Legarda renews call to protect workers as fuel, food prices soar

On Labor Day, Senator Loren Legarda renewed her call for urgent government action to ease the burden of Filipino workers facing the daily impact of rising fuel and food prices. She emphasized that the struggle of laborers today goes beyond wages; it is about survival and dignity in the face of economic hardship.

Filipino workers across sectors bear the brunt of the fuel crisis, drivers see earnings collapse, riders shoulder fuel and maintenance costs, farmers struggle with rising inputs, and fisherfolk face heavier expenses. The surge in transport and food prices has eroded household purchasing power, leaving millions of wage earners grappling with higher living costs.

“Ang bawat manggagawa ay may karapatan sa makataong trabaho, makatarungang sahod, at maayos na kabuhayan. Ramdam ko ang bigat na dinadala ng bawat pamilya sa gitna ng mataas na presyo ng langis at bilihin. Ang laban para sa karapatan ng manggagawa ay laban din para sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa,” Legarda said.

Legarda renewed her call to suspend excise tax and VAT on diesel and gasoline, stressing that relief should extend beyond LPG and kerosene.

“Kapag ibinaba ang buwis sa langis, bababa ang presyo ng krudo at gagaan ang pasahe. Dahil dito, mas makakabiyahe ang mga driver, mas makakapaghatid ng ani ang mga magsasaka, at mas makakapalaot ang mga mangingisda. Kapag gumalaw ang transportasyon, gagalaw ang supply chain at mas luluwag ang pasanin ng taumbayan. Kailangan ng mabilis at malinaw na aksyon ngayon,” Legarda explained.

Alongside this call, Legarda highlighted her proposed measures: the Differentiated VAT Rates Act, the Murang Bilihin at Serbisyong Medikal Act, and the Removal of VAT on Electricity Charges. These proposals aim to ensure that essential needs, food, healthcare, and electricity, remain affordable for Filipino families.

To further strengthen workers’ protection, Legarda has also filed proposed measures addressing wages, compensation, and livelihood. The Living Wage Act sets the living wage as the benchmark for minimum wage setting. The ₱200 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act of 2026 mandates a ₱200 daily hike for private sector minimum wage earners. The Calamity Work Compensation Act grants an extra 30% daily pay or contingency support to private sector employees reporting during declared calamities. The Pangkabuhayan Act of 2025 (SB 160) establishes a council and fund to integrate MSME financing, training, and livelihood programs, prioritizing vulnerable groups.

Legarda’s legislative work has long focused on protecting workers and securing livelihoods. She championed laws including the Anti Trafficking in Persons Act, Anti-Child Labor Law, PESO Act, Barangay Livelihood and Skills Training Act, Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act, Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016, JobStart Philippines Act, and the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act. She likewise sponsored the Magna Carta for MSMEs and the ratification of ILO Convention 189, which paved the way for the Domestic Workers Act.

As the nation marks Labor Day, Legarda emphasized that the fight for workers’ rights is inseparable from the fight against poverty and inequality. She vowed to continue pushing for policies that ease the burden of rising costs and ensure that Filipino workers are not left behind in times of crisis. (30)