Kilusang Mayo Uno workers held the “UWIAN Na” protest for wages and against plunder in front of the NHA, in Quezon City on January 24.

“UWIAN Na” is short for “Unite for Wage Increase at Against Nakaw sa Gobyerno.” Workers launched the protest amid the worsening crisis in the people’s livelihood and corruption under the Marcos regime.

On January 23, labor groups from various regions and labor federations held the activity to announce their unity to demand raising wages to a family living wage. They also called for the dismissal of corrupt government officials who pocket workers’ taxes.

“Capitalists amass billions from our day’s toil but our wages remain meager,” Workers Initiative for Wage Increase spokesperson Eli Guzman said. Worse, they pocket these taxes instead of channelling into services for our family.”

National Federation of Labor Unions-KMU secretary-general Tony Pascual agreed. “The government has already failed in protecting workers, now it is even robbing them,” he said.

“Dismiss the embezzler, not the worker!” KMU chairman Bong Labog said. In the press conference, various groups expressed solidarity with workers facing harassment and layoffs.

Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) members participated in the protest. They condemned the state for its inaction regarding rising commodity prices and service charges.

They said rice remains at ₱60 per kilo, despite Marcos Jr’ promise to lower it to ₱20 per kilo. Marcos’ solution of importing 4.7 million metric tons of rice failed to bring prices down.

“The state should be prioritizing support of its farmers and local production, not importation which is gravely affecting the livelihood of our food producers,” KMP chairman and Makabayan senatorial candidate Ka Daning Ramos said.

The price of other food items is currently very high, such as tomatoes reaching ₱360 per kilogram and chilis at ₱750 per kilogram.