Thousands rally in Philippines to demand higher wages
Manila - Thousands of workers took to the streets in the Philippine capital and other key cities on Thursday to demand higher wages amid rising food prices during annual Labour Day rallies.
The demonstrators carried banners reading "Food, Jobs, Justice and Freedom" and "Across the board wage increase now" as they marched towards the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila.
But security was tight around Malacanang, where 1,200 police officers and 400 soldiers barricaded the sprawling compound.
Some 6,000 protestors from various leftist labour groups joined at least three separate marches in Manila, which ended at the foot of a bridge leading to Malacanang.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo observed wage board hearings throughout the day, and approved a 10-per cent salary hike for government workers.
"I conducted the inspections not to exert undue pressure, but just to see for myself how things are doing," she told reporters.
Arroyo hailed the Filipino workers as the "engine that spurs countries to development" and the force that brings "food on our tables, roofs over our head and clothing on our backs."
"The president is committed to our work force in her vision of a just and safe work place," added presidential spokesman Lorelei Fajardo.
Police said there were "no significant reports of violence or confrontation" in protest actions in Manila and the cities of Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Baguio, Calamba, Legazpi and Cavite.
"Our preparations and the cooperation of those who took part in the public assemblies were instrumental to the generally peaceful outcome of the event," said Director General Avelino Razon, national police chief. (dpa)