Progressive groups in Davao City commemorated Labor Day by demanding a ₱1,200 minimum wage amid rising prices of basic commodities. Members of Kilusang Mayo Uno-Southern Mindanao (KMU-SMR), Anakbayan Southern Mindanao, Kabataan Southern Mindanao, and Bayan Muna partylist gathered along Roxas Avenue, urging the national government to address the need for a living wage nationwide. The call for a ₱1,200 minimum wage, initially proposed in 2023, remains pending in Congress. Rauf Sissay, Bayan Muna Southern Mindanao coordinator, emphasized the need to alleviate workers’ hardships due to increasing prices and economic challenges. KMU-SMR chairperson Romelito Pablo stated that the wage hike is overdue, citing mismanagement of inflation and unsustainable job conditions. He also highlighted the harassment of labor organizers, including the abduction of William Lariosa in 2024, who remains missing. Pablo criticized the government’s ₱20-per-kilo rice initiative, calling for subsidies in rice production instead. Protesters also demanded an end to corruption, anti-people policies, political dynasties, and the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC.
