Marcos ‘always open’ to talk with labor groups on wage hike, says Palace
MAY DAY CLASH A tense standoff between Labor Day protesters and anti-riot police leads to this scene in Manila’s Recto Avenue near Malacañang on Thursday (May 1, 2025). (Photo from NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is “always open” to a dialogue with labor groups about their appeal for a wage hike, a Palace official said Friday.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement after labor groups expressed their desire to meet with the president to talk about their request for a wage hike.
READ: Marcos to workers: Gov’t studying wage hike call
“Ang Pangulo po ay lagi pong bukas sa anuman pong diskusyon para po sa ikabubuti ng mga manggagawa at hindi po iyan isinasara yung pintuan,” Castro said in a Palace press conference.
(The President is always open to any discussion for the good of the workers and he never closes the door on that.)
“Kailangan lang din po siguro natin na masabi sa Pangulo kung papaano, kailan… para po magkaroon sila ng magandang pag-uusap,” she added.
(Maybe we need to tell the President how and when… so they can have a good conversation.)
These statements came after Marcos on Labor Day promised Filipino workers that their call for a wage hike is being studied by his administration.
Meanwhile, the president, in a chance interview last January, said the current proposal of P200 across-the-board minimum wage increase still requires further review.
He was concerned this amount might lead to an increase in the cost of goods and services.
