Amidst the impending big-time hikes in the prices of petroleum products, labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno called on the government anew to junk the Oil Deregulation Law, saying the public needs protection from the oil cartel’s profiteering and overpricing schemes in the face of the global economic crisis.
The Department of Energy has confirmed that the per liter price of gasoline is expected to increase by P1.75 and of diesel by P1.30 this week, due to soaring prices in the world market.
“Given the economic crisis and the political turmoil that it is causing, the international and local cartel will never run out of excuses to hike oil prices. We need to at least moderate the oil companies’ greed by clipping their power to unilaterally increase prices,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.
“For this round of increase, the international oil cartel is taking advantage of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and unstable market prices to dictate even higher prices. The local oil cartel will no doubt implement their overpricing schemes on the already exorbitant world prices,” he added.
“Because the Oil Deregulation Law is still in place, all the government can do is comment on price movements. We need to junk this anti-people law so the government can exert some control on price movements in the country,” he said.
Transport rep to audit team
KMU also criticized the DOE’s appointment of Atty. Vigor Mendoza of party-list group 1-UTAK as transport sector representative to an audit team that will be created to investigate the oil companies’ books.
The labor center said Mendoza served as a lawyer of the Aquino-owned Hacienda Luisita Incorporated before serving as a party-list representative.
“Atty. Mendoza cannot possibly represent the transport sector. He will represent the Aquino government, not the tranport sector, in the audit team. He will continue the Aquino government’s service to the oil cartel by clearing the latter of any wrongdoing,” Soluta said.
“This early, the Aquino government’s review of the Oil Deregulation Law is being exposed as a charade. It is becoming clearer that the government does not want to protect the public, but merely wants to de-odorize the reputation of the oil companies and the Oil Deregulation Law,” he added. Roger Soluta, KMU Secretary General
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Showing posts with label KMU NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KMU NEWS. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
On the ongoing demolition in San Juan
Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno supports the urban poor of Barangay Corazon de Jesus, Pinaglabanan, San Juan who are fighting the demolition teams sent by the city government of San Juan and the Aquino government.
The struggle of the residents of Barangay Corazon de Jesus against the demolition of their homes is just. Their homes are being demolished to give way to the construction of a medium-rise housing project which will most likely not benefit them.
We condemn the city government of San Juan under the leadership of Mayor Guia Gomez for using an excessive amount of force against the urban poor. We condemn its use of teargas, water cannons and even stones against the urban poor.
We condemn the city government of San Juan for ignoring the proposals made by the residents of Barangay Corazon de Jesus to accommodate the city government’s plans. Such proposals include a reblocking of the area, an adjustment of the spaces occupied by the residents’ houses, and in-city relocation.
Barangay Corazon de Jesus is near Greenhills and the city government has so far failed to present the barangay’s residents with a blueprint for the project. The barangay’s residents have every reason to suspect that the city government is actually planning to construct a commercial center, not a housing project.
We condemn the Aquino government for carrying on with its war against the urban poor. It has been ardently supporting big capitalists’ projects while denying the poor of decent homes and decent jobs.
It is the city government of San Juan and the Aquino government, not the progressive organizations of the poor, who have instigated the residents of Barangay Corazon de Jesus to use force in fighting the demolition teams.
The country’s urban poor are resorting to force because of the Aquino government’s overkill in using violence against urban poor residents who are defending their homes and communities from demolition. Roger Soluta, KMU Secretary General
The struggle of the residents of Barangay Corazon de Jesus against the demolition of their homes is just. Their homes are being demolished to give way to the construction of a medium-rise housing project which will most likely not benefit them.
We condemn the city government of San Juan under the leadership of Mayor Guia Gomez for using an excessive amount of force against the urban poor. We condemn its use of teargas, water cannons and even stones against the urban poor.
We condemn the city government of San Juan for ignoring the proposals made by the residents of Barangay Corazon de Jesus to accommodate the city government’s plans. Such proposals include a reblocking of the area, an adjustment of the spaces occupied by the residents’ houses, and in-city relocation.
Barangay Corazon de Jesus is near Greenhills and the city government has so far failed to present the barangay’s residents with a blueprint for the project. The barangay’s residents have every reason to suspect that the city government is actually planning to construct a commercial center, not a housing project.
We condemn the Aquino government for carrying on with its war against the urban poor. It has been ardently supporting big capitalists’ projects while denying the poor of decent homes and decent jobs.
It is the city government of San Juan and the Aquino government, not the progressive organizations of the poor, who have instigated the residents of Barangay Corazon de Jesus to use force in fighting the demolition teams.
The country’s urban poor are resorting to force because of the Aquino government’s overkill in using violence against urban poor residents who are defending their homes and communities from demolition. Roger Soluta, KMU Secretary General
Friday, January 6, 2012
KMU slams New Year oil price hike
“The oil cartel’s greed for bigger profits did not spare the holiday seasons. It surely raked in bigger profits as it timed its round of oil price hike during the return of people from vacations and provinces.”
This was the statement of Kilusang Mayo Uno as it slammed the recent round of oil price hike implemented by oil companies starting Monday.
More oil companies including Petron, Total, Caltex and Eastern Petroleum jacked up their prices yesterday following the Shell’s increase of oil prices last Monday.
Oil companies increased their prices by 90 centavos and 60 centavos for premium and regular gasoline; and by 30 centavos and 20 centavos for diesel and kerosene, respectively.
“This recent round of oil price hike is a clear sign that 2012 would be worse for workers and people already struggling from high prices while giant oil companies would rake in even bigger profits,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.
“The Aquino government perpetuating such price hikes through the continued implementation of Oil Deregulation Law should prepare for bigger workers’ and people’s protests," said Soluta. Roger Soluta, KMU Secretary General
This was the statement of Kilusang Mayo Uno as it slammed the recent round of oil price hike implemented by oil companies starting Monday.
More oil companies including Petron, Total, Caltex and Eastern Petroleum jacked up their prices yesterday following the Shell’s increase of oil prices last Monday.
Oil companies increased their prices by 90 centavos and 60 centavos for premium and regular gasoline; and by 30 centavos and 20 centavos for diesel and kerosene, respectively.
“This recent round of oil price hike is a clear sign that 2012 would be worse for workers and people already struggling from high prices while giant oil companies would rake in even bigger profits,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.
“The Aquino government perpetuating such price hikes through the continued implementation of Oil Deregulation Law should prepare for bigger workers’ and people’s protests," said Soluta. Roger Soluta, KMU Secretary General
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Picket in Mendiola Workers, youth slam Aquino’s criminal culpability for Sendong disaster
Workers, urban poor, and youths held a picket this morning in Mendiola to condemn Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s criminal culpability for the devastation left behind by typhoon “Sendong,” saying the president weakened the country’s disaster preparedness while conniving with big mining and logging corporations.
The protesters, led by labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno and youth group Anakbayan said the president removed the budget for disaster preparedness for 2011, leaving government agencies with no other option than to simply issue warnings to the public.
They also said the president connived with big foreign mining and logging companies, allowing the latter to destroy the environment in the affected areas, paving the way for the flashfloods that killed more than 1,000 people.
Culpability
The protesters, who all wore black, carried crosses with the words “Ilan pa ang kailangang mamatay (How many more should die)?” written across. They also carried a streamer that read “Pabaya sa kalamidad! Kasabwat ng mining at logging companies! Noynoy, panagutin!”
“We are deeply angered by the Aquino government’s criminal culpability for the deaths of more than 1,000 people and the washing away of entire communities because of typhoon ‘Sendong’. It weakened the country’s disaster preparedness while allowing mining and logging companies to plunder our natural resources and leave us vulnerable to flooding,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.
“It is plain to see that the government’s warnings did not suffice to save the people and communities of the Visayas and Mindanao. At the very least, the government should have evacuated the people from their homes – that is, if it took to heart warnings from experts about the vulnerabilities of the areas affected,” he added.
“Because we have lost all hope on the president on this issue, we are calling on the Supreme Court to junk the Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act 7942) and the Forestry Reform Code (Presidential Decree 705). These laws are responsible for the destruction of our environment, leaving us more vulnerable to disasters,” he said.
Callousness
The protesters also criticized the president’s callousness in dealing with the disaster.
“The fact that the president can still party amidst all the deaths and devastation in the Visayas and Mindanao is proof of his persistent insensitivity towards the people and the poor in particular,” said Anton Dulce, Anakbayan vice-chairperson.
“It is also callous to blame the poor for living in flood-prone areas. It is the government who should be blamed for failing to provide the poor with decent housing and decent jobs,” he added.
“No amount of poor-blaming will hide the president’s criminal culpability for this disaster. The president should not be so arrogant as to think that he can get away with his anti-people policies that are resulting in death and destruction,” he said. Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general
The protesters, led by labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno and youth group Anakbayan said the president removed the budget for disaster preparedness for 2011, leaving government agencies with no other option than to simply issue warnings to the public.
