MANILA, Philippines — Militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Secretary General Jerome Adonis condemned President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his administration’s economic team for allegedly working to block the passage of a legislated wage hike currently being pushed in Congress.

In a statement, Adonis accused Malacañang and the economic cluster of sabotaging the long-fought campaign for a nationwide wage increase.

He described their actions as “disrespectful” and an “affront” to workers who have lobbied for years to raise the minimum wage through legislation.

“Isang kabastusan at kalapastanganan itong ginagawang panghaharang ng Executive, sa pangunguna ni Bongbong Marcos at ng buong economic cluster,” Adonis said.

KMU has been pushing for a P200 across-the-board wage increase, which labor groups argue is a step toward achieving a living wage of P1,200 daily nationwide. The group also called on both chambers of Congress to immediately convene a bicameral conference committee and pass the measure.

Adonis also took a swipe at Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, criticizing his position that the wage hike should have gone through the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) first. Adonis said the statement signals Escudero’s unwillingness to move the measure forward.

“Parehong-pareho sila ni Bongbong Marcos,” he said, claiming both officials have refused to hold key figures accountable and advance legislation benefiting ordinary Filipinos.

“Bongbong, Chiz Escudero, hindi ang mga negosyante ang inyong mga amo kundi kami na mga manggagawa at ordinaryong mamamayan,” Adonis added.

KMU emphasized that a P200 wage increase would offer immediate relief for struggling workers amid high inflation and rising living costs.

As of this writing, neither Malacañang nor the Senate leadership has issued a response to KMU’s statement.