Kilusang Mayo Uno

pinilak ang pakikibaka ng mga manggagawa sa pangunguna ng Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)

 

NEWS RELEASE

June 30, 2005

 Workers tell Malacañang: It's not business as usual;

Gloria, bad for the economy

It's not business as usual for the “fake president” says the militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) as the peso crashed below 56 to the dollar, closing at 56.06 to the dollar on Wednesday, its lowest in six months.

KMU Vice Chairperson Joselito Ustarez blames President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the further economic nosedive saying, “Kapit-tuko siya sa kapangyarihan. Di pa siya nakuntento sa pananabotahe sa kabuhayan ng taumbayan dulot ng mga dispalinghadong programa sa ekonomiya katulad ng bagong VAT na i-implement na bukas at tiyak na lalong magpapahirap sa mamamayan.”

Ustarez concurred with Ms. Susan Roces  when she said that Mrs. Arroyo has done ‘enough damage to this country’ adding that the president cannot go on with the usual ‘business of governing’.

“It’s now crystal-clear that Gloria is bad for the economy. It is inevitable that the people will move on, but it is better for all of us to move on without Arroyo.  The people will formulate a new economic roadmap that will cater to the genuine needs of national industrialization and development,” Ustarez explained.

Ustarez likewise mocked Donald Dee, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), for his insistent support for the Chief Executive. He said that the likes of Mr. Dee who have benefited much from the Arroyo administration’s anti-worker policies such as trade union repression and low wages are the only ones left behind and are afraid of another people’s uprising.

The labor leader sees that the support for the president from the business community will start to fade away as mammoth rallies and falling out from the administration’s cabinet members become the order of business in the coming days.

According to a survey conducted by AC Nielsen, a private polling firm, eight out of 10 Filipinos felt there had been no improvement in the economy, recording the highest dissatisfaction rate in the entire Asia-Pacific region. KMU attributed this to Mrs. Arroyo’s perverted and self-serving policies. ###

BALITA

Hunyo 30, 2005

 
Mamamayan ang lubos na nagpapasakit, di ang Unang Pamilya

Wastong pagpapasya, isusulong ng bayan: Gloria, paaalisin ng protesta! -- KMU

Hindi magkukulang sa wastong pagpapasya ang taumbayan tulad ng tinurang ‘lapse of judgement’ ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ayon sa militanteng grupong Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU). Malawakang pagkilos at protestang masa ang isasagot ng taumbayan sa arogansya ni Arroyo na manatili sa pwesto.

Sinabi ni Nitz Gonzaga, Kalihim ng Women’s Department ng KMU, “Napagpasyahan na ng taumbayan na kailangan nang managot ni Gloria sa kanyang mga krimen sa bayan. Hindi naitatama ang mali ng isa pang pagkakamali – at maling palusutin ang pekeng pangulo.”

Sa isang porum ng mga negosyante, sinabi ni Gloria, “.. my family is once again called to sacrifice our personal happiness to allow me to serve best as President of our country.”

Sinabi ni Gonzaga na walang karapatan si Gloria na magsalita hinggil sa personal na sakripisyo gayong walang kapantay na pahirap ang ipinapasan nito sa taumbayan.

Sinegundahan ng batikang lider-manggagawa ang sinabi ni Susan Roces sa isang interbyu sa radyo hinggil sa kalagayan ng mga simpleng mamamayan sa ilalim ng rehimeng Arroyo,

Ani Gonzaga, malugod na kinilala ng  mga manggagawa ang paglalahad ni Ginang Poe ng mismong saloobin ng bayan sa gitna ng sistematikong maniobra ng palasyo para pagtakpan ang pandaraya’t korapsyon ng Pangulong Arroyo.

“Tulad ng tinuran ni Mrs. Poe, hindi rin gugustuhin naming mga manggagawa na ang aming anak ay lumaki sa gitna ng malaking kasinungalingan sa bansa,” giit ni Gonzaga.

Hinikayat din ni Gonzaga ang mamamayan na pakinggan ang kontrobersyal na wiretapped tape at nang lalo pa nilang masuri ang lalim ng pandaraya ng administrasyon noong nakaraang eleksyon. Gayundin, nanawagan ang KMU sa sa publiko na maglunsad at sumama sa iba’t-ibang porma ng kilos protesta para ipakita ang pulso ng taumbayan sa gobyerno ni Gloria.

