Filipino labor activists push for higher wages as energy emergency declared

Dozens of labor activists protested near the presidential palace in Manila on Wednesday (March 25) to demand the government increase wages amid soaring fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Tuesday (March 24) declared a state of national energy emergency in response to the Middle East conflict and what he called an "imminent danger" posed to the country's energy supply. The Philippines relies heavily on imported fuel.

The emergency declaration, which will be in effect for one year, authorized the government to purchase fuel and petroleum products to ensure timely and sufficient supply.

Activists said those measures would not be felt by regular workers and instead called for an across‑the‑board 1,200 pesos ($20) wage increase to offset rising fuel prices. The current daily minimum wage in Manila is roughly 695 pesos ($12).

Transport workers, commuters and consumer groups are planning a two‑day strike from Thursday (March 26) to protest the increase in fuel prices and what they describe as the Marcos administration's failure to act.

Production: Jay Ereno, Peter Blaza/Reuters