Workers' Association Expresses Disappointment Over Government's Handling of Oil Price Surge
The General Alliance of Workers Association (Gawa) has voiced strong disappointment and deep concern regarding the government's response to the continuous and unabated increases in petroleum product prices. In a statement issued on Friday, March 27, 2026, the labor group argued that current measures are failing to tackle the core economic challenges faced by Filipino workers.
Emergency Powers Deemed a Band-Aid Solution
Wennie Sancho, the secretary-general of Gawa, acknowledged the issuance of Emergency Energy Power to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. but emphasized that this action falls significantly short of addressing the pressing issues of rising living costs and stagnant wages. Sancho described the government's decision to grant these emergency powers as merely a band-aid solution to a worsening economic problem.
"The suspension or reduction of excise taxes on petroleum products may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the root cause of the issue, which is the lack of purchasing power among workers," Sancho stated. He stressed that without substantial wage increases, workers will continue to struggle with affordability and financial instability.
Call for Concrete Actions and Wage Reconsideration
Gawa is demanding that the government prioritize worker welfare and implement concrete steps to mitigate the escalating cost of living. The association urgently calls for a reconsideration of the government's stance on wage increases, urging immediate action to alleviate the sufferings of the labor force. Sancho highlighted that workers are bearing the brunt of economic pressures without adequate support or representation.
Exclusion of Labor from Uplift Committee Raises Alarms
A significant point of contention raised by Gawa is the absence of labor representation in the newly formed Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transportation (Uplift) Committee, which is headed by President Marcos. Sancho questioned why agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) were excluded from this committee.
"It seems that the labor sector was left behind with the exclusion of agencies like DOLE and NWPC or labor federation representatives to ensure that worker welfare is taken into consideration," Sancho explained. He noted that Uplift is designed as a centralized response to the national crisis, involving agencies from energy, transport, finance, agriculture, and social welfare, yet labor is conspicuously missing.
Concerns Over Sidelined Worker Issues
Sancho expressed fear that without labor representation, critical issues such as wage increases and emergency relief allowances will be sidelined. He pointed out that given Uplift's focus on livelihood, which inherently involves wages and productivity, the expertise of the NWPC is essential. "Without representation in Uplift, workers feel left behind and taken for granted. There is no assurance that worker concerns, referred to as the primary social economic force, will be given due consideration," he added.
This exclusion, according to Sancho, defeats the spirit of tripartism—a collaborative approach involving government, employers, and workers. He argued that including labor representation in the Uplift Committee would ensure a more comprehensive and effective strategy to address the economic impact of oil price hikes on workers and their families.
Broader Implications for Economic Stability
The concerns raised by Gawa highlight broader issues of economic inequality and the need for inclusive policymaking. As petroleum prices continue to rise, the strain on household budgets intensifies, making wage adjustments and fair representation in government committees crucial for sustainable economic recovery. The association's statements underscore a growing demand for accountability and proactive measures to protect the livelihoods of Filipino workers amidst ongoing crises.