Lalahok ang KMU  sa rali ngayong araw sa Plaza Miranda na may temang ‘Ilantad ang Buong Katotohanan, Papanagutin si Gloria sa mga krimen sa bayan!’  kasama ng Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) at iba pang grupo.  Bukas, ilalahad ng KMU ang detalye ng malaking pambansang pagkilos ng mga manggagawa at maralita sa Hulyo 7. Gayundin, sasama ang mga manggagawa sa rali sa Makati para ipanawagan ang pagpapatalsik kay Gloria. ###

 

posted by: KMU at 10:24 | link | comments |

 

NEWS RELEASE

June 27, 2005

 

“Civil disobedience, widespread unrest inevitable with GMA’s silence on tapes; emergency rule cannot save Arroyo from ultimate political doom” -- KMU

 

Militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today said they are willing to join and lead a nationwide civil disobedience campaign if Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo persists in refusing to talk about the controversial audio CDs implicating her to serious electoral fraud in the last elections.  

 

Over the weekend, militant solons said the people can embark on a civil disobedience campaign and not pay taxes if Mrs. Arroyo refuses to confirm that it is really her voice in the audio tapes. 

 

“Arroyo’s silent treatment on the people’s demand for truth on the audio tapes will be met with more protests, be it legal and extralegal form of actions. If she doesn’t heed the call of the people to bare the truth on the audio tape scandal, she’s definitely asking for more political unrest.”

 

Aside from not paying the additional VAT and latest oil price hikes, KMU urged workers and labor unions to launch calibrated workers’ strikes in economic zones and strategic industries and enterprises.

 

“It’s about time to give Mrs. Arroyo a dose of her own medicine. If she doesn’t want to talk about the Gloriagate CDs, she is leaving the Filipino people with no other option but to reject all of her policies, and ultimately unseat her from Malacanang,” said KMU Secretary General Joel Maglunsod.

 

The labor group stressed that the Political Summit called by the administration today cannot save Arroyo’s crumbling leadership and loosening grasp on the political power.  

 

“It’s definitely a roll-call of her supporters and a loyalty check. But her attempts of political consolidation and unity cannot repair the severe fissure within the political ruling elite. Much more, the public’s extreme discontent with her leadership justifies all means to oust Arroyo. The Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration is bound to face inevitable political doom,” Maglunsod said.

 

GMA public address tonight better not be about emergency rule or Con-Con

 

The labor group also warned that the President’s public address regarding ‘vital concerns’ tonight at 7 pm better not be about emergency rule or a Constitutional Convention. “Mrs. Arroyo will commit political suicide on national television if she will declare emergency rule. Emergency rule or Concon will only sharpen Arroyo’s political isolation from the Filipino masses.” 

 

“Granting emergency powers to Mrs. Arroyo to control the so-called destabilization attempts is not an acceptable solution. The only announcement that Filipinos want to hear from Mrs. Arroyo is about her resignation as President or her clarification on the audio CDs. We will reject all attempts to impose emergency rule.”

 

We advise the public to remain vigilant and immediately launch indignation protests if ever Malacanang declares emergency rule.”

 

KMU is preparing for a nationally-coordinated protest action of workers and urban poor on July 7. The broad workers’ rallies dubbed as “Araw ng Paniningil at Pagtatakwil” will reaffirm the labor sector’s long standing calls for Arroyo’s ouster. ###

BALITA                                                 

Hunyo 27, 2005

 

Wage hike order, walang saysay

DOLE Secretary, kunsintidor sa mga kumpanyang lumalabag sa labor standards

 

Pakunwari lamang at walang ngipin ang pahayag ni Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) na papatawan ng P100,000 multa at maaaring makulong ang mga kumpanyang hindi magbibigay ng P25 umento sa sahod na epektibo na noong Hunyo 16 ayon sa militanteng grupong Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).

 

Sinabi ni Lito Ustarez, Bise Presidente ng KMU, “sa katunayan, ginawang ligal ng gobyerno mismo ang pag-iwas ng mga kumpanya sa pagtataas ng sahod sa pamamagitan ng Barangay Microbusiness Enterprise (BMBE) Law kung saan maaaring mag-apply ng exemption ang mga kumpanyang kasama sa kategoryang nabanggit sa pagbibigay ng umento.”