They also said the president connived with big foreign mining and logging companies, allowing the latter to destroy the environment in the affected areas, paving the way for the flashfloods that killed more than 1,000 people.
Culpability
The protesters, who all wore black, carried crosses with the words “Ilan pa ang kailangang mamatay (How many more should die)?” written across. They also carried a streamer that read “Pabaya sa kalamidad! Kasabwat ng mining at logging companies! Noynoy, panagutin!”
“We are deeply angered by the Aquino government’s criminal culpability for the deaths of more than 1,000 people and the washing away of entire communities because of typhoon ‘Sendong’. It weakened the country’s disaster preparedness while allowing mining and logging companies to plunder our natural resources and leave us vulnerable to flooding,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.
“It is plain to see that the government’s warnings did not suffice to save the people and communities of the Visayas and Mindanao. At the very least, the government should have evacuated the people from their homes – that is, if it took to heart warnings from experts about the vulnerabilities of the areas affected,” he added.
“Because we have lost all hope on the president on this issue, we are calling on the Supreme Court to junk the Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act 7942) and the Forestry Reform Code (Presidential Decree 705). These laws are responsible for the destruction of our environment, leaving us more vulnerable to disasters,” he said.
Callousness
The protesters also criticized the president’s callousness in dealing with the disaster.
“The fact that the president can still party amidst all the deaths and devastation in the Visayas and Mindanao is proof of his persistent insensitivity towards the people and the poor in particular,” said Anton Dulce, Anakbayan vice-chairperson.
“It is also callous to blame the poor for living in flood-prone areas. It is the government who should be blamed for failing to provide the poor with decent housing and decent jobs,” he added.
“No amount of poor-blaming will hide the president’s criminal culpability for this disaster. The president should not be so arrogant as to think that he can get away with his anti-people policies that are resulting in death and destruction,” he said. Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
In Sendong’s wake KMU to SC: junk mining, logging laws
With the death toll in the aftermath of typhoon “Sendong” reaching a thousand, labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno called on the Supreme Court to junk the country’s laws on mining and logging, saying these are responsible for the flashfloods that caused the deaths and destruction in the Visayas and Mindanao.
In particular, KMU called for a halt in the implementation of Republic Act 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) and Presidential Decree 705 (Forestry Reform Code), as well as the immediate junking of these laws.
“These laws are responsible for bringing the country’s environment to its present sorry state and for causing Sendong-level destruction,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“It is now clear that the destruction of the environment due to wanton mining and logging caused the flashfloods that killed more than a thousand of our fellow Filipinos and washed away entire communities,” he said.
“In the interest of the Filipino workers and people, the Supreme Court should act immediately to stop the implementation of these laws and to junk them immediately. Large-scale corporate mining and logging should be banned completely,” he added.
The labor leader said that Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has refused to junk the said laws, despite calls from people’s and enviromentalist organizations.
“The Aquino regime’s drive to sell more of the country’s natural resources to big foreign and local capitalists should be stopped dead in its tracks,” Labog said.
“Now it is clear: the government has not only sold our natural resources to big corporations. It has in the same breath bartered the workers’ and people’s lives with the devil,” he added.
KMU said that the sellout of the country’s natural resources is at the center of the Private-Public Partnership program of the Aquino government and the renewed drive to amend the 1987 Constitution.
“That is why it is imperative for the Supreme Court to step into the fray, stop the destruction of the environment and prevent Sendong-level disasters in the future,” Labog said.
“Given the changing weather patterns in the world, we cannot sit back and relax thinking that Visayas and Mindanao will be spared by typhoons,” he added. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
In particular, KMU called for a halt in the implementation of Republic Act 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) and Presidential Decree 705 (Forestry Reform Code), as well as the immediate junking of these laws.
“These laws are responsible for bringing the country’s environment to its present sorry state and for causing Sendong-level destruction,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“It is now clear that the destruction of the environment due to wanton mining and logging caused the flashfloods that killed more than a thousand of our fellow Filipinos and washed away entire communities,” he said.
“In the interest of the Filipino workers and people, the Supreme Court should act immediately to stop the implementation of these laws and to junk them immediately. Large-scale corporate mining and logging should be banned completely,” he added.
The labor leader said that Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has refused to junk the said laws, despite calls from people’s and enviromentalist organizations.
“The Aquino regime’s drive to sell more of the country’s natural resources to big foreign and local capitalists should be stopped dead in its tracks,” Labog said.
“Now it is clear: the government has not only sold our natural resources to big corporations. It has in the same breath bartered the workers’ and people’s lives with the devil,” he added.
KMU said that the sellout of the country’s natural resources is at the center of the Private-Public Partnership program of the Aquino government and the renewed drive to amend the 1987 Constitution.
“That is why it is imperative for the Supreme Court to step into the fray, stop the destruction of the environment and prevent Sendong-level disasters in the future,” Labog said.
“Given the changing weather patterns in the world, we cannot sit back and relax thinking that Visayas and Mindanao will be spared by typhoons,” he added. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Workers picket SC vs. one-sided decision on RFM case
Some 30 workers of RFM Foods Corporation, together with supporters, picketed the Supreme Court this morning to protest the high tribunal’s lopsided decision on their case which they say favors those who capitulated to the management and the company’s management itself.
The workers, who are actually merchandisers selling RFM’s products in malls and supermarkets, were relieved from work in 2004 with only a day’s notice. The workers, who were immediately replaced with contractuals, decided to refuse the management’s offer of 50% separation pay and wage a legal battle.
A segment of the workers, however, decided to take the management’s offer. The SC then ruled that this segment be reinstated from work and be given full backwages – from which the amount equivalent to 50% which they received will be reduced.
“This is a most unfair decision of the Supreme Court. Bakit naman ganoon? Workers who carried on with the fight and refused to compromise with the management are denied justice. Those who compromised are being rewarded,” said Tony Pascual, secretary-general of the National Federation of Labor Unions-Kilusang Mayo Uno, of which the RFM workers’ union is an affiliate.
“The SC decision sends a most dangerous message to workers: compromise with the management and you will be rewarded. This is most unjust and favors capitalists wanting to divide workers’ ranks and reduce payments for their crimes,” he added.
“We demand that that the RFM workers be reinstated to their former positions and be given fullbackwages. That is the justice that workers want. That is the just decision that will benefit all RFM workers,” he said.
Contractualization
NAFLU-KMU also said the SC’s decision is a silent nod to the contractualization of workforces in the country.
“The SC is also in effect saying that capitalists can easily remove workers from work and contractualize workforces. They can divide workers’ resistance to contractualization and pay a meager sum to those who compromise even if they illegally dismiss workers,” Pascual said.
“The RFM workers’ case is another illustration of how contractualization is a bane to workers while being a blessing for capitalists. The SC should do a Luisita on the issue of contractualization and junk this most anti-worker of policies,” he added. Tony Pascual, NAFLU-KMU Secretary General
The workers, who are actually merchandisers selling RFM’s products in malls and supermarkets, were relieved from work in 2004 with only a day’s notice. The workers, who were immediately replaced with contractuals, decided to refuse the management’s offer of 50% separation pay and wage a legal battle.
A segment of the workers, however, decided to take the management’s offer. The SC then ruled that this segment be reinstated from work and be given full backwages – from which the amount equivalent to 50% which they received will be reduced.
“This is a most unfair decision of the Supreme Court. Bakit naman ganoon? Workers who carried on with the fight and refused to compromise with the management are denied justice. Those who compromised are being rewarded,” said Tony Pascual, secretary-general of the National Federation of Labor Unions-Kilusang Mayo Uno, of which the RFM workers’ union is an affiliate.
“The SC decision sends a most dangerous message to workers: compromise with the management and you will be rewarded. This is most unjust and favors capitalists wanting to divide workers’ ranks and reduce payments for their crimes,” he added.
“We demand that that the RFM workers be reinstated to their former positions and be given fullbackwages. That is the justice that workers want. That is the just decision that will benefit all RFM workers,” he said.
Contractualization
NAFLU-KMU also said the SC’s decision is a silent nod to the contractualization of workforces in the country.
“The SC is also in effect saying that capitalists can easily remove workers from work and contractualize workforces. They can divide workers’ resistance to contractualization and pay a meager sum to those who compromise even if they illegally dismiss workers,” Pascual said.
“The RFM workers’ case is another illustration of how contractualization is a bane to workers while being a blessing for capitalists. The SC should do a Luisita on the issue of contractualization and junk this most anti-worker of policies,” he added. Tony Pascual, NAFLU-KMU Secretary General
Friday, December 16, 2011
Hungrier, poorer Christmas Workers picket Congress for wage hike, contractualization junking
With a “hungrier, poorer Christmas” ahead, workers led by labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno, together with Anakpawis Partylist, picketed the House of Representatives on the latter’s last session day for the year to reiterate calls for a significant wage hike and an end to contractualization.
