Amid worsening economic conditions, workers and labor unions braved the rain and joined the nationwide Labor Day protests to demand an increase in the national minimum living wage, regular employment, and the removal of the value-added tax (VAT) and excise taxes on essential commodities.

Kilusang Mayo Uno – Southern Mindanao Region (KMU-SMR) Spokesperson Jeffry Uypala emphasized the significance of Mayo Uno, citing the achievements gained through the history of workers’ struggle remained beneficial for laborers to date. 

“Kining Mayo Uno, usa ni siya na importante siya na adlaw para sa mga mamumuo ug mga trabahante. Namugna na siya pinaagi na tawag natong otso oras na hangtud karon nakabenepisyo ang pipilang trabahante,” he said. 

He called for a national living wage that can sustain families and support their children’s education. 

“Ania kami karon aron singilon si Marcos Jr. na ipatuman ang national minimum living wage [na P1,200] na mapabuhi sa usa ka pamilya na adunay lima ka sakop, aron disente ug mapakaiskwela sa ilang anak….” Uypala added.

Based on the most recent regional wage order in effect in 2026, minimum wages in the Philippines range from about P366 to 695 per day nationwide, with Region XI (Davao Region) at P505 to P525, rising to P540 under a two-tranche adjustment.

The last nationwide, legislated minimum wage adjustment was made under Republic Act No. 6727, also known as the Wage Rationalization Act of 1989.

Uypala also demanded the removal of the VAT and excise tax, pushed for job regularization, and opposed what he described as the administration’s subservience to US imperialism.

“…Wagtangon na ang VAT ug Excise Tax, kay mao nang hinungdan na mas nisamot ug malisod ang mga mamumuo. Ang gikinahanglan sa mamumuo ay regularisasyon sa pagpanarbaho, dili ang dulot na sistema na nailalom ni Marcos Jr. na inutil na itoy sa imperyalistang US.”

The Value-Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax added to the price of most goods and services, while excise taxes are additional levies imposed on specific products such as fuel. 

Echoing these demands, Brokenshire College Faculty and Staff Union (BCFASU) President Rodne Baslot condemned the continued red-tagging and criminalization of union organizations, asserting that collective action remains central to securing higher wages and better working conditions.

“Ang pag-unyon, dili krimen. Atong tunan ang [mga] batakang interest sa mga trabahante – trabaho ug katungod… kung ang mamumuo mudemanda og mag increase para sa among mga kaigsuonan, nganong himuon mang terorista? Makigbisog ang mga mamumuo, aron mahatagan siya og taas na binulan, maayong benepisyo, og maayong mapanginabuhian matod saiyang pamilya.”  

Baslot further situated these issues within broader structural conditions, pointing to systemic inequality as a barrier to genuine national progress.

“Kung magpabilin ang katilingbang Pilipino nga semi-feudal ug semi-kolonyal, walay tinuod nga kabag-ohan sa nasod. Kung magpabilin ang tulo ka batakang problema sa atong katilingban – imperyalismo, pyudalismo… walay kausaban sa nasod ng Pilipinas,” he stressed.

The Labor Day mobilization was held on May 1, 2026, at Freedom Park, Roxas Avenue, Davao City.