 

“Sa simula’t simula pa lamang, nagsisinungaling na si Sto. Tomas nang sabihin nitong 5 milyong manggagawa ang mabebenepisyuhan ng P25 umento. Alam na alam nito na panlansi lamang ang umentong ibinigay para isiping may ginagawa ang gobyerno para matulungan ang taumbayan na hirap na hirap na sa walang habas na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin at serbisyo lalo pa’t ipatutupad na ang bagong VAT sa buwan ng Hulyo,” paliwanag ni Ustarez.

 

Sinabi ni Sec. Sto. Tomas sa isang interbyu sa radyo na nakatanggap sila ng aplikasyon para makalibre sa pagsunod sa pagbibigay ng P25 umento sa sahod mula sa tinatayang 300 kumpanaya. Aniya, nagrereklamo ang mga kumpanyang ito na hindi nila kakayaning ibigay ngayong taon ang umento.

 

Kinumpara rin ni Sto. Tomas ang minimum wage sa bansa na aniya’y umaabot na sa $5.60 kada araw kumpara sa bansang Tsina kung saan ang minimum wage ay $1.70 kada araw at sa Thailand naman na $4.80 kada araw. Maraming kumpanya ang diumano’y nagbabawas ng working hours o araw lalo na sa Metro Manila kung saan ang minimum wage ay P325.

 

Sinabi naman ni  Ustarez na P275 lamang ang minimum wage at isinama lamang ng DOLE sa komputasyon ang nauna nang naibigay na cost of living allowance (COLA). Dagdag pa niya, kumpara sa mga bansang Tsina at Thailand, mataas ang cost of living sa Pilipinas at kahit ang DOLE Secretary ay aminado rito.

 

“Sa gitna ng binabarat na sahod, hindi naman maipagkakaila kahit sa mga pahayag ni Sto. Tomas na competitive at productive ang mga manggagawang Pilipino,” dagdag pa ni Ustarez.

 

Binatikos din ng KMU ang sinabi ni Chief Juan B. Santos ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) na ‘minority concern’ lamang ang political instability sa bansa. Taliwas dito, ani Ustarez, umaani ng papalakas at paparaming suporta ang kampanyang Oust Gloria.

 

Sinabi rin ni Ustarez na maglulunsad ang KMU sa koordinadong pambansang protesta ng mga manggagawa at maralita sa Hulyo 7.###

posted by: KMU at 07:00 | link | comments |

   NEWS RELEASE                                         

       June 21, 2005                                       

Intense political suppression a sign of gov’t desperation

“Martial Law practically in effect with attempts to ban “GMA-Garci CDs, ringtones, anti-Gloria posters and protests” -- KMU

“Malacanang is exhibiting the worst case of paranoia with crazed attempts to suppress all forms of protests against Arroyo.”

This was the position of labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) as it condemned the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for raiding Always Graphic and Printing Press, a printing establishment reproducing anti-Gloria posters yesterday afternoon.

The raiding of the business establishment located at Project 3, which is only a few meters away from the KMU National Office at Narra st., alarmed KMU staff preparing protest materials for the June 24 anti-Gloria rally at Liwasang Bonifacio.

“The NBI cannot just barge into a printing press, accost its employees and confiscate posters just because the printed materials contain issues critical to the Arroyo administration. What NBI did was illegal. There is no law that prohibits the printing and reproduction of anti-government posters. It is a violation of the people’s right to information and a clear infringement of civil and political liberties,” said KMU Secretary General Joel Maglunsod.

The labor leader said a government crackdown is on against cause-oriented groups demanding for Arroyo’s resignation or ouster from presidency. “Driven by sheer desperation to quell the people’s growing dissent against her questionable leadership, the Arroyo government is attacking the people from all fronts.”

Maglunsod said government agencies are used to suppress the exposition of the circumstances behind Arroyo’s conversations with COMELEC Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. “First the Department of Justice (DOJ) and National Telecommunications Comission (NTC) tried to suppress the propagation and airing of GMA-Garci CDs with threats of arrests, the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) threatened to disenfranchise jeepney drivers honking ‘Hello, Hello Garci’, now the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is raiding printing press establishments aiding so-called ‘destabilization agents.’ This is preposterous.”