Carrying Christmas-themed placards, KMU called for the immediate passage of the P125 Wage Hike Bill (House Bill 375) and the Regular Employment Bill (HB 5110), both filed by Anakpawis Partylist Rep. Rafael V. Mariano, which aim to legislate a P125 across-the-board wage hike nationwide and end contractual employment in the country.
“Because of the government’s refusal to listen to our calls, workers will be hungrier and poorer this Christmas. It will be another ‘Paskong tuyo (dry Christmas)’ for many of us this year – only worse,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“Two of the best ways that the government can give immediate relief to workers and poor people is to approve a significant wage hike and junk contractualization. These measures will at least alleviate our suffering due to the soaring prices of basic goods and services,” he added.
KMU cited recent Social Weather Stations survey showing the intensifying hunger and poverty in the country:
à October survey: one in five households experienced having nothing to eat in the three months prior to the survey’s release à November survey: 52% of Filipino families consider themselves poor.
“If the government really wants to ease workers’ suffering, it cannot evade calls for a big enough increase in wages and for the junking of contractual employment. Heeding these calls is one of the best ways that the government can help people who work hard to get by,” Labog said.
“While the Christmas season wants to spread joy to workers, we cannot feel anything but disgust at how the government has failed to give us relief through these bills. We are outraged that the P125 Wage Hike Bill and the REB remain at the committee level,” he added.
Rep. Mariano attended the picket and expressed solidarity with the workers’ demands.
“We vow to continue calling and fighting for a significant wage hike and an end to contractualization. We will continue pushing for these bills next year,” said Labog.
“We are sure that the country’s economy will continue to deteriorate next year. A significant wage hike and the junking of contractualization will become even more urgent for workers,” he said. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
Carrying Christmas-themed placards, KMU called for the immediate passage of the P125 Wage Hike Bill (House Bill 375) and the Regular Employment Bill (HB 5110), both filed by Anakpawis Partylist Rep. Rafael V. Mariano, which aim to legislate a P125 across-the-board wage hike nationwide and end contractual employment in the country.
“Because of the government’s refusal to listen to our calls, workers will be hungrier and poorer this Christmas. It will be another ‘Paskong tuyo (dry Christmas)’ for many of us this year – only worse,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“Two of the best ways that the government can give immediate relief to workers and poor people is to approve a significant wage hike and junk contractualization. These measures will at least alleviate our suffering due to the soaring prices of basic goods and services,” he added.
KMU cited recent Social Weather Stations survey showing the intensifying hunger and poverty in the country:
à October survey: one in five households experienced having nothing to eat in the three months prior to the survey’s release à November survey: 52% of Filipino families consider themselves poor.
“If the government really wants to ease workers’ suffering, it cannot evade calls for a big enough increase in wages and for the junking of contractual employment. Heeding these calls is one of the best ways that the government can help people who work hard to get by,” Labog said.
“While the Christmas season wants to spread joy to workers, we cannot feel anything but disgust at how the government has failed to give us relief through these bills. We are outraged that the P125 Wage Hike Bill and the REB remain at the committee level,” he added.
Rep. Mariano attended the picket and expressed solidarity with the workers’ demands.
“We vow to continue calling and fighting for a significant wage hike and an end to contractualization. We will continue pushing for these bills next year,” said Labog.
“We are sure that the country’s economy will continue to deteriorate next year. A significant wage hike and the junking of contractualization will become even more urgent for workers,” he said. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Hinggil sa kampanya ng gobyernong Aquino na i-impeach si Corona
(1) Hangad namin ang agarang pagpapanagot kay dating Pang. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa kanyang malulubhang krimen sa mga manggagawa at mamamayang Pilipino. Sa loob ng mahigit siyam na taon, nilabag niya ang mga karapatang pang-ekonomiya, pampulitika at sibil ng mga manggagawa at mamamayan. Para sa marami, sigurado nang maysala siya sa mga kaso ng pandarambong, pandaraya ng eleksyon at paglabag sa mga karapatang pantao.
(2) Mula nang maging pangulo siya, gayunman, si Pang. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III ang naging hadlang sa pagpapanagot kay Gng. Arroyo. Matapos ang mahigit 500 araw sa pwesto, nabigo ang kanyang gobyerno na magsampa ng kahit isang kaso man lang laban kay Gng. Arroyo at sa mga kasabwat nito.At ang kasong isinampa nito ay ang pagsabotahe pa sa eleksyong 2007 – at hindi man lang sa eleksyong 2004, kung saan malinaw na nalantad na may kasalanan si Gng. Arroyo.
(3) Napwersa lang ang gobyernong Aquino na umaksyon laban kay Gng. Arroyo nang malinaw na ipakita ng huli na plano nitong tumakas sa pagpapanagot sa pamamagitan ng pagpapadestiyero sa ibang bansa. Napwersa lang itong umaksyon bunsod ng takot sa pagkondena ng mga manggagawa at mamamayan kung sakaling mabigo itong papanagutin si Gng. Arroyo para sa mga krimen ng huli. Natakot din itong mawalan ng sisisihin kapag kailangan nitong pataasin ang popularidad nito.
(4) Bumanat lang si Pang. Aquino sa Korte Suprema, at kay Chief Justice Renato Corona sa partikular, nang iniutos ng mataas na korte ang pamamahagi ng lupain ng Hacienda Luisita sa mga magbubukid. Duda kami sa kagustuhan ni Pang. Aquino na papanagutin si Gng. Arroyo, batay na rin sa rekord ng gobyerno niya sa isyu, pero sigurado kaming layunin ni Pang. Aquino na panatilihin ang Hacienda Luisita sa pagmamay-ari ng pamilyang Cojuangco-Aquino.
(5) Bagamat maraming kulang at butas sa desisyon ng Korte Suprema hinggil sa Hacienda Luisita, tagumpay ito ng mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid. Makikita sa kampanya ng rehimeng Aquino para i-impeach si CJ Corona ang pag-ani sa galit ng mga panginoong maylupa ng bansa sa isang desisyon na nagbabanta, kahit paano, sa inaangkin nilang karapatang magmay-ari ng malalaking kalupaan sa bansa.
(6) Kritikal kami sa Korte Suprema, lalo na sa pamumuno in CJ Corona. Sa maraming mahalagang kaso, bumangga ito sa interes ng mga manggagawa at mamamayang Pilipino – sa partikular, sa mga kaso sa VAT sa toll, Fasap at coco levy. Naniniwala kami, gayunman, na sa esensya’y reaksyunaryong institusyon ito, at walang anumang pagpapalit ng tao rito ang magdudulot dito na maging panig sa mga manggagawa at mamamayan.
(7) Sa ganitong mga batayan, naniniwala kaming isang hakbangin sa tunggalian ng mga paksyon ng naghaharing uri ang kampanya ng gobyernong Aquino na i-impeach si CJ Corona. Hindi garantiya ang pagkaka-impeach ni CJ Corona na papanagutin ng gobyernong Aquino si Gng. Arroyo sa mga krimen ng huli. Posibleng walang mapala ang mga manggagawa at mamamayan – higit pa rito, posibleng marami ang mawala sa atin – kapag nagtagumpay ang iskema ng rehimeng Aquino na kontrolin o i-takeover ang Korte Suprema. Elmer "Bong" Labog, KMU Chairperson
(2) Mula nang maging pangulo siya, gayunman, si Pang. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III ang naging hadlang sa pagpapanagot kay Gng. Arroyo. Matapos ang mahigit 500 araw sa pwesto, nabigo ang kanyang gobyerno na magsampa ng kahit isang kaso man lang laban kay Gng. Arroyo at sa mga kasabwat nito.At ang kasong isinampa nito ay ang pagsabotahe pa sa eleksyong 2007 – at hindi man lang sa eleksyong 2004, kung saan malinaw na nalantad na may kasalanan si Gng. Arroyo.
(3) Napwersa lang ang gobyernong Aquino na umaksyon laban kay Gng. Arroyo nang malinaw na ipakita ng huli na plano nitong tumakas sa pagpapanagot sa pamamagitan ng pagpapadestiyero sa ibang bansa. Napwersa lang itong umaksyon bunsod ng takot sa pagkondena ng mga manggagawa at mamamayan kung sakaling mabigo itong papanagutin si Gng. Arroyo para sa mga krimen ng huli. Natakot din itong mawalan ng sisisihin kapag kailangan nitong pataasin ang popularidad nito.
(4) Bumanat lang si Pang. Aquino sa Korte Suprema, at kay Chief Justice Renato Corona sa partikular, nang iniutos ng mataas na korte ang pamamahagi ng lupain ng Hacienda Luisita sa mga magbubukid. Duda kami sa kagustuhan ni Pang. Aquino na papanagutin si Gng. Arroyo, batay na rin sa rekord ng gobyerno niya sa isyu, pero sigurado kaming layunin ni Pang. Aquino na panatilihin ang Hacienda Luisita sa pagmamay-ari ng pamilyang Cojuangco-Aquino.
