Anakpawis-Cordillera hit PNoy for rejecting P125 wage hike

By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Anakpawis Partylist spokesperson Michael Cabangon expressed their groups dismay on the recent announcement of Malacañang Palace rejecting the demand of the Filipino workers of a P125 wage increase nationwide.

In one press conference at the country’s Presidential residence, the palace through its deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the P125 wage hike is not practical as not all the employers can afford it. Valte also presented computations using them as basis for not approving the demand. According to Valte, the proposed daily wage increase would mean a monthly wage increase of P3,250.

Cabangon said that the administration only shows its true color. He said that contrary to the claims of President Benigno Aquino III of being the servant of the Filipino people as he said they are his boss, Aquino obviously favors the businessmen.

According to Cabangon, the demand actually is long overdue. He said that the demand started in the last part of the 90’s. The demand was then proposed in the house Bill 375. It was first proposed in the House of Congress by then Bayan Muna Party List Representative Crispin Beltran.

Meanwhile, the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) criticized Aquino for being so insensitive to the Filipino workers’ impoverished situation. According to KMU National Chairperson Elmer Labog, the announcement of Valte is an old tactic claiming that such increase is so high and that it will result to business closure and mass job displacement.

“Makatwiran at praktikal ang kahilingan namin na P125 dagdag sahod para sa buong bansa. Maliit na kabawasan lamang ito para sa mga kapitalista,” (Our demand of a P125 wage increase nationwide is just and practical . This is small for the capitalists) said Labog. He also said that only a small fraction of the whole production goes to the wage of the workers.

Labog clarified that the proposed P125 across-the board wage hike nationwide will only cover the workers of the private sector and not the whole work force. The labor leader said it is disappointing that Aquino does not listen to the craves of the people especially the poor workers. He also said that in protecting the interests of the big local and foreign capitalists, his administration invents foolish computations on the said wage hike demand.

Meanwhile, the House Committee on Labor chair Northern Samar Representative Emil Ong said that they will still to discuss the House Bill 375 filed by Anakpawis Party List Representative Rafael Mariano. He also announced that a regional hearing in Baguio will be scheduled in May.

Cabangon said they will be in close coordination with the KMU national in doing appropriate actions to reiterate their demand to pass the wage hike bill. # nordis.net