BACOLOD City – The General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) in Negros Occidental expressed disappointment with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), citing neglect of the labor sector’s needs, particularly the issue of a legislated wage increase.
Wennie Sancho, secretary general of GAWA, criticized the President for overlooking the urgent need for a wage increase, which he said is crucial for improving the purchasing power and living standards of workers in the private sector.
“The plight of the workers was taken for granted,” said Sancho, urging the President to certify the wage increase bill as urgent to quell the workers’ discontent.
In the week leading to Monday’s SONA, several labor groups urged Marcos to certify the proposed measures for a P150 increase in the minimum wage of private sector employees as urgent.
In February, Senate Bill 2534 was approved on third and final reading proposing to increase the daily minimum wage of workers in the private sector by P100
Meanwhile, Sancho acknowledged some positive aspects of the SONA, including the President’s firm stance on sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea and his directive to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which he noted as highlights that resonated well with the populace.
On the local business front, Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), offered a more favorable view of the address. He cited the President’s acknowledgment of the country’s economic challenges and the focus on investments as pivotal for national growth.
“It’s comforting to note that the administration recognizes that economic growth hinges on investments,” Carbon said.
He outlined that critical areas for investment include agriculture and food security, infrastructure, manufacturing industries, and digital transformation, with emphasis on public-private partnerships and foreign investments aimed at profitability, not ownership./PN