(5) Bagamat maraming kulang at butas sa desisyon ng Korte Suprema hinggil sa Hacienda Luisita, tagumpay ito ng mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid. Makikita sa kampanya ng rehimeng Aquino para i-impeach si CJ Corona ang pag-ani sa galit ng mga panginoong maylupa ng bansa sa isang desisyon na nagbabanta, kahit paano, sa inaangkin nilang karapatang magmay-ari ng malalaking kalupaan sa bansa.
(6) Kritikal kami sa Korte Suprema, lalo na sa pamumuno in CJ Corona. Sa maraming mahalagang kaso, bumangga ito sa interes ng mga manggagawa at mamamayang Pilipino – sa partikular, sa mga kaso sa VAT sa toll, Fasap at coco levy. Naniniwala kami, gayunman, na sa esensya’y reaksyunaryong institusyon ito, at walang anumang pagpapalit ng tao rito ang magdudulot dito na maging panig sa mga manggagawa at mamamayan.
(7) Sa ganitong mga batayan, naniniwala kaming isang hakbangin sa tunggalian ng mga paksyon ng naghaharing uri ang kampanya ng gobyernong Aquino na i-impeach si CJ Corona. Hindi garantiya ang pagkaka-impeach ni CJ Corona na papanagutin ng gobyernong Aquino si Gng. Arroyo sa mga krimen ng huli. Posibleng walang mapala ang mga manggagawa at mamamayan – higit pa rito, posibleng marami ang mawala sa atin – kapag nagtagumpay ang iskema ng rehimeng Aquino na kontrolin o i-takeover ang Korte Suprema. Elmer "Bong" Labog, KMU Chairperson
KMU calls for justice for 5 workers hurt in SM Davao
Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno called for justice for the five workers who were injured today in SM Davao, saying workplace accidents this year highlight the need to junk contractualization.
The five workers – Ronnie Mosqueda, Alvin Rapista, Ruel Hinampas, Rodel Pormento and Rogelio Piodo, Jr. – were doing masonry work when a canopy collapsed at their work site in SM Davao this morning.
They are employees of Isamil Builders Construction, a sub-contractor of New Golden City Builders, the main contractor of the new SM building.
“We are calling for justice for the five workers who were injured in SM Davao. Beyond receiving compensation, the workers should get justice with the punishment of those responsible for the incident that injured them,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.
“We are calling for an immediate and truthful investigation as to what actually happened and as to the management’s responsibility. Given the Labor department’s proven bias for capitalists and against workers, such an investigation should involve the media and cause-oriented groups,” he added.
Junk contractualization
The labor center also reiterated its call for the junking of contractualization, which is pervasive in the country’s construction industry.
“Eton, Keppel and now SM – the publicized cases of workplace accidents this year all victimize contractual workers. It is contractual workers who are doing the most dangerous work, yet are the least protected by the country’s laws,” Soluta said.
“The main employers in the previous cases of Eton and Keppel were not punished, and contractors and sub-contractors, shielded by their anonymity and the country’s laws, go unpunished. It is often the case that desperate families are just offered minimal compensation, not justice,” he added.
KMU cited the death of 10 workers in the construction of the Eton Towers in Makati last January and the death of six workers in Keppel Shipyard in Subic last October, saying no one has been punished to this day for these cases.
KMU has been calling for the passage of House Bill 5110, otherwise known as the Regular Employment Bill, filed by Anakpawis Partylist Rep. Rafael V. Mariano, seeking to make contractuals the direct employees of primary employers. Roger Soluta, KMU Secretary General
The five workers – Ronnie Mosqueda, Alvin Rapista, Ruel Hinampas, Rodel Pormento and Rogelio Piodo, Jr. – were doing masonry work when a canopy collapsed at their work site in SM Davao this morning.
They are employees of Isamil Builders Construction, a sub-contractor of New Golden City Builders, the main contractor of the new SM building.
“We are calling for justice for the five workers who were injured in SM Davao. Beyond receiving compensation, the workers should get justice with the punishment of those responsible for the incident that injured them,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.
“We are calling for an immediate and truthful investigation as to what actually happened and as to the management’s responsibility. Given the Labor department’s proven bias for capitalists and against workers, such an investigation should involve the media and cause-oriented groups,” he added.
Junk contractualization
The labor center also reiterated its call for the junking of contractualization, which is pervasive in the country’s construction industry.
“Eton, Keppel and now SM – the publicized cases of workplace accidents this year all victimize contractual workers. It is contractual workers who are doing the most dangerous work, yet are the least protected by the country’s laws,” Soluta said.
“The main employers in the previous cases of Eton and Keppel were not punished, and contractors and sub-contractors, shielded by their anonymity and the country’s laws, go unpunished. It is often the case that desperate families are just offered minimal compensation, not justice,” he added.
KMU cited the death of 10 workers in the construction of the Eton Towers in Makati last January and the death of six workers in Keppel Shipyard in Subic last October, saying no one has been punished to this day for these cases.
KMU has been calling for the passage of House Bill 5110, otherwise known as the Regular Employment Bill, filed by Anakpawis Partylist Rep. Rafael V. Mariano, seeking to make contractuals the direct employees of primary employers. Roger Soluta, KMU Secretary General
It’s low-quality work that boost jobs figures – KMU
“This is the kind of employment growth that alarms, rather than gives comfort.”
This was labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno’s reaction to new employment figures released by the National Statistics Office showing that the country now has the lowest unemployment rate in four years, agreeing with an economist’s analysis that employment figures were boosted by low-quality jobs.
Prof. Benjamin Diokno of the University of the Philippines School of Economics said that a quarter of the 2 million jobs generated in October this year is composed of unpaid work in family-owned businesses.
He also said that the number of people working below 20 hours a week increased by 1.5 million, while more people are looking for jobs, thereby increasing the labor participation rate.
“We should not be comforted by news of record-high employment levels given the commensurate rise in low-quality work. We know the nature of low-quality work: it pays less and its increase indicates growing poverty and even hunger,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.
“It also means the failure of the government’s so-called employment program to create decent work and provide living wages. These figures indicate that poor people are getting more desperate and ingenuous in finding work because of the government’s ineptitude in the employment department,” he added.
“The spread of low-quality work also means that youths who should be in school are being forced to work to make up for parents’ meager income. That means that many youths are being barred from the opportunity of getting better employment in the future,” he said.
KMU also slammed the government of Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III for merely replicating its predecessors’ employment programs that are dependent on foreign investments and foreign markets.
“Now that the economies of the US and other capitalist countries are being wracked by a severe crisis, there should be ways of generating employment that rely on factors internal to the country and directed at meeting domestic needs,” Soluta said.
“That means the implementation of genuine land reform to meet the country’s basic needs such as food, and of an industrialization that is nationalist. It is only through these policies that we can really generate jobs and go beyond the government’s piecemeal approach that is really geared at winning the propaganda war and not the war against unemployment,” he added. Roger Soluta, KMU Scretary General
This was labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno’s reaction to new employment figures released by the National Statistics Office showing that the country now has the lowest unemployment rate in four years, agreeing with an economist’s analysis that employment figures were boosted by low-quality jobs.
Prof. Benjamin Diokno of the University of the Philippines School of Economics said that a quarter of the 2 million jobs generated in October this year is composed of unpaid work in family-owned businesses.
He also said that the number of people working below 20 hours a week increased by 1.5 million, while more people are looking for jobs, thereby increasing the labor participation rate.
“We should not be comforted by news of record-high employment levels given the commensurate rise in low-quality work. We know the nature of low-quality work: it pays less and its increase indicates growing poverty and even hunger,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.
“It also means the failure of the government’s so-called employment program to create decent work and provide living wages. These figures indicate that poor people are getting more desperate and ingenuous in finding work because of the government’s ineptitude in the employment department,” he added.
“The spread of low-quality work also means that youths who should be in school are being forced to work to make up for parents’ meager income. That means that many youths are being barred from the opportunity of getting better employment in the future,” he said.
KMU also slammed the government of Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III for merely replicating its predecessors’ employment programs that are dependent on foreign investments and foreign markets.
“Now that the economies of the US and other capitalist countries are being wracked by a severe crisis, there should be ways of generating employment that rely on factors internal to the country and directed at meeting domestic needs,” Soluta said.
“That means the implementation of genuine land reform to meet the country’s basic needs such as food, and of an industrialization that is nationalist. It is only through these policies that we can really generate jobs and go beyond the government’s piecemeal approach that is really geared at winning the propaganda war and not the war against unemployment,” he added. Roger Soluta, KMU Scretary General
‘Grinch Who Stole Workers’ Christmas’ Workers Picket DOLE, Slam Contractualization Dep’t Order
Nine days before Christmas, and half a month after the Labor department announced a new department order on contractualization, workers led by labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno picketed the agency, condemning the policy for merely faking the regulation of contractualization instead of actually junking it.
