MALACAÑANG on Wednesday called on critics not to politicize President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order granting free train rides, saying the move was simply the government's initiative to aid commuters and workers in celebration of Labor Day.

Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro made the call as commuters began enjoying free rides in Metro Manila's major light rail transits — MRT-3, LRT-1 and LRT-2 — on Wednesday.

In a press conference, Castro said the four-day free rides were part of the country's celebration of Labor Day on May 1, dismissing the notion that the program was politically motivated.

"May 1 is International Labor Day. We can't give this to workers in December," Castro said when asked about the timing of the initiative — days ahead of the May midterm elections.

"Let us not inject malice into this. Let the public benefit from what the government can offer them," she added.

Castro said that the initiative, which covers Metro Manila's major light rail transit lines, was fully funded by the government.

"This is fully funded. There is sufficient budget for this," the palace official said.

Castro also said that the free rides were extended to four days so the public could feel their impact more.

"Let's offer them some comfort and ease the burden of commuting, which is a big expense for them," she said.

On Tuesday, the president announced the free train rides, which began on April 30 and will last until May 3.

This was a "small recognition of the sacrifice and the contribution of our workers not only to our economy but also to our society," Marcos said in a video message.

Salute to Filipino workers

As the nation celebrates Labor Day on May 1, Senate President Francis Escudero acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Filipino workers to the economy.

He referred to workers as the "true pillars" of the economy, emphasizing that their hard work and dedication support various industries, businesses and essential services throughout the Philippines.

"Labor Day is a significant opportunity to honor our workers, who are the true pillars of our economy. Through their hard work, dedication, and tireless efforts, we sustain the industries, businesses, and services that provide life and livelihood to our country and its citizens," Escudero said in a Labor Day message.

Escudero noted that the country's total labor force exceeds 50 million, comprising individuals from diverse sectors, including agriculture, construction, transportation and industry.

He emphasized their collective role as the backbone of economic growth and societal development.

Escudero urged everyone to acknowledge and appreciate workers' sacrifices and efforts, expressing gratitude for their relentless dedication.

Dialogue with president

On the eve of Labor Day, organized labor reiterated its call for a dialogue with President Ferdinand Marcos to discuss the pressing need for a legislated wage increase to address the longstanding issue of poverty wages among Filipino workers

The National Wage Coalition (NWC), composed of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Nagkakaisa Labor Coalition (Nagkaisa) and Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), made the call in the hopes that, for the first time since assuming office, the president would heed their call to talk directly with labor.

It said that while the labor sector acknowledges the positive policy pronouncements by the chief executive, it still expresses deep concern that the critical issue of adequate wages remains largely unaddressed.

NWC also wrote a letter earlier to Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma to help facilitate the labor sector's appeal to dialogue personally with the president, specifically on the issue of wage increase, something which the regional wage boards have failed to address for the past 36 years.

"In light of these challenges, we respectfully urge you to advocate for the certification of the proposed P200 daily minimum wage hike bill as urgent. This measure is essential to ensure that workers receive fair compensation that reflects the economic realities they face," the coalition said.

"We believe that an upcoming dialogue with the President on Labor Day presents a critical opportunity to address this issue and demonstrate the government's commitment to the welfare of Filipino workers. We trust in your leadership and dedication to championing the rights and well-being of our labor force," it added.

For its part, the TUCP said that the recent Pulse Asia survey, which showed a staggering drop in the Marcos Administration's approval and trust ratings, which now stand at just 25 percent, is reflective of the Filipinos' dissatisfaction.

"[Our] survey findings reflect a harsh reality: the Filipino people are poorer, hungrier, and angrier than they were during the pandemic and even two decades ago. This is the hard truth," it said.

It pointed out that the workers are the backbone of the economy, and given the widespread poverty, "it is unwise for the government to hide between bureaucratic layers and rely on the same old business-as-usual directives."

The president, it said, must certify as urgent the proposed P200 legislated wage hike, which is the only hope for the vast majority of our workers, stressing that workers need a chance to have three decent meals a day, rather than merely being referred again and again to the Regional Wage Boards, which time and again has consistently only provided workers with crumbs.

Talk to the workers Mr. President to know if your economic managers are serving you and the Filipinos well," it said. With reports from Javier Joe Ismael and William B. Depasupil