Church groups to join Sept. 12 rally for P125 wage

Two militant church-based organizations have signified their full support to labor’s demand for a P125 across-the-board wage increase in the daily minimum wage.

In separate statements, the Promotion of Church People’s Response (PCPR) and the Iglesia Filipino Independiente (IFI) said they will join a Sept. 12 rally by the labor sector to press for the wage increase.

PCPR deputy secretary Amie Dural also said they have joined the IFI, also known as the Aglipayan Church, in offering Sunday service for the much-needed pay raise for workers nationwide.

The protesters will also march from Liwasang Bonifacio to the Chino Roces (formerly Mendiola) Bridge to take their complaint to the doorsteps of Malacañang.

"We cannot accept the way President Arroyo has turned deaf to this long demand of poor Filipino workers," the PCPR said.

During the service, a special homily supporting the workers’ cause was delivered, while IFI priests led the hanging of P125 streamer and the symbolic signing of a huge campaign banner.

The IFI statement also said it joins the poor workers and all concerned sectors calling on legislators to "heed the clamor of a long-overdue wage hike."

"We support House Bill 2605 which aims to provide for a nationally legislated P125 across-the-board increase."

The PCPR noted that the President’s "insensitivity" to the plight of underpaid laborers was manifested during the opening of the 12th Congress when she failed to certify as urgent the bill’s passage.

"The current minimum wage of P250 a day is clearly unjust and oppressive. Rich and powerful capitalists are pocketing millions of wealth from the sweat and blood of poor laborers in the various factories, farms and other workplaces," the PCPR said.

The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said the workers’ demand for a new wage hike is undeniable.

The group also said Mrs. Arroyo should certify as urgent HB 2605 to compel the lawmakers to immediately act on it.