BACOLOD City – The General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) has expressed profound disappointment over President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), citing the glaring omission of any mention of a legislated wage increase for Filipino workers.
GAWA Secretary General Wennie Sancho lamented that the SONA failed to address one of the most pressing concerns of the labor sector — the inadequacy of current wages and the urgent call for substantial increases.
Sancho emphasized that the wage issue is central to the livelihood and dignity of millions of Filipino workers. He said the administration’s silence on the matter reflects a concerning disregard for the struggles of the working class.
GAWA is calling on the government to take immediate and concrete actions to resolve what it describes as a growing wage crisis, urging the enactment of laws and policies that would ensure just and living wages reflective of current economic realities.
The group stressed that it is the government’s fundamental duty to protect the welfare of its citizens, especially those in vulnerable sectors. By sidestepping the wage increase issue, Sancho said the administration has fallen short of fulfilling this obligation.
GAWA further urged lawmakers and the Marcos administration to prioritize the welfare of workers and pursue legislative and policy reforms that promote social justice and economic equity.
Despite their disappointment, the group vowed to remain steadfast in advocating for workers’ rights, pushing for reforms that will bring meaningful change to the lives of Filipino laborers and their families./PN
