Workers organizations and trade unions supported by student groups and other sectors under the banner of the National Wage Coalition march from Espana Boulevard to Recto Avenue near Malacanang Palace in Manila on Labor Day, May 1, 2026.

At the same time, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his Labor Day Message centering on the Filipino worker as the “backbone of the Republic.” Kilusang Mayo Uno Chair Jerome Adonis blasted the President’s statement:

“Totoo na kaming mga manggagawa ang backbone ng ekonomya. Malaking kaipokritohan yang salita ni Bongbong Marcos. Backbone, backbone? Bone na lang natira sa amin. Buto’t balat na lang natira sa manggagawa. Pinaparangalan sa salita pero walang makain ang tao dahil di kinikilala ang karapatan sa nakabubuhay na sahod at disenteng trabaho. Tuluy-tuloy pa kaming hinaharangan at sinusupil kapag nagpapahayag. Binobola kami ngayong Labor Day pero ang totoo: pag hirap kami, pag sarap sila. Hoy, Bongbong, tigilan mo na ‘yan. Ang dapat sa’yo winewelgahan, pinoprotestahan. Hudyat pa lang ang pagkilos namin ngayong Mayo Uno. Mag-abang ka sa susunod. Malapit ka na.”

Protesters have three primary demands, namely, the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law, an immediate rollback of fuel prices, and a substantial increase in the national minimum wage.

Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of Asian People’s Movement on Debt and Development, connects her Labor Day statement to taxation by arguing that workers should not carry the financial burden of society.

“A wealth tax is both a matter of justice and a fiscal necessity. It is capable of funding universal health care, public services, and urgent climate action without burdening the workers. This Labor Day, APMDD’s call is clear: tax the billionaires and polluters, not workers; make the system work for both people and the planet.”

The marchers then proceeded toward the US Embassy but was held off by police barricade in Kalaw Avenue resulting in a brief confrontation. The groups also called for an end to the US-Israel war on Iran.

(Photos by Jimmy A Domingo and Elmer Nev Valenzuela)