President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the government remains committed to protecting and advancing workers' welfare even as calls for a legislated wage hike of P200 continue.

"This Labor Day, we recognize our worker's hard work, sacrifice, and their important role in shaping our society", Marcos said in a statement.

"It is rightful that we take this celebration as an opportunity to create concrete steps to meet the needs of every family, ensure safety in the workplace, and protect the right to a bright future", Marcos added.

During his speech at the 123rd Labor Day Celebration in Pasay on Thursday, Marcos said that "the government stands firm in its commitment to protecting and advancing workers’ welfare while promoting inclusive economic development".

Various labor and progressive groups staged protests for better wages. The Kilusang Mayo Uno called ''for a daily minimum wage set at P1,200 which IBON Foundation computed as the necessary requirement to feed, clothe and shelter a family of five.''

The daily minimum wage in Metro Manila was raised by P35 to P645 on July 2024.

Marcos said that the calls for wage hike are being studied by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards.

"We hear the call of our workers for better wages and assure you that your concerns are being addressed through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards", Marcos said.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said he agrees with Marcos in not wanting to leave the wage adjustment process at the hands of lawmakers.

"We want to insulate this issue from getting politicized. We don't want the wage determination processe to be politicized," said Laguesma.

The NCR wage board is preparing to start the wage review process for Metro Manila.

In a separate interview, the Department of Labor's NCR director Sarah Buena Mirasol bared it will start the wage review process by the middle of May.

She said they are looking to come out with a decision sometime in July.

In a separate statement, Vice President Sara Duterte commended workers' resilience, intelligence, and hard work and hope that they remain strong and diligent despite the challenges in life.

"I salute the resilience, intelligence, and hard work that you demonstrate in your respective sectors both within or outside the country", Duterte said

For his part, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military remains "steadfast in our duty to safeguard the peace and security that allow every Filipino to labor with dignity and pride".

Marie Manalili/DMS