The campaign demanding Arroyo to step down intensified further following the exposure of the GMA-Garci tapes which hinted that Arroyo won the presidency through massive electoral fraud.

 

“GMA Martial Law” text messages not baseless

 

KMU said the text messages that came out last Friday warning the public on Malacanang’s plan to impose Martial Law are convincing especially with the instances of heightened political repression. “The Arroyo government is obviously resorting to Marcosian policies to neutralize its swift political isolation from the people, the business sector and church hierarchy.”

“If Malacanang really rejects Martial Law as an option, why impose stringent measures against activists and the general public who only wants to know the truth behind the Mrs. Arroyo’s taped conversations. We want the truth out and we want Mrs. Arroyo to face the probe,” Maglunsod said.

A weekly noise barrage will be led by Anakpawis Party List until Arroyo steps down. Meanwhile, the labor group will lead anti-Gloria activities inside companies, economic zones, along factory belts, industrial enclaves and urban poor communities. KMU also vowed to mobilize workers on June 24 at Liwasang Bonifacio to protest the latest increase in oil prices, fare hikes and to demand Arroyo’s immediate ouster from Malacanang. ###

posted by: KMU at 05:12 | link | comments (1) |

 

NEWS RELEASE

       June 21, 2005                                      

 “Latest oil price hikes, fare increase will demolish diminutive wage hikes, COLA; fight for P125 legislated not yet over” -- KMU

Workers now have more reasons to rally the P125 across-the-board, across-the-country wage increase with the latest increase in fare rates and prices of petroleum products.

Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno noted that President Arroyo is inviting more protests against her administration with her incapacity to stop the excessive oil price hikes.

The labor group is expecting Congress to discuss and approve the P125 wage bill when it resumes regular session on July 25. “The inflationary effects of the latest OPH, P2 fare hike and the expanded Value Added Tax will definitely take toll on our wages. A legislated wage increase is imperative and extremely necessary,” said KMU Chairperson Elmer Labog.

The labor leader said that instead of preventing Shell, Caltex, Petron and new oil players from increasing the prices of petroleum products, the government passed on the burden to financially-distressed consumers and commuters.

“It is unfair for us to bear the brunt of the unjustified weekly oil price hikes. Workers have yet to receive the additional Cost of Living Allowances (COLA) and wage hikes granted by the regional wage boards.”

Labog noted that workers will start to receive the additional COLA starting next pay day if employers will abide by the wage orders. “The diminutive COLA granted by the wage boards will be spent for higher prices of goods, higher fare rates and public utilities. Sixteen regional wage boards granted COLAs ranging from P8 to P18, the P25 wage increase in NCR is already the highest.” ###

 

On Cardinal Sin’s death

 

KMU expresses sincere condolences on the passing away of His Eminence Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin. As a religious figure, his stance on social issues is important in influencing the broad masses of devout Catholics as well as other sectors during times of political decision making.

Cardinal Sin supported the workers’ call for social justice and P125 wage increase. In September 1999, Cardinal Sin released a Pastoral Letter in support of the workers cause for higher wages. KMU leaders had an audience with him at Villa San Miguel. He opposed Marcos’ dictatorship and sided with the people during People Power 1 and 2.

“We encourage Church leaders to emulate Cardinal Sin’s steadfast promotion of people’s cause and active participation in social cause,” said KMU Chairman Elmer Labog. ###

posted by: KMU at 05:10 | link | comments |

BALITA

Hunyo 14, 2005

 

Dating COMELEC Chair Christian Monsod, sinabing boses ni Garcillano ang nasa tape

“Marumi at notoryus ang rekord sa pandaraya ni Garcillano; di niya maitatanggi na boses niya ang nasa tape na kausap ni Gloria” – KMU

Sinabi ng Kilusang Mayo Uno na kailangan ding masusing imbestigahan si Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano na malinaw na siyang nagsasalita sa mga kontrobersyal na audio tapes.

Sa isang panayam sa radyo ngayong umaga, mismong si dating COMELEC Chair Christian Monsod ang nagsabi na sa kanyang palagay ay kay Garcillano nga ang boses na marininig sa mga audio tapes. Alam na alam ni Monsod ang boses ni Garcillano dahil matagal silang nagkasama at nagkatrabaho sa COMELEC. Ayon pa kay Monsod, dati nang may record ng mga kaso ng pandaraya si Garcillano lalo na noong 1986 Snap Elections.

