PBBM Reaffirms Commitment to Filipino Workers' Rights and Welfare this 2025

In a meeting held on June 3, 2025, at the Goldenberg Mansion in Malacañan, President Marcos met with labor leaders to discuss pressing issues affecting the labor sector, including the growing number of job opening in Pampanga and other key regions. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of Filipino workers.

President Marcos emphasized that he had spoken with labor leaders to ensure that the rights and welfare of Filipino workers remain protected. He also reiterated the government's ongoing support for open and meaningful dialogue aimed at achieving dignified employment, adequate wages, and a hopeful future for every Filipino family.

This statement underscores the administration’s commitment to creating a labor environment built on dignity, fair compensation, and inclusive opportunity for all.

How It Impacts Philippine Economic Growth

Protecting labor laws in the Philippines is not only a social justice imperative, it is also a strategic economic move. President Marcos’ assurance to uphold workers' rights helps cultivate a stable and productive workforce, which is essential to sustaining long-term economic growth. Workers with legal protections and access to living wages are more motivated and empowered, resulting in increased output, innovation, and consumer spending.

TUCP President and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Mendoza underscored the importance of reinforcing workers’ rights to freely form and join unions, noting that this is not only a fundamental constitutional guarantee aligned with international labor standards, but also a key driver of economic resilience. 

He explained that empowered labor unions contribute to industrial peace, better working conditions, and increased productivity, factors that attract more foreign investments and expand the country's eligibility for tariff-free access under global trade agreements. Mendoza emphasized that upholding these rights is instrumental in revitalizing the national economy and creating sustainable, quality employment opportunities for millions of Filipinos.

By aligning with international labor standards, the Philippines enhances its competitiveness and investment appeal globally.

How It Affects Employers and Workforce Development

Employers benefit from a labor environment rooted in fairness and protection. When workers feel secure and heard, labor relations improve, leading to greater productivity and less conflict. The government’s openness to support legislative reforms and employee rights in the Philippines, such as the Union Formation Act, Assumption of Jurisdiction Act, and Workers' Right to Strike Act, will help establish clearer guidelines for both workers and employers.

Additionally, Marcos’ emphasis on “trabahong may dignidad” (dignified work) and “sahod na sapat” (adequate wages) reflects a broader commitment to human capital development. As workforce conditions improve, employers can expect to hire from a more engaged, skilled, and stable labor pool that contributes to long-term business growth and innovation.

How It Affects Filipino Job Seekers

For job seekers, the president’s pledge represents hope for better working conditions and greater economic inclusion. President Marcos’ words, “kinabukasang may pag-asa para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino” (a hopeful future for every Filipino family), speak to a vision of employment where opportunity, dignity, and security are accessible to all.

The commitment to strengthen union rights and raise wages aligns with the needs of both formal and informal sector workers. Measures discussed during the dialogue, such as fair wage legislation and protection of the right to organize, could open new pathways for stable employment. Especially among young workers, displaced employees, and underemployed individuals. Including access to growing opportunities tied to jobs in Clark, Pampanga and other emerging economic zones.

Conclusion

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s engagement with labor leaders and his promise to safeguard workers' rights mark a significant step in shaping a fairer, more inclusive Philippine labor landscape. His message was clear that the government continues to support open and meaningful dialogue towards dignified work, adequate wages, and a hopeful future for every Filipino family.

As labor unions and policymakers push forward with crucial reforms, and the administration continues to prioritize labor welfare, the Philippines moves closer to realizing a future where both economic progress and social justice work hand in hand, truly embodying the vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas.”