Philippines activists demand wage hikes and wealth tax to fight inequality
Labour and rights groups in the Philippines have renewed demands for a wage increase and a wealth tax. Their push comes as part of a wider global campaign against neoliberal policies. Activists argue that extreme inequality and unsafe working conditions require urgent government action. In 2025, workplace accidents claimed at least one life per day, according to the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety for All (IOHSAD). Many of these deaths were preventable, highlighting persistent safety failures.
Economic inequality remains stark. By 2022, the richest 10% of Filipinos held around ₱40 trillion in wealth—nearly three times the ₱15 trillion owned by the bottom 90%. The top 1% alone controlled ₱17.9 trillion, roughly triple the ₱6 trillion net worth of the poorest half of the population. The Church People-Workers Solidarity pointed to a growing gap between wages and living costs. The current minimum wage stands at ₱695 per day, far below the ₱1,266 daily Family Living Wage needed in Metro Manila. Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD), argued that a wealth tax could raise ₱502 billion annually. This revenue could fully fund the national health budget or address other critical needs. Sonny Africa, executive director of Ibon Foundation, echoed this, estimating potential annual gains of ₱500-600 billion from taxing billionaires. Nacpil also linked extreme wealth to environmental harm, stating that billionaires contribute disproportionately to emissions. She urged governments to tax polluters rather than workers, especially amid climate disasters and economic crises. APMDD frames the wealth tax as a key step toward fiscal justice. Supporters claim it would correct the country’s regressive tax system and free up funds for public services, benefiting ordinary citizens and the planet.
The proposed wealth tax aims to redistribute resources and improve public funding. If implemented, it could generate hundreds of billions in revenue while addressing wage stagnation and workplace safety. Groups continue to pressure lawmakers for concrete policy changes.
Read also:
- India's Agriculture Minister Reviews Sector Progress Amid Heavy Rains, Crop Areas Up
- Cyprus, Kuwait Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Upcoming Ministerial Meeting
- Inspired & Paddy Power Extend Virtual Sports Partnership for UK & Ireland Retail
- South West & South East England: Check & Object to Lorry Operator Licensing Now