Carrying pictures of Department of Labor and Employment Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz with the body of The Grinch, a fairy-tale character who stole Christmas, the workers said the department is stealing workers’ Christmas with its promotion of contractualization and pressing down of workers’ wages.
“Workers will be celebrating a hungrier and poorer Christmas because of low wages and rampant contractualization. Sec. Baldoz and Pres. Aquino have worked hard all year as Grinches, stealing Christmas from us workers and our families,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.
“Workers and poor people are hungrier and poorer now than we were last Christmas. This year witnessed the Aquino government’s non-stop attacks on labor and poor people in general,” he added.
Last November, Baldoz announced the approval of Department Order 2008-A Series of 2011, which she said seeks to “regulate” contractualization in the country by delineating “legitimate” contractors and sub-contractors from “illegitimate” ones and imposing requisites for being considered legitimate.
“Contrary to the DOLE’s propaganda, DO 2008-A Series of 2011 will not really stop contractualization and promote adherence to labor standards. It is a poor attempt to make contractualization palatable to workers and poor people while strengthening the legality of contractors and subcontractors,” he said.
KMU said the Aquino government this year further promoted contractualization with its ruling on the Philippine Airlines labor dispute and reduced workers’ real wage by granting a meager Cost of Living Allowance.
“Workers and poor people know that prices go up every Christmas season. This year, our capacity to buy even our families’ most basic needs has severely been eroded,” he added.
The labor center cited a research by independent think-tank Ibon Foundation showing that the current minimum wage in the National Capital Region is just 2/5 of the daily amount needed by a family to live decently, which currently stands at P988. In 2001, the said proportion was at 1/2. Roger Soluta, KMU Secretary-General
Friday, December 9, 2011
KMU to Lacierda: What about just compensation?
“What about Pres. Aquino’s statement about ‘just compensation’ for landlords?”
This was labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno’s reaction to presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda’s dismissal of KMU’s statement that Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino is using the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issue to get back at the Supreme Court for the latter’s ruling favoring the distribution of Luisita lands to farmers.
Lacierda said KMU’s statement is “a complete disinformation,” citing the Office of the Solicitor-General’s motion for reconsideration against the SC’s ruling allowing farmer-beneficiaries to choose between owning land or owning stocks through a referendum.
“We maintain our view: that Pres. Aquino’s word war with the Supreme Court is only superficially about going after Gloria for her crimes against the Filipino workers and people. It is really about wanting the high tribunal to step back from its decision ordering the distribution of Luisita lands to farmers,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“Mr. Lacierda wants to create the impression that Pres. Aquino is all for the distribution of the Luisita lands to farmers and does not hold grudges against the Supreme Court for its latest ruling on the land dispute,” he added.
“But by mouthing ‘just compensation’ even ahead of the Aquino-Cojuangcos, Pres. Aquino set up an immense roadblock to the distribution of Luisita lands to farmers. If he really wants land reform in Luisita, he can order the immediate, unconditional and free distribution of the hacienda’s lands to farmers,” he said.
The labor center said the president can do this on the basis of the condition for the government loan in 1957 that was used to purchase Hacienda Luisita and of the Cojuangco-Aquino’s wealth from the farmers’ decades-long toil.
Only forced to take action vs. GMA
KMU said that the Aquino government was only forced to take action against Mrs. Arroyo when it was clear that she was planning to leave the country and go into exile.
“It is difficult for us to believe that Pres. Aquino will go to war with the Supreme Court over Gloria. All through the more than one year of the Aquino regime, it was very lenient with her,” Labog said.
“The Aquino government was only forced to take action against Gloria because it feared the protests that would be sparked by her departure from the country. It was also afraid of losing a deodorizer whenever it needed one,” Labog said.
“It was the regime’s inability to file a case, any case, against Gloria which the Supreme Court used as basis for granting her the right to leave the country. Pres. Aquino saw no reason to wage war against the Supreme Court when it junked its Truth Commission,” he added. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
This was labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno’s reaction to presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda’s dismissal of KMU’s statement that Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino is using the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issue to get back at the Supreme Court for the latter’s ruling favoring the distribution of Luisita lands to farmers.
Lacierda said KMU’s statement is “a complete disinformation,” citing the Office of the Solicitor-General’s motion for reconsideration against the SC’s ruling allowing farmer-beneficiaries to choose between owning land or owning stocks through a referendum.
“We maintain our view: that Pres. Aquino’s word war with the Supreme Court is only superficially about going after Gloria for her crimes against the Filipino workers and people. It is really about wanting the high tribunal to step back from its decision ordering the distribution of Luisita lands to farmers,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“Mr. Lacierda wants to create the impression that Pres. Aquino is all for the distribution of the Luisita lands to farmers and does not hold grudges against the Supreme Court for its latest ruling on the land dispute,” he added.
“But by mouthing ‘just compensation’ even ahead of the Aquino-Cojuangcos, Pres. Aquino set up an immense roadblock to the distribution of Luisita lands to farmers. If he really wants land reform in Luisita, he can order the immediate, unconditional and free distribution of the hacienda’s lands to farmers,” he said.
The labor center said the president can do this on the basis of the condition for the government loan in 1957 that was used to purchase Hacienda Luisita and of the Cojuangco-Aquino’s wealth from the farmers’ decades-long toil.
Only forced to take action vs. GMA
KMU said that the Aquino government was only forced to take action against Mrs. Arroyo when it was clear that she was planning to leave the country and go into exile.
“It is difficult for us to believe that Pres. Aquino will go to war with the Supreme Court over Gloria. All through the more than one year of the Aquino regime, it was very lenient with her,” Labog said.
“The Aquino government was only forced to take action against Gloria because it feared the protests that would be sparked by her departure from the country. It was also afraid of losing a deodorizer whenever it needed one,” Labog said.
“It was the regime’s inability to file a case, any case, against Gloria which the Supreme Court used as basis for granting her the right to leave the country. Pres. Aquino saw no reason to wage war against the Supreme Court when it junked its Truth Commission,” he added. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
KMU calls for public support for Mendiola Campout
Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno called on the public today to give support to the Mendiola Campout protest against hunger and poverty, saying the protest is fighting for the country’s 99%.
After clashes with the police, with the latter employing overkill force against protestors, the Mendiola Campout protest has, starting on its second day yesterday, settled in Bustillos, Manila.
The protest, dubbed “Kampuhan Kontra Kaltas, Krisis at Kahirapan,” is being maintained by students, youth, workers, urban poor and other sectors calling for immediate relief from the intensifying hunger and poverty.
“The Mendiola Campout is giving voice to the demands of the majority of the country, the Philippines’ 99%. Let us strengthen the protest by showing and giving our support,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“You can give food, lend tents, disseminate the message and updates through social networking sites. The best form of support, of course, is joining the protest even for a few hours every day,” he added.
Until Human Rights Day
KMU said that the protest will be in place until Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day.
“The protest will be there on Dec. 10 to call for the upholding of the economic and political rights of the country’s majority. It will call for the immediate release of the country’s political prisoners, some 365 among whom are holding a hunger strike right now,” Labog said.
“We participants in the Mendiola Campout have ourselves seen the violation of our right to peaceably assembly and express our grivances in holding this protest. High-profile violations of the people’s right to free expression within the Human Rights Week is a clear proof of the Aquino government’s lack of commitment to upholding human rights,” he added.
“The free exercise of our human rights is not something granted freely by the government; it is something that we the people should stand up and fight for,” he said. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
After clashes with the police, with the latter employing overkill force against protestors, the Mendiola Campout protest has, starting on its second day yesterday, settled in Bustillos, Manila.
The protest, dubbed “Kampuhan Kontra Kaltas, Krisis at Kahirapan,” is being maintained by students, youth, workers, urban poor and other sectors calling for immediate relief from the intensifying hunger and poverty.
“The Mendiola Campout is giving voice to the demands of the majority of the country, the Philippines’ 99%. Let us strengthen the protest by showing and giving our support,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“You can give food, lend tents, disseminate the message and updates through social networking sites. The best form of support, of course, is joining the protest even for a few hours every day,” he added.
Until Human Rights Day
KMU said that the protest will be in place until Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day.
“The protest will be there on Dec. 10 to call for the upholding of the economic and political rights of the country’s majority. It will call for the immediate release of the country’s political prisoners, some 365 among whom are holding a hunger strike right now,” Labog said.
“We participants in the Mendiola Campout have ourselves seen the violation of our right to peaceably assembly and express our grivances in holding this protest. High-profile violations of the people’s right to free expression within the Human Rights Week is a clear proof of the Aquino government’s lack of commitment to upholding human rights,” he added.
“The free exercise of our human rights is not something granted freely by the government; it is something that we the people should stand up and fight for,” he said. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Baldoz’s defense of outsourcing shows DOLE anti-contractualization statements all lies – KMU
“Baldoz’s defense of outsourcing exposes her anti-contractualization statements as mere lies.”
