MANILA – The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) denounced Palace spokespersons over their comments suggesting that a family’s Noche Buena could be managed with PHP500, calling the statement insensitive and disconnected from the realities faced by Filipino workers.

In a press statement, KMU Chairperson Jerome Adonis criticized the remark, saying: “Auntie Kler, ano bang tinitira niyo diyan sa Malacanang at tila lutang kayong lahat?”

He said that a Filipino family needs at least PHP1,200 to live decently, arguing that compressing a holiday meal into PHP500 is unrealistic. “Hindi na Noche Buena ang tawag diyan, Leche Buena na ‘yan,” he added.

Adonis also said the Palace’s tone made light of the hardships endured by workers. “At nakakainsulto na tinatawanan pa ninyo ang kahirapang dinaranas ng pamilyang Pilipino habang nagmumungkahi pa’no pagkakasyahin ang P500 sa Noche Buena,” he said, accusing government officials of being detached from everyday struggles due to privilege.

He claimed that such statements only fuel public anger. “Wala kayong naloloko sa mga pinagsasabi ninyo at sa halip lalo niyo lang sinsindihan ang galit ng sambayanan,” he said.

KMU called on workers and the public not to ignore the remarks, urging collective action to push for a PHP1,200 national minimum wage, accountability for alleged corruption, and the removal of top officials.

“Mga kababayan at kapwa manggagawa, huwag nating palagpasin ang pandudustang ito… Kayat kailangang tuluy-tuloy na kumilos tayong mga manggagawa para wakasan ang bulok na sistema,” Adonis said.

He urged the public to join the mass action on November 30, Bonifacio Day. “Sa Nobyembre 30, kumilos tayo, bahain natin ang Luneta sa Araw ni Bonifacio!” he said.