Iginiit ni Elmer Labog, tagapangulo ng KMU na maruming-marumi ang reputasyon at record ni Garcillano bilang opisyal ng COMELEC kaya’t hindi siya dapat na pagtiwalaan ng taumbayan.

“Kung matatandaan natin, ini-appoint ni Gloria si Garcillano bilang COMELEC Commissioner noong Pebrero 2004 sa kabila ng maraming pagtutol at kwestyon mula sa publiko at oposisyon. Sadyang inilagay ni Gloria si Garcillano sa COMELEC para maging operator ng malawakang pandaraya sa eleksyon. Sa pandaraya bihasa si Garcillano, kaya posibleng nagpagamit siya sa kampo ni Gloria para manipulahin ang resulta ng eleksyon lalo na sa Mindanao,” ani Labog.

Sinabi pa ng lider manggagawa na dapat ring tugisin ng mga awtoridad si Garcillano dahil sa malaking kasalanan niya sa mamamayan na pagtatago ng katotohanan.

Bukod pa sa sinabi ni Monsod na boses ni Garcillano ang nasa tape, napatunayan rin ng mga dayuhang eksperto na tunay at hindi dinoktor o ginaya ang mga boses na nasa audio tapes. “Hinahamon namin si Garcillano na kung hindi talaga niya boses ang nasa tape, magsalita siya sa harap ng publiko at magpa-interview siya sa media para marinig ng lahat ang boses niya at maikumpara sa boses sa audio tapes. Nagtatago siya dahil talagang may itinatago siya,” pagtatapos ni Labog.###

posted by: KMU at 04:38 | link | comments |

 

BALITA

June 11, 2005

 

“Mother of all fraud and corruption,”  patalsikin

“Gobyerno ng mamamayan, ipapalit kay  Gloria” - KMU

Tinukoy na ng militanteng grupong Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) na isang gobyerno ng mamamayan ang nais ng mga manggagawa na maipalit sa tiwaling gobyerno ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lalo pa ngayon na lumalakas ang panawagan ng mga sektor at pulitiko para sa pagbibitiw o pagpapatalsik kay Arroyo.

Sinabi ni Elmer Labog, Tagapangulo ng KMU,  na ang gobyerno ng mamamayan ay isang gobyernong magsisilbi sa tunay na interes ng taumbayan at magsisiguro na hindi na mauulit pa ang mga naging kasalanan at katiwalian ng mga umupong presidente.

Ito ang naging pahayag ng grupo sa gitna ng papainit na mga iskandalong kinakaharap ng gobyernong Arroyo sa National Day of Mourning ngayong araw na ipinatawag ng mga taong simbahan at mamamayang sawa na sa katiwalian sa gobyerno at mga anti-mamamayang patakaran nito.

Iginiit ni Labog na nagsisimula pa lamang uminit ang lakas ng taumbayan para kumilos at mapatalsik ang kasalukuyang gobyerno taliwas sa ‘people power fatigue’ na ibinabato ng ilang mga political analysts.

Sinabi pa ng lider-manggagawa na walang ibang kahahantungan ang mga iskandalong nagsusulputan ngayon laban sa Unang Pamilya kundi ang pagpapatalsik sa ‘mother of all fraud and corruption’ sa Malakanyang sa kabila ng pagmamalaki nito na todo-suporta pa rin ang Estados Unidos at militar sa kanya.

“Walang ibang magpapasya ng kahahantungan ng kanyang gobyerno kundi ang taumbayan. Panghahawakan ng mamamayan ang hinaharap ng bansa at hindi kasama si Gloria dito,” giit pa ni Labog.

Ibinunyag sa isang press conference sa Makati kahapon ni Atty. Samuel Ong, dating deputy director ng National Bureau of Investigation, na hawak niya ang ‘mother of all tapes’ kung saan diumano nandaya ang kampo ni Gloria para manalo noong nakaraang eleksyon.

Hinikayat ni Labog ang iba pang indibidwal at grupong may alam sa katiwalian ni PGMA na lumabas na, “Ngayon na ang panahon, huwag na kayong mag-alinlangan at tiyak na nasa likod ninyo ang mamamayan.”

