MANILA – Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) led nationwide protest actions denouncing what it called corruption and excessive public spending under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Dubbed the “Workers’ Day of Protest,” union members and labor groups held demonstrations in several workplaces and communities across the country, including Quezon City, Pasig, Marikina, Valenzuela, Santa Rosa, Biñan, Carmona, Antipolo, Cabuyao, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Zamboanga, Tuguegarao, Baguio, Tagaytay, and other cities.

KMU chairperson Jerome Adonis accused the administration of wasting taxpayers’ money while workers continue to endure low wages and high living costs.

“Walang hiya itong mga nakaupo sa gobyerno! Yung perang winawaldas niyo ay mula sa buwis na pinaghirapan naming mga manggagawa! Sarap buhay kayo habang nagdurusa kami sa hirap at pinagkakait niyo samin ang nakabubuhay na sahod!” Adonis said.

The group also criticized the allocation of confidential, intelligence, and travel funds, claiming these should have been directed to social services.

“Bongbong Marcos, ikaw ang Kumander-in-Thief! Huwag kang magmalinis! Ikaw ang nagsulat at nag-apruba ng pondong batbat ng anomalya at siksik ng mga proyektong pinagkakakitaan ng iilan,” Adonis said.

KMU said the September 19 protests were only the start of broader mobilizations. It called on workers nationwide to join a protest at Luneta on September 21, coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, and to stage simultaneous actions in the provinces.