MANILA — Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) on Sunday raised alarm over possible increases in electricity and water rates, saying higher utility costs could further erode the already limited earnings of Filipino workers.

The group said the expected adjustments in utility rates are linked to rising oil prices and warned that such increases would place additional financial pressure on working-class households.

KMU also criticized the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for allegedly failing to address workers’ calls for higher wages amid increasing costs of basic services and commodities.

“Buti pa ang tubig at kuryente nagmamahal; ang gubyernong Marcos ni katiting na pagmamahal wala para sa mga manggagawa. Talagang walang awa ang gubyernong ni Bongbong – aalipinin na nga sa 10-oras na trabaho nang walang overtime, bubutasin pa ang bulsa pagdating ng mga bayarin!

Sa ganitong kalagayan, lalong kagyat dapat itaas ang arawang minimum na sahod ng mga manggagawa sa halagang nakabubuhay – PHP1200 nationwide – at ibasura ang mga pahirap na buwis sa langis!” said KMU Deputy Secretary General Joanne Cesario.

The labor group urged workers to continue participating in mobilizations in the coming days to call for an end to the war involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which it said threatens the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos.

KMU also reiterated its demand for immediate government relief measures, including raising the minimum wage to what it described as a family living wage and removing the 12 percent value-added tax and excise taxes imposed on petroleum products.