Atty. Sonny Matula, Defender ng Manggagawa

29/04/2026

Ceremonial Signing of the Implementation Rules and Regulations of R.A. 11551
(An Act Integrating Labor Education in the Tertiary Education Curriculum)
and the Memorandum of agreement for the Implementation of the Lifelong Learning Education Assistance Program for Overseas Filipino Worker's (LEAP OFWS)

28/04/2026

In an interview with Gold Star Daily, FFW President Sonny Matula said fuel prices do not stop at the gasoline station but ripple through almost every aspect of daily life.

“Fuel prices do not stay at the gasoline station; they move into transport fares, food prices, electricity, logistics, and almost every basic commodity,” said Matula adding, “So when fuel prices rise, the worker’s wage is immediately eroded,”

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) is urging the government to suspend excise taxes and value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products while pushing for an immediate wage increase, saying Filipino workers are being hit by both rising fuel-driven prices and stagnant wages.

Link to the full story in comment section.

28/04/2026

Arta Maines, president of the United Cirtek Employees Association (UCEA-FFW), said workers end up carrying the burden while both government and oil companies continue to collect.

“Legal man sa calculator, masakit sa konsensya. Hindi dapat gawing piggy bank ng gobyerno ang paghihirap ng manggagawa,” Maines said.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DWRPt3dxh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) is urging the government to suspend excise taxes and value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products while pushing for an immediate wage increase, saying Filipino workers are being hit by both rising fuel-driven prices and stagnant wages.

Link to the full story in comment section.

28/04/2026

National Wage Coalition
SAHOD ITAAS! BUWIS IBABA!
MAGWELGA BUONG BANSA!

28/04/2026

28/04/2026

We have often heard it said that unions are the voice of the voiceless. Some may dismiss this Report as mere noise from the margins.

But history teaches us that when workers make “noise,” society should not cover its ears or close its eyes — it should check its conscience. What power calls noise is often truth speaking without a microphone.

26/04/2026

In a statement, the Federation of Free Workers said “any shift to compressed workweeks or flexible schedules must be worker-centered: no wage cuts, no unpaid overtime, no forced arrangements, and clear occupational safety standards—especially for work-from-home.”

“If energy shocks lead to higher fuel and power costs, workers must not be made to absorb the burden through longer hours, reduced pay, or diminished benefits. Energy-saving reforms should protect both productivity and people,” the group added.

MANILA, Philippines—The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Wednesday renewed its call for a P200 minimum wage increase, citing potential impacts of the Middle East conflict