Labor groups in Cebu, led by the Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo-Kilusang Mayo Uno (AMA Sugbo-KMU), gathered outside the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 7 office on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to demand a wage increase.
Call for Higher Minimum Wage
The groups pushed for the immediate implementation of a P1,200 national minimum wage, citing the continuous rise in prices of basic commodities. AMA Sugbo-KMU Secretary General Howell Villacrucis said the current wage in Cebu is no longer sufficient to meet workers' needs, especially with the increasing cost of living driven by higher fuel prices.
Repeal of Policies
Villacrucis also called for the repeal of policies affecting fuel and commodity prices, including the Oil Deregulation Law, value-added tax (VAT), and excise taxes. He argued that these policies have contributed to the rising cost of living.
Other Concerns
Beyond wages, the group raised other concerns, including opposition to ongoing military exercises and foreign policy issues that they said affect workers' welfare.
AMA Sugbo-KMU urged workers to unite and join Labor Day protest actions to push for higher wages, job security, and better working conditions.
