CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — From prayers for peace to concrete policy demands, the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) is urging the government to act fast to shield workers and poor families from rising prices linked to the escalating US–Iran conflict.

During a multi-sector gathering led by Caritas Philippines and civil society groups at Our Lady of Remedies Church in Malate on April 11, labor leaders said prayers must translate into policies that ease daily burdens.

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“Hindi puwedeng dasal sa umaga, tapos dagdag-pasanin sa hapon,” FFW president Atty. Sonny Matula said, stressing that relief must go beyond symbolic gestures.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

Workers, commuters, drivers: Possible ₱200 wage hike, fuel tax cuts, and subsidies under proposed measures

Families: Calls for lower food and transport costs, plus protection from eviction and loan payments

Farmers: Push to support local production and cut out abusive middlemen to stabilize food prices

RELIEF MEASURES ON THE TABLE

FFW outlined urgent proposals aimed at immediate and long-term relief:

₱200 national wage hike and faster regional wage reviews

Fuel relief: Remove excise tax and VAT on oil

₱5,000 aid expansion for delivery riders and drivers

Loan payment suspension for SSS, GSIS, and Pag-IBIG members

Moratorium on evictions and foreclosures for vulnerable families

Cuts in perks of top officials to fund relief efforts

More investment in renewable energy and mass transport

The group also pushed for structural reforms, including reviewing the Rice Tariffication Law and repealing the Oil Deregulation Law to strengthen government control over prices.

WHY PRICES MAY KEEP RISING

FFW warned that global tensions are driving a chain reaction:

Higher oil prices → increased transport fares

Rising logistics costs → more expensive food and goods

Daily expenses spike → heavier burden on workers

“Hindi sapat ang ayuda kung tuloy-tuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo,” the group said, calling current subsidy systems a “band-aid” solution.

CALL FOR ‘SHARED SACRIFICE’

Labor groups emphasized fairness in crisis response, saying those with greater capacity should shoulder more.

“Austerity should begin at the top,” FFW said, backing proposals to cut government perks and revive wealth taxes.

They also called for a national summit with workers at the table, warning against policies crafted without those most affected.

FOOD SECURITY AND FARMERS

The group stressed that lowering food prices starts with supporting local farmers.

“Kapag bagsak ang magsasaka, bagsak din ang hapag ng bayan,” FFW said, urging government to:

Help farmers transport produce directly to markets

Reduce dependence on imports

Eliminate exploitative middlemen

BIG PICTURE

The April 11 gathering, led by Church and civil society leaders including Gerardo Alminaza, framed the crisis as both moral and economic.

For FFW, the message is clear: peace abroad must be matched by protection at home, according to Matula.

“Kung may krisis, huwag ang mahihirap na naman ang gawing shock absorber ng bayan,” Matula said.

He added that these proposals matter now because rising fuel and food prices are already straining households, and any approved measures could directly impact wages, daily expenses, and job security across Northern Mindanao.