola.
Right now, the National Minimum Wage is set at ₱645 per day, which isn’t enough to cover the cost of living in the Philippines. PIDS data suggest that the minimum low-income class actually needs between ₱21,194 to ₱43,828 just to get by in our unstable economy.
This is why the labor sector is demanding an increase to ₱1,200 per day. The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), or May 1 Movement, along with All Workers Unity, gathered at the Mendiola Peace Arch in Manila City to demand this much-needed wage hike.
Many hardworking Filipinos are feeling a sense of injustice and lost dignity due to such low wages, especially as big companies continue to profit under the current system.
During the march, protesters were met with a police barricade and barbed wire at Mendiola, which they felt was an attack on their freedom to express themselves. Instead of backing down, the protesters pulled down the barbed wire from the barricade, which led to a confrontation.
What followed was a brief standoff, with protesters forming their own human barricade by linking their arms in front of the police. After several hours, the KMU participants held their program right there in front of the police blockade.
On this Labor Day, May 1, 2025, Filipino workers are determined to fight for economic justice and recognition of their rights. They proudly celebrate the hardworking class and will continue their efforts to secure dignity for all.