This was labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno’s statement today, after Labor secretary Rosalinda Baldoz defended the government’s policy allowing outsourcing in a meeting of the International Labor Organization in Kyoto, Japan yesterday, saying her statements about ending contractualization before she left for the meeting are exposed as untrue.
“Outsourcing means the contractualization of workforces. The Labor department, which is merely creating a semblance of regulation among contractors and subcontractors, is just trying to take advantage of a new policy to make a publicity blitz announcing that it is ending contractualization,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“Before Sec. Baldoz left for this ILO meeting, she was making noises about a new department order which she said will end contractualization. Now that she is in the ILO meeting, she is defending the government’s policy allowing outsourcing,” he added.
“Sec. Baldoz was just lying before the Filipino workers and people on contractualization. It is simply not true that the government is balancing the rights of workers with those of employers on key labor issues,” he said.
KMU was referring to the Department of Labor and Employment Order No. 18-A Series of 2011, released just last November, which sets regulations on the accreditation of contractors and subcontractors.
Saving face
The labor center also said that the DOLE created the DO to save face before the ILO gathering, given the government’s notoriety in approving contractualization in many cases including the labor dispute in Philippine Airlines.
“The truth is that the DO which claims to ban fly-by-night contractors and subcontractors was released after the implementation of outsourcing in PAL. Worse, the contractors in PAL are suspected of being dummy companies of PAL owner Lucio Tan,” Labog said.
“The contractor in the Eton Tower incident, in which 10 workers died, and the contractors in the Keppel Subic Shipyard incident, in which six workers died, are all fly-by-night contractors. These are some of the reasons that the government is trying to save face on the issue of contractualization,” he added. Elmer Labog, KMU chairperson
This was labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno’s statement today, after Labor secretary Rosalinda Baldoz defended the government’s policy allowing outsourcing in a meeting of the International Labor Organization in Kyoto, Japan yesterday, saying her statements about ending contractualization before she left for the meeting are exposed as untrue.
“Outsourcing means the contractualization of workforces. The Labor department, which is merely creating a semblance of regulation among contractors and subcontractors, is just trying to take advantage of a new policy to make a publicity blitz announcing that it is ending contractualization,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“Before Sec. Baldoz left for this ILO meeting, she was making noises about a new department order which she said will end contractualization. Now that she is in the ILO meeting, she is defending the government’s policy allowing outsourcing,” he added.
“Sec. Baldoz was just lying before the Filipino workers and people on contractualization. It is simply not true that the government is balancing the rights of workers with those of employers on key labor issues,” he said.
KMU was referring to the Department of Labor and Employment Order No. 18-A Series of 2011, released just last November, which sets regulations on the accreditation of contractors and subcontractors.
Saving face
The labor center also said that the DOLE created the DO to save face before the ILO gathering, given the government’s notoriety in approving contractualization in many cases including the labor dispute in Philippine Airlines.
“The truth is that the DO which claims to ban fly-by-night contractors and subcontractors was released after the implementation of outsourcing in PAL. Worse, the contractors in PAL are suspected of being dummy companies of PAL owner Lucio Tan,” Labog said.
“The contractor in the Eton Tower incident, in which 10 workers died, and the contractors in the Keppel Subic Shipyard incident, in which six workers died, are all fly-by-night contractors. These are some of the reasons that the government is trying to save face on the issue of contractualization,” he added. Elmer Labog, KMU chairperson
KMU condemns filing of charges vs. Campout protestors
Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno condemned today the filing of trumped-up charges against five leaders and five participants of the Mendiola Campout protests, saying the Aquino government is harassing activists holding peaceful protests against intensifying hunger and poverty in the country.
Yesterday, the Manila Police District filed before the Manila City Prosecutors Office charges against Vencer Crisostomo (Anakbayan chairperson), Joel Maglunsod (vice-chairperson of Anakpawis Partylist and KMU), three other leaders and five other participants of the Mendiola Campout protest.
“This is political harassment from a president who promised us change. Pres. Aquino has not changed the dire economic situation in the country and he has not changed the government’s repressive approach to protestors,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“This early, the Aquino government is exhibiting the symptoms of the Arroyo regime in its late, desperate stages. We suspect that it is preparing to use greater force in the future, given the intensifying economic crisis and intensifying protests from the workers and people,” he added.
“We demand that these charges be junked immediately,” he said.
The MPD charged the protestors with sedition, violations of the Public Assembly Act of 1985, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, causing tumults and other disturbances of public order, malicious mishief and physical injury.
“The real issue here is why the Aquino regime chose to pool together police forces from various regions to thwart a peaceful protest against hunger and poverty. And why is there an overkill use of force against protestors,” Labog said.
“The Aquino regime is so paranoid because it cannot deny that poverty and hunger is getting worse. For all its talk of ‘inclusive growth,’ it knows that it has not brought about growth for the workers and people,” he added.
When asked about their basis for the charges, Manila City Hall officials said the campout protest’s website and Facebook postings by participants indicate that the protest will lead to an “uprising” against the Aquino regime.
“It’s not the Mendiola Campout protest that’s leading to an uprising against the Aquino regime; it’s the intensifying hunger and poverty in the country. By refusing to give immediate relief to workers and poor people, the Aquino regime is indeed laying the ground for an uprising,” Labog said.
“It is further fueling possible uprisings with its paranoid and repressive moves towards protestors,” he added.
KMU has been calling for a significant wage hike, the junking of contractualization, controls on the prices of basic services and goods especially oil, and an end to demolition of urban poor communities – as forms of immediate relief from the intensifying hunger and poverty in the country. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
Yesterday, the Manila Police District filed before the Manila City Prosecutors Office charges against Vencer Crisostomo (Anakbayan chairperson), Joel Maglunsod (vice-chairperson of Anakpawis Partylist and KMU), three other leaders and five other participants of the Mendiola Campout protest.
“This is political harassment from a president who promised us change. Pres. Aquino has not changed the dire economic situation in the country and he has not changed the government’s repressive approach to protestors,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“This early, the Aquino government is exhibiting the symptoms of the Arroyo regime in its late, desperate stages. We suspect that it is preparing to use greater force in the future, given the intensifying economic crisis and intensifying protests from the workers and people,” he added.
“We demand that these charges be junked immediately,” he said.
The MPD charged the protestors with sedition, violations of the Public Assembly Act of 1985, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, causing tumults and other disturbances of public order, malicious mishief and physical injury.
“The real issue here is why the Aquino regime chose to pool together police forces from various regions to thwart a peaceful protest against hunger and poverty. And why is there an overkill use of force against protestors,” Labog said.
“The Aquino regime is so paranoid because it cannot deny that poverty and hunger is getting worse. For all its talk of ‘inclusive growth,’ it knows that it has not brought about growth for the workers and people,” he added.
When asked about their basis for the charges, Manila City Hall officials said the campout protest’s website and Facebook postings by participants indicate that the protest will lead to an “uprising” against the Aquino regime.
“It’s not the Mendiola Campout protest that’s leading to an uprising against the Aquino regime; it’s the intensifying hunger and poverty in the country. By refusing to give immediate relief to workers and poor people, the Aquino regime is indeed laying the ground for an uprising,” Labog said.
“It is further fueling possible uprisings with its paranoid and repressive moves towards protestors,” he added.
KMU has been calling for a significant wage hike, the junking of contractualization, controls on the prices of basic services and goods especially oil, and an end to demolition of urban poor communities – as forms of immediate relief from the intensifying hunger and poverty in the country. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
On the execution of another Filipino drug mule in China
We mourn the death today of our fellow Filipino who was sentenced to death in China for being a drug mule. We mourn with his family and the Filipino workers and people. We are saddened by his loss and we are angered by the implications of his loss on the situation of our country today.
It is the intensifying hunger, poverty and unemployment in the country which cause Filipinos to leave their families, work abroad, and even work as drug mules for criminal syndicates. It is the threat of death by hunger and poverty in the country which forces them to risk their lives abroad.
It is the government’s fault that many Filipinos are forced to work as drug mules. Pres. Aquino and his predecessors all promised change, an end to poverty and decent employment for Filipinos – but they all ensured continuity, perpetrated poverty and promoted low-quality work.
The Aquino regime has refused to heed workers’ calls for an immediate relief from hunger and poverty. It has refused to significantly hike workers’ wages, junk contractualization, control the prices of basic services and goods especially oil, and stop the demolition of poor communities.
It has also used force against protestors calling for an immediate relief from worsening hunger and poverty. The government attacked the Filipino people’s response to the Occupy protests in the US using truncheons, water cannons and trumped-up charges against progressive leaders.
Given the severe global economic crisis, the country needs to generate decent employment that is not reliant on factors external to the country and that addresses the needs of the Filipino people. Such employment can only be provided by genuine land reform and national industrialization.