Nagbabala rin ang lider-manggagawa sa palasyo laban sa karahasang maaaring sumambulat sa rali ngayong araw at sinabing huwag nang dagdagan pa ng Malakanyang ang batong ipapalo sa sarili nito.  Nagdeploy na ng karagdagang tropa ang sandatahang lakas sa Metro Manila mula sa probinsya na noong Huwebes pa ay nasa red alert na.  ###

posted by: KMU at 01:42 | link | comments |

NEWS RELEASE June 10, 2005 Workers ask PGMA to spare Filipinos from further suffering "Resignation is the only option left for Gloria" -- KMU The militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno agreed to the suggestion of Senate Minority Floor Leader Aquilino Pimentel asking Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign as President following the series of scandals and problems beleaguering her leadership. "As Senator Pimentel has put it, Mrs. Arroyo is already frantic with the string of problems coming her way. The audio tape and the jueteng expose directly involving First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, Congressman Mikey Arroyo and some of her close allies are too much for her to take." "Resignation is the only option left for Gloria. She better resign now and save her face from further pol itical disgrace. For the sake of delicadeza, we ask her to resign as soon as possible. If not, massive people's actions will bring her down from Malacanang." "Workers, peasants, government employees, youth and students and other other sectors including an influential section in the Catholic Church are already fed up with her tainted leadership. We have had enough of Gloria's corrupt, burdensome and bankrupt presidency. She is no different from her anti-people predecessors." KMU Chairman Elmer Labog said Arroyo is deeply lacking the capability and credibility to continue her term as President. "Her legitimacy as President is now further questioned by the expose of the audio tapes that can prove that she won in the elections through the massive electoral fraud and cheating. Whatever political mandate she gained, she already lost it by imposing anti-people pol icies. Arroyo will soon see her political leadership crumbling right before her own eyes. The so-called strong republic she had built will soon fall apart due to the worsening economic and pol itical crisis in the country," said Labog. Labog further said that since Mrs. Arroyo is calling for a united Philippines , she might as well help achieve it by voluntarily resigning as President. "It will be a noble act if President Arroyo will voluntarily resign and let the people choose a genuine leader that will serve the interests of the majority," the labor leader concluded. ### Reference: KMU Chairman Elmer Labog, 0920-6388960 KILUSANG MAYO UNO (MAY FIRST MOVEMENT LABOR CENTER) 25th YEAR ANNIVERSARY 1980-2005 NEWS RELEASE June 10, 2005 "Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company miners and employees firm on strike; Hacienda Luisita-type massacre looming The pattern of using armed units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police personnel are now in full play in the 8 day-old strike of miners and employees of Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (LCMC), reminscent of how the events transpired before the Hacienda Luisita massacre last November 16, 2004. This fear was aired today by Joel Maglunsod, secretary-general of Kilusang Mayo Uno Labor Center. "The events happening right now in Mankayan, Benguet is very similar to what happened last year at Hacienda Luisita. The issu ance of the Assumption of Jurisidiction last May 10 by Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas on the strike of the miners and employees belonging to the Lepanto Mining Employees Union (LMEU) and Lepanto Security Force Union (LSFU) open the gates for a similar scenario to that of the Hacienda Luisita massacre," stated Maglunsod. Maglunsod said that it has been almost seven months since the Hacienda Luisita Massacre and the victims are still to see justice served. "Because of the fascist character of the AFP and PNP, when things do not go their way, like the three failed attempts to disperse the strikers at the Hacienda Luisita, they resort to the use of force. Such a scenario recurring now in Mankayan, Benguet is definitely in the realm of possibility," opined Maglunsod. According to Maglunsod, in an effort to break the fighting will of the members of the LMEU and LSFU, the military is implementing a food blockade by obstructing roads leading to the Tubo gate and in Nayak, Buaki Mill site, where the picketlines of the workers can be found. Maglunsod clarified the need to support the strike of the LMEU and the LSFU in order to prevent another Luisita-type massacre. He called on all social justice advocates to champion the struggle of the workers of Lepanto Mining. "Our vigilanc e and massive support will help resolve the labor dispute residing now in the mountains of Mankayan," ended Maglunsod. ### Reference: Joel Maglunsod, KMU Sec. Gen., 0918-5515014

posted by: KMU at 03:11 | link | comments |

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

     June 8, 2005

 

 

“Workers express full support and participation to the ‘National Day of Mourning’ protests on June 11; Arroyo digging her own pol itical grave with the expose of tapes” - KMU

 

 

The militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno today expressed full support and participation to the National Day of Mourning activities spearheaded by Catholic Church bishops.

