Progressive organizations and food security advocates gathered in an UWIAN (Unite for Wage Increase at Against Nakaw sa Gobyerno) protest to criticize government inaction regarding the soaring prices of food, gas, electricity, and other basic necessities while the average minimum wage remains stunted. The groups also demand accountability for the misuse of public funds, abuse of political power, and rampant state-sponsored human rights violations.

The poor bear the brunt of the rising prices of food staples, basic commodities, and essential services. Rice averages more than Php 60 per kilo, despite Marcos Jr.’s false promises of bringing it down to Php 20 per kilo. Instead, his administration has managed to import 4.7 million metric tons of rice – proof that anti-Filipino neoliberal policies like the Rice Tarrification Law should be repealed.

“The state should be prioritizing support of its farmers and local agricultural production, not importation which is gravely affecting the livelihood of our food producers”, reiterated by Danilo ‘Ka Daning’ Ramos, Chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Makabayan Senatorial Candidate.

Other food staples are also at an all-time high, with tomatoes reaching up to Php 360 per kilo and chilis at Php 750 per kilo. Electricity costs average at Php 11.96 per kilowatt-hour, and water ranges from Php 42 to Php 140 per cubic meter. Transportation expenses further burden the Filipino people with increased LRT base rates and regular oil price hikes. While prices continue to skyrocket, the average minimum wage remains low. Labor and urban poor groups demand a wage increase to the Php 1,200 liveable wage standard.

Amid an economic crisis, government officials choose to corrupt state funds instead of allocating taxes for public services. The anomalous confidential funds of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte must be brought to light and further investigated. Recent hearings have already exposed Sara Duterte’s highly questionable misuse of public funds and should be sufficient grounds for her impeachment. Moreover, the Marcos Jr. administration must be held accountable for allowing this grave abuse of political power and the continuing persecution and human rights violations directed toward farmers, indigenous people, labor workers, and activists.

On January 31, the broad masses, organized by Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA), will be staging the people’s protest against poverty, corruption, and impunity.###