Demonstrators advocate once more for a daily minimum wage of PHP 1,200 in Central Visayas
Protest Demands Higher Minimum Wage in Central Visayas
On September 5, 2025, a group of labor unions and workers' rights organisations, including Bayan Central Visayas, Anakbayan, Kabataan Partylist, and Sugboanong Mamumuong Nagkahiusa, gathered peacefully in front of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 7 office in Cebu City. The protest aimed to reiterate a demand for a daily minimum wage of P1,200.
According to Jaime Paglinawan, chairperson of Bayan Central Visayas, the current minimum wage is not sufficient to support a family. The groups chose to protest in front of the DOLE office as the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board has begun deliberations on the proposed wage increase following a public hearing held on August 19.
Despite the significant economic output in the region, with workers producing P1.28 trillion last year, up from P1.11 trillion in 2022, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the corporations did not provide just wages to workers. In fact, the top 1,000 corporations in the region reported a net income of P2.4 Trillion.
The groups also criticized the massive budget allocations for flood control projects, alleging corruption. They urged the government to provide subsidies to small businesses instead.
Colonel Enrico Figuero personally supervised security in the area, and the demonstration was described as peaceful by Cebu City Police Chief Colonel Enrico Figuero. The protest involved approximately 30 people and lasted only a few minutes before the participants dispersed, causing no disruptions to traffic or illegal disturbances.
The groups' demands are hopeful to be heard, as the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board continues its deliberations on the proposed wage increase. The board's decision will impact the lives of thousands of workers in Central Visayas, providing them with a much-needed wage increase and a chance to live more comfortably.
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