The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) Philippines held a forum at the Commission on Human Rights building, July 18, discussing the state of workers’ rights and welfare under the Marcos Jr. administration. Mass organizations hastened their advocacies for better conditions, emphasizing solidarity among Philippine laborers. 

Speakers tackled Filipino workers’ worsening status quo ahead of Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address. Current average wage figures in the country nowhere near match estimates for genuine living wage. Meanwhile, issues like contractualization, high inflation, and union-busting persist. Attendees—composed of church people, workers, progressive leaders, and students—stood in camaraderie against these crises. 

CTUHR Deputy Director Kamz Delligente reported that the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for workers as long-held progressive calls fall on deaf ears within Malacañang. “Ilang taon na nating sinusulong ang pagtataas ng sahod, pero nanantili pa din mababa,” she said. 

SAMA – LSPI President Rowena Eronico echoed insufficient wage sentiments, quipping that “Nakatira na tayo sa ‘London’… loan dito, loan doon.” Santiago Dasmarinas, COURAGE president, also said that worker salaries resemble that of “Libing wage imbes ng living wage.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Dasmarinas spoke to the prevalence of contractualization in both public and private sectors. He said that job orders and contracts of service are especially prevalent in various government agencies—equaling a lack of benefits and lower pay for workers. 

Representatives emphasized a general lack of security in their livelihood. PISTON President Mody Floranda said that due to the government-pushed PUV Modernization Program, thousands of drivers and operators will lose their jobs after corporate takeover and consolidation. “Sa ilalim ng neoliberal na polisiya ng administrasyon, binibigay ang mga PUVs natin sa kamay ng mga malalaking korporasyon,” he said.

Union-busting and the attempted curtailing of democratic rights also breeds precarity for workers. Laarni Empreso of the Nexperia Philippines Workers’ Union testified to the mass layoffs and firings of union officials and members, justified by Nexperia under the guise of ‘cutting costs’ in which workers are collateral damage.

Labor leaders Atty. Sonny Matula (Federation of Free Workers), Ka Bong Labog (Kilusang Mayo Uno), Atty. Luke Espiritu (Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino), Ka Julie Gutierrez (KILOS Na Manggagawa), and Ms. Jillian Roque (Public Services Labor Independent Confederation) challenged workers to unite, struggle, and push back against oppressive government policies through organizing. 

The union, as a political force, provides an avenue for workers to solidify their collective interests as one audience member emphasized. As only a few percent of the Filipino workforce are unionized, this is a challenge that ought to be tackled head-on in the near future. After all, when united—the masses chart history. 

As Sister Ma. Lisa Ruedas, Church People – Workers Solidarity convenor, said in her closing remarks: “Sama-sama tayo para sa bayan.”