MANILA—The chairperson of the Kilusan ng Manggagawang Pilipino (KMU), Jerome Adonis, issued a public challenge to Malacañang and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday, daring officials to shop for basic goods this coming Sunday with only PHP500.

In a statement, Adonis criticized the government for allegedly underestimating and exploiting Filipino workers, singling out Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro—referred to as “Auntie Kler”—and comparing the current administration to past leaders, including former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Let’s go to the market this coming Sunday. Whatever you can buy with PHP500, that’s what you should serve for Noche Buena. Let’s see where you can get your PHP500,” Adonis said in a video message.

The KMU chair emphasized that the challenge is a response to rising prices and the government’s perceived failure to protect ordinary Filipinos, particularly amid the upcoming holiday season.

Adonis’ video was shared on KMU’s official social media platforms, calling on officials to experience firsthand the difficulties faced by Filipino workers.