We are therefore calling on the Filipino workers and people to struggle for genuine social change, for national freedom and democracy. Only through radical social change can we prevent fellow Filipinos from becoming drug mules and build a future that we and our children really deserve. Elmer "Bong" Labog, KMU Chairperson
It is the intensifying hunger, poverty and unemployment in the country which cause Filipinos to leave their families, work abroad, and even work as drug mules for criminal syndicates. It is the threat of death by hunger and poverty in the country which forces them to risk their lives abroad.
It is the government’s fault that many Filipinos are forced to work as drug mules. Pres. Aquino and his predecessors all promised change, an end to poverty and decent employment for Filipinos – but they all ensured continuity, perpetrated poverty and promoted low-quality work.
The Aquino regime has refused to heed workers’ calls for an immediate relief from hunger and poverty. It has refused to significantly hike workers’ wages, junk contractualization, control the prices of basic services and goods especially oil, and stop the demolition of poor communities.
It has also used force against protestors calling for an immediate relief from worsening hunger and poverty. The government attacked the Filipino people’s response to the Occupy protests in the US using truncheons, water cannons and trumped-up charges against progressive leaders.
Given the severe global economic crisis, the country needs to generate decent employment that is not reliant on factors external to the country and that addresses the needs of the Filipino people. Such employment can only be provided by genuine land reform and national industrialization.
We are therefore calling on the Filipino workers and people to struggle for genuine social change, for national freedom and democracy. Only through radical social change can we prevent fellow Filipinos from becoming drug mules and build a future that we and our children really deserve. Elmer "Bong" Labog, KMU Chairperson
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
KMU slams BIR for tax on pension, health contributions
Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno slammed the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for imposing taxes on contributions to pension, housing and health funds that are more than required by law, saying this is extortion by the government and an attack on social security.
Almost two weeks ago, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 53- 2011 which states that voluntary contributions to the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Home Mutual Development Fund or Pag-ibig Fund and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) are “investments” and are therefore subject to tax.
KMU clarified that contributions beyond that required by law come from increases in workers’ basic pay and that tax on these will be collected entirely from workers’ hard-earned income.
“This is an attack on social security, on the idea that the government should be helping workers saved for retirement and times of need. It is government extortion via an outright robbery of a section of workers’ wages and a cutback on social security,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.
“The government will be able to generate money by directly taxing workers’ pay and by reducing workers’ social security as a result of reduced contributions because of the tax. This is double robbery,” he added.
“By calling additional contributions ‘investments,’ the government is trying to cover up the fact that workers and poor people are not earning over-the-ceiling wages. Workers are able to give contributions by working hard and tightening belts,” he added.
The labor center condemned the Aquino government for treating workers as milking cows on top of implementing policies that run counter to workers’ interests.
“It is simply revolting that the Aquino government is increasing its collections from workers and people but reducing funds for social services such as education, health and housing. It is not giving back to workers and people what it is taking away from us,” Soluta said.
“The Aquino government is treating workers as milking cows which it is sucking dry. It is cutting back on our social security even as it refuses to significantly increase wages, junk contractualization and control the runaway prices of basic goods and services,” he added.
“The Aquino government is not only making the future grim for workers’ children and families, it is attacking workers’ efforts to prepare for such a grim future,” he said. Roger Soluta, KMU Secretary General
Almost two weeks ago, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 53- 2011 which states that voluntary contributions to the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Home Mutual Development Fund or Pag-ibig Fund and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) are “investments” and are therefore subject to tax.
KMU clarified that contributions beyond that required by law come from increases in workers’ basic pay and that tax on these will be collected entirely from workers’ hard-earned income.
“This is an attack on social security, on the idea that the government should be helping workers saved for retirement and times of need. It is government extortion via an outright robbery of a section of workers’ wages and a cutback on social security,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.
“The government will be able to generate money by directly taxing workers’ pay and by reducing workers’ social security as a result of reduced contributions because of the tax. This is double robbery,” he added.
“By calling additional contributions ‘investments,’ the government is trying to cover up the fact that workers and poor people are not earning over-the-ceiling wages. Workers are able to give contributions by working hard and tightening belts,” he added.
The labor center condemned the Aquino government for treating workers as milking cows on top of implementing policies that run counter to workers’ interests.
“It is simply revolting that the Aquino government is increasing its collections from workers and people but reducing funds for social services such as education, health and housing. It is not giving back to workers and people what it is taking away from us,” Soluta said.
“The Aquino government is treating workers as milking cows which it is sucking dry. It is cutting back on our social security even as it refuses to significantly increase wages, junk contractualization and control the runaway prices of basic goods and services,” he added.
“The Aquino government is not only making the future grim for workers’ children and families, it is attacking workers’ efforts to prepare for such a grim future,” he said. Roger Soluta, KMU Secretary General
People’s protests vs. poverty needed – KMU
Hailing the statements of Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma and former Comelec chair Christian Monsod detailing the intensifying poverty in the country, labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno called on workers and the people today to join protests to condemn poverty and push for pro-poor reforms.
Ledesma and Monsod described the growing poverty and hunger, bankrupt elite leadership and anti-people policies in the country in a recent summit on “poverty, inequality and social reform.”
“As the statements of Archbishop Ledesma and Mr. Monsod show, the growing hunger and poverty in the country cannot be covered up anymore by the pa-pogi rhetorics of the Aquino government,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“We are calling on workers and people to affirm the growing poverty and hunger by joining street protests, because mere facts won’t do. Let us push for pro-poor measures as an immediate relief from the rapidly worsening economic condition in the country,” he added.
“The Conditional Cash Transfer program of this government is big on promises and rhetorics but fails to solve poverty and hunger. It is a mere band-aid solution to the cancer that is the chronic poverty in the country,” he said.
Kampuhan in Mendiola
The labor center called on workers and the poor to join the “Kampuhan Kontra Kaltas, Krisis at Kahirapan” which will be held from Dec. 6 at Mendiola. It said workers and poor people will pour in on the campout at Dec. 7.
“The Mendiola camp-out will be a venue for everyone who are fed up with the growing poverty and hunger in the country to make their voices heard. The poor and hungry should not suffer in silence but break out in protests,” Labog said.
“It will also be a platform for the poor and pro-poor to clarify their demands on the government and their demand for radical social change. We should back up our just demands with bigger protests,” he added.
KMU said that the campout will air the following demands: a significant wage hike, the junking of contractualization, an end to cutbacks on social security, government control over the prices of basic goods and services especially oil, an end to demolitions of urban poor communities, and the immediate, unconditional and free distribution of Hacienda Luisita lands and other hacienda lands to farmers.
It said it will also call for the repudiation of the country’s odious foreign debts, debts which did not benefit the people and were pocketed by officials in the government.
“We will condemn the huge and increasing section of the national budget that is going to payments for the country’s foreign debt. We are being denied of social services in order to pay for these debts which we did not benefit from in the first place,” Labog said.
“Worse, these debts have been instrumental in pushing for anti-poor policies in the country,” he added. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
Ledesma and Monsod described the growing poverty and hunger, bankrupt elite leadership and anti-people policies in the country in a recent summit on “poverty, inequality and social reform.”
“As the statements of Archbishop Ledesma and Mr. Monsod show, the growing hunger and poverty in the country cannot be covered up anymore by the pa-pogi rhetorics of the Aquino government,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“We are calling on workers and people to affirm the growing poverty and hunger by joining street protests, because mere facts won’t do. Let us push for pro-poor measures as an immediate relief from the rapidly worsening economic condition in the country,” he added.
“The Conditional Cash Transfer program of this government is big on promises and rhetorics but fails to solve poverty and hunger. It is a mere band-aid solution to the cancer that is the chronic poverty in the country,” he said.
Kampuhan in Mendiola
The labor center called on workers and the poor to join the “Kampuhan Kontra Kaltas, Krisis at Kahirapan” which will be held from Dec. 6 at Mendiola. It said workers and poor people will pour in on the campout at Dec. 7.
“The Mendiola camp-out will be a venue for everyone who are fed up with the growing poverty and hunger in the country to make their voices heard. The poor and hungry should not suffer in silence but break out in protests,” Labog said.
“It will also be a platform for the poor and pro-poor to clarify their demands on the government and their demand for radical social change. We should back up our just demands with bigger protests,” he added.
KMU said that the campout will air the following demands: a significant wage hike, the junking of contractualization, an end to cutbacks on social security, government control over the prices of basic goods and services especially oil, an end to demolitions of urban poor communities, and the immediate, unconditional and free distribution of Hacienda Luisita lands and other hacienda lands to farmers.
It said it will also call for the repudiation of the country’s odious foreign debts, debts which did not benefit the people and were pocketed by officials in the government.
“We will condemn the huge and increasing section of the national budget that is going to payments for the country’s foreign debt. We are being denied of social services in order to pay for these debts which we did not benefit from in the first place,” Labog said.
