After several years, the Duterte regime finally increased workers’ wages across the country. Daily wages were raised in majority of the regions from ₱15 to ₱110.

This will be implemented in two to three tranches in the next two to three years. Most increases will begin this June. Despite the increase, this is still a far cry from a livable wage.

On the other hand, workers’ wages in Region IV-B will remain at ₱329.

Workers, led by the Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement or KMU), continue to demand for a ₱750 national minimum wage. They trooped to Congress last May 23 to push for the legislation of their demand and call for a control to the spiraling prices of oil and basic commodities. Police forces blocked the protest.

Last May 24, members of the KMU-Southern Mindanao Region protested in front of the DOLE-XI Regional Office to reiterate their demand for a national minimum wage.

A similar protest dubbed as Flores de Endo was held in Calamba, Laguna last May 31.