By CESAR JOLITO III
The General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) has strongly criticized the Congress for denying the proposed P200 daily wage increase, calling the move a betrayal of the country’s workforce.
GAWA Secretary General Wennie Sancho, in a press statement, said workers were left frustrated and disheartened after lawmakers blocked the wage hike despite its earlier approval.
He added that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has yet to sign the measure.
“Loyal and hard-working workers deserve this long-overdue compensation. A wage increase would have been a token of appreciation for their tireless efforts, but their pleas fell on deaf ears,” Sancho said.
According to Sancho, the rejection highlights Congress’ misplaced priorities, noting that lawmakers are allegedly preoccupied with pork barrel funds and flood control projects, which he described as a “gold mine” for corruption.
“Congress is guilty of dereliction of duty because it allowed corruption to fester and thrive. To turn a blind eye in the face of wrongdoing is to be complicit in it. The truth is that Congress is more interested in protecting its own interests than serving the people,” Sancho stressed.
He said the workers now feel “discontentment and betrayal,” claiming they have been abandoned while legislators indulge in corruption.
However, Sancho warned that labor groups would not remain silent.
“The workers will rise up, demand justice, and fight for their rights. Their demand for a wage increase will not be ignored,” he declared.
Sancho also criticized what he described as the hypocrisy of corrupt politicians, saying their speeches project righteousness while their actions contradict their words.
He accused legislators of “psychological numbness” toward public criticism.
“If the corruptors continue to survive in Congress, the working class will find it difficult to survive,” Sancho said, adding that the institution has been filled with “actors and political pretenders.”
The proposed P200 wage hike, labor groups argue, is vital to helping workers cope with rising prices of basic commodities and the growing cost of living./CJ, WDJ