“Worse, these debts have been instrumental in pushing for anti-poor policies in the country,” he added. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
Obrero, lalahok sa kampuhan kontra kagutuman, kahirapan
Inihayag ng Kilusang Mayo Uno ngayong araw na lalahok ang mga manggagawa sa kampuhan sa Mendiola na magsisimula sa Dis. 6 para ipanawagan ang radikal na pagbabago sa gitna ng tumitinding kagutuman at kahirapan sa bansa.
Layon ng protesta, na tinataguriang “Kampuhan Kontra Kaltas, Krisis at Kahirapan,” na pagkaisahin ang iba’t ibang sektor na sawa na sa kalagayang pang-ekonomiya sa bansa at sa mga patakaran ng gobyerno.
Ito ay isa sa mga tugon ng mga mamamayang Pilipino sa mga protestang Occupy sa US laban sa matinding kawalan ng pagkakapantay-pantay, kasakiman ng mga korporasyon, at lumalalang kahirapan.
“Sawa na ang mga manggagawa sa mga patakarang pang-ekonomiya ng bansa na nagkakait sa kanila ng bunga ng kanilang paggawa habang hinihigop ito ng iilan. Sawa na kami sa sistema kung saan dumaranas ang mga nagtatrabaho nang puspusan ng papatinding kagutuman at kahirapan habang nagkakamal ang mga nakaupo lang ng papalaking yaman at kapangyarihan,” ani Elmer “Bong” Labog, chairperson ng KMU.
“Maging ang kagyat na ginhawa na matagal na naming ipinaglalaban – ang makabuluhang dagdag-sahod at pagbasura sa kontraktwalisasyon – ay ayaw ibigay ng gobyerno. Radikal at tunay na pagbabago ang kailangan, hindi ang pagbabagong ipinangako ng gobyernong ito,” dagdag niya.
Utang panlabas
Sang-ayon sa mga protestang Occupy sa US na kumokondena sa pinakamayamang isang porsyento ng populasyon, na binubuo ng mga oligarkiya sa pinansya na may-ari sa pinakamalalaking bangko, mananawagan ang mga manggagawa ng pagtigil sa pagbabayad sa mga utang panlabas na hindi pinakinabangan ng mga mamamayan.
Ayon sa KMU, ang bayad ng bansa sa utang panlabas, na ngayo’y nasa $61.4 bilyon, ay napupunta lamang sa mga oligarkiya sa pinansya at nangwawasak sa buhay ng mga manggagawa at maralita.
“Inilalaan ang malaking porsyento ng pambansang badyet sa pagbabayad ng utang-panlabas na dapat ay napupunta sa mga serbisyong panlipunan tulad ng edukasyon, kalusugan at pabahay. Taun-taon, ninanakawan ang mga manggagawa at mahihirap ng serbisyong panlipunan,” ani Labog.
“Kalakhan pa sa inuutang ng gobyerno, hindi napupunta sa pakinabang ng mga mamamayan kundi sa bulsa ng iilang nasa gobyerno. Sa kabila nito, ginagamit ang pautang para ipalunok sa atin ang mga anti-mamamayang patakaran na dikta ng mga nagpapautang,” dagdag niya. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
Layon ng protesta, na tinataguriang “Kampuhan Kontra Kaltas, Krisis at Kahirapan,” na pagkaisahin ang iba’t ibang sektor na sawa na sa kalagayang pang-ekonomiya sa bansa at sa mga patakaran ng gobyerno.
Ito ay isa sa mga tugon ng mga mamamayang Pilipino sa mga protestang Occupy sa US laban sa matinding kawalan ng pagkakapantay-pantay, kasakiman ng mga korporasyon, at lumalalang kahirapan.
“Sawa na ang mga manggagawa sa mga patakarang pang-ekonomiya ng bansa na nagkakait sa kanila ng bunga ng kanilang paggawa habang hinihigop ito ng iilan. Sawa na kami sa sistema kung saan dumaranas ang mga nagtatrabaho nang puspusan ng papatinding kagutuman at kahirapan habang nagkakamal ang mga nakaupo lang ng papalaking yaman at kapangyarihan,” ani Elmer “Bong” Labog, chairperson ng KMU.
“Maging ang kagyat na ginhawa na matagal na naming ipinaglalaban – ang makabuluhang dagdag-sahod at pagbasura sa kontraktwalisasyon – ay ayaw ibigay ng gobyerno. Radikal at tunay na pagbabago ang kailangan, hindi ang pagbabagong ipinangako ng gobyernong ito,” dagdag niya.
Utang panlabas
Sang-ayon sa mga protestang Occupy sa US na kumokondena sa pinakamayamang isang porsyento ng populasyon, na binubuo ng mga oligarkiya sa pinansya na may-ari sa pinakamalalaking bangko, mananawagan ang mga manggagawa ng pagtigil sa pagbabayad sa mga utang panlabas na hindi pinakinabangan ng mga mamamayan.
Ayon sa KMU, ang bayad ng bansa sa utang panlabas, na ngayo’y nasa $61.4 bilyon, ay napupunta lamang sa mga oligarkiya sa pinansya at nangwawasak sa buhay ng mga manggagawa at maralita.
“Inilalaan ang malaking porsyento ng pambansang badyet sa pagbabayad ng utang-panlabas na dapat ay napupunta sa mga serbisyong panlipunan tulad ng edukasyon, kalusugan at pabahay. Taun-taon, ninanakawan ang mga manggagawa at mahihirap ng serbisyong panlipunan,” ani Labog.
“Kalakhan pa sa inuutang ng gobyerno, hindi napupunta sa pakinabang ng mga mamamayan kundi sa bulsa ng iilang nasa gobyerno. Sa kabila nito, ginagamit ang pautang para ipalunok sa atin ang mga anti-mamamayang patakaran na dikta ng mga nagpapautang,” dagdag niya. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
Workers to join Mendiola camp-out vs. hunger, poverty
Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno announced today that workers will be joining a camp-out in Mendiola which will start on Dec. 6 to voice out calls for radical social change amidst intensifying hunger and poverty in the country.
The protest, dubbed “Kampuhan Kontra Kaltas, Krisis at Kahirapan,” aims to bring together various sectors who are fed up with the country’s economic situation and the government’s policies.
It is one of the Filipino people’s responses to the Occupy protests in the US against extreme inequality, corporate greed and worsening poverty.
“Workers are fed up with the country’s economic policies denying them the fruits of their labor while siphoning these off to the pockets of the country’s elite. We are fed up with growing hunger and poverty for those who work hard and with growing wealth and power for those who don’t,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“Even the immediate relief that we have been fighting for – a significant wage hike and and the junking of contractual employment – have been refused by this government. A change that is infinitely more radical and genuine than what was promised by this government is needed,” he added.
Foreign debt
In line with the Occupy protests in the US, which condemned the wealthiest 1% of the American population composed of financial oligarchs owning the biggest banks, workers will call for the repudiation of the country’s odious foreign debts.
KMU said payment for country’s foreign debt, which currently stands at $61.4 Billion, goes to the world’s financial oligarchs and wreaks havoc on the lives of workers and poor people.
“The huge portion of the national budget which is being allotted to paying the foreign debt should go to social services like education, health services and housing for the poor. Year-in and year-out, workers and poor people are being robbed of social services,” Labog said.
“Many of the debts incurred by the government did not benefit the people but went to the pockets of the few in government. Despite this, the granting of loans to the government has been used to force us into accepting anti-people economic policies that lenders dictate,” he added. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
The protest, dubbed “Kampuhan Kontra Kaltas, Krisis at Kahirapan,” aims to bring together various sectors who are fed up with the country’s economic situation and the government’s policies.
It is one of the Filipino people’s responses to the Occupy protests in the US against extreme inequality, corporate greed and worsening poverty.
“Workers are fed up with the country’s economic policies denying them the fruits of their labor while siphoning these off to the pockets of the country’s elite. We are fed up with growing hunger and poverty for those who work hard and with growing wealth and power for those who don’t,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
“Even the immediate relief that we have been fighting for – a significant wage hike and and the junking of contractual employment – have been refused by this government. A change that is infinitely more radical and genuine than what was promised by this government is needed,” he added.
Foreign debt
In line with the Occupy protests in the US, which condemned the wealthiest 1% of the American population composed of financial oligarchs owning the biggest banks, workers will call for the repudiation of the country’s odious foreign debts.
KMU said payment for country’s foreign debt, which currently stands at $61.4 Billion, goes to the world’s financial oligarchs and wreaks havoc on the lives of workers and poor people.
“The huge portion of the national budget which is being allotted to paying the foreign debt should go to social services like education, health services and housing for the poor. Year-in and year-out, workers and poor people are being robbed of social services,” Labog said.
“Many of the debts incurred by the government did not benefit the people but went to the pockets of the few in government. Despite this, the granting of loans to the government has been used to force us into accepting anti-people economic policies that lenders dictate,” he added. Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU Chairperson
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