Workers under the All-Workers Unity alliance today held simultaneous protests in various workplaces and government offices to press for a P16,000 monthly National Minimum Wage and to call for the resignation of Pres. Benigno Aquino III.

Workers say that Aquino’s “disregard for the lives of Filipinos” can not only be seen in his role in the January 25 Mamasapano incident, but in depressing wages amid increases in MRT/LRT fares, power and water rates, and  prices of basic goods.

“Workers have every right to call for his resignation,” said Lito Ustarez, Kilusang Mayo Uno vice-chairperson.

The KMU held a protest in front of the National Wages and Productivity Commission office in Manila.

Workers said that the minimum wage in the National Capital Region, the highest in the country at P466 per day, is barely half of the P1,086 Family Living Wage or what is needed for a typical Filipino family to survive.

Meanwhile, employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also held a lunchtime protest in DSWD Central Office in Quezon City. The employees said that they have had “enough of low wages, high prices, and corruption.”

Government employees have yet to receive a salary increase under the Aquino administration, said Manny Baclagon, Social Welfare Employees Association of the Philippines-DSWD national president.

“Way before the Mamasapano debacle, we are fully aware of what kind of boss President Aquino is. He denied what little relief the employees gained in our long and hard struggle for a living wage. He made life hell for employees!” he said.

Baclagon added, “Forced between hell and a disaster president, we choose to stand up and fight for true change. Sobra na! Tama na!”

Workers from All-Workers Unity alliance also vowed to join street protests in the coming days calling for the resignation of Aquino.