 

Labor leader Joel Maglunsod said workers have justified reasons to protest the country’s poor economic condition as well as the intensifying pol itical crisis within the ruling Arroyo government. “We will mobilize workers from factories, offices, industrial enclaves and urban poor communities on June 11.”

 

Maglunsod said that basic sectors of workers and peasants were the ones who suffered e norm ously under Arroyo’s leadership. “We have had enough of Gloria.”

 

“The protests are not part of a destabilization plot against Arroyo like what Malacanang perceives whenever there is a big mobilization exposing the government’s anti-people pol icies or every time there is an expose against the Chief Executive and the First Family.”

 

“Arroyo’s presidency, first and foremost is pol itically unstable. It lacks the broad and solid support of the people. Arroyo’s anti-people pol icies made her very unpopular and disliked by many Filipinos. Her approval ratings are sinking swiftly than she can ever imagine.”

 

Maglunsod said workers have legitimate reasons to protest against Arroyo’s bankrupt and corrupt leadership. Arroyo is actually the primary destabilizing agent of her administration. She is digging her own pol itical grave with the string of burdensome measures that the government enacted including VAT, high cost of electricity, water rates and oil prices. The public is also very much offended by low wages, unemployment and massive graft and corruption among military and government officials.”

 

On the taped conversations

 

The controversial tapes will make or break Arroyo’s legitimacy as President. It will be hard for Arroyo to escape the latest scandal rocking her administration. The taped conversations between her, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and a certain Gary, alleged Co mel ec official Virgilio Garcillano will soon shed light on the possibility of an electoral fraud pulled off by the Arroyo camp during the presidential elections in May 2004,” Maglunsod said.

 

Maglunsod noted that Garcillano is Presidential appointee to the COMELEC and became notorious for his alleged involvement in vote padding and shaving. ###

 

 

posted by: KMU at 02:04 | link | comments |

KILUSANG MAYO UNO
(MAY FIRST MOVEMENT LABOR CENTER)
25^th YEAR ANNIVERSARY 1980-2005

 

BALITA

Hunyo 7, 2005

Palasyo binalaan sa pag- iwas pusoy sa santambak na anomalya ng mga Arroyo; independent investigating body para sa recorded conversation ni Gloria, ipinanawagan ng KMU

Nanawagan ang militanteng grupong Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) na magbuo kaagad ng isang independent body para magsiyasat sa kontrobersyal recorded conversation sa pagitan ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at ng hinihinalang COMELEC official na posibleng magbigay linaw sa maraming usapin sa nagdaang Presidential Elections noong Mayo 2004.

Sinabi ni Joel Maglunsod, Pangkalahatang Kalihim ng KMU, na ang buuing independent body ang siyang dapat na magtitiyak ng masusing pagsisiyasat sa CD na inilabas ng Palasyo. Nabahala ang KMU sa posibilidad ng whitewash kung ipapaubaya ang National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) ang magsasagawa ng imbestigasyon.

”Madaling mahokus-pokus ng Palasyo ang resulta ng imbestigasyon kung NBI ang hahawak ng kaso. Kailangan ay may integridad at independyente sa anumang presyur ng Malakanyang ang mag-iimbestiga sa nilalaman ng recorded conversations ni Gloria at First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.”

Ibinigay ng Malakanyang kahapon sa midya ang dalawang CD na naglalaman diumano ng pinekeng wired conversation na magpapatunay sa mga alegasyon ng oposisyon na nandaya ang administrasyon noong nakaraang eleksyon.

”Huwag naman sanang gawing tanga ng Malakanyang at ni Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye ang publiko. Kung sinasabi niyang may orihinal at altered version ang CD, saan nila ito nakuha at sino ang source. Bakit ayaw ibunyag ni Bunye na para talagang may itinatago itong baho sakaling maungkat ang lahat ng detalye ukol sa mga sirkumstansya ng mga recorded na phone calls ng Pangulo. Kung talagang walang kaugnayan ang US ay bakit hindi magsalita ang U.S. Embassy kaugnay sa kontrobersya? Bakit kailangang si Bunye pa rin ang magsalita para sa kanila?”

