By CESAR JOLITO III

The General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) has raised alarm over what it describes as a “double whammy” hitting Filipino workers, as surging fuel prices and the failure to pass a legislated wage hike are pushing laborers deeper into economic hardship.

GAWA Secretary General Wennie Sancho warned that the expected rise in petroleum prices, driven by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, will trigger a chain reaction, raising the cost of goods and services and tightening already strained household budgets.

“This is a period of economic strangulation for our workers,” Sancho said in a statement.

“The cost of living continues to rise, and yet workers are left without meaningful wage adjustments. They are fighting a battle on two fronts,” he added.

Sancho emphasized that the rising cost of fuel will have a ripple effect, making it even more difficult for workers and their families to afford the things they need.

The GAWA official also said that the Congress’ inaction on wage hike proposals could have offered much-needed relief to struggling workers.

“The Congress should listen to the voices of the workers and take action to address their economic struggle,’” Sancho said.

Without the proposal, their purchasing power continues to weaken.

“In times of peace or crisis, workers remain the country’s primary economic drivers. They deserve better,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sancho questioned what he views as the government’s misplaced priorities, accusing lawmakers of favoring corporate interests and the upper class over the needs of ordinary laborers.

“The 1987 Constitution recognizes workers as the primary social economic force, yet their voices are being ignored, and their burdens are increasing,” Sancho said.

“If this continues, it may lead to widespread hunger and poverty,” he pointed out.

While capitalists enjoy “sudden profits in times of economic growth,” it is the working class that absorbs the shock during downturns.

“The workers will soon collapse if too heavy economic load will be piled upon their shoulders. Extreme economic adversities would lead to widespread hunger and poverty when the purchasing power of the workers collapses,” he said.

GAWA is urging the government to act immediately, passing an across-the-board wage increase and adopting policies that ease the impact of rising fuel costs, to protect the livelihoods and dignity of Filipino workers./CJ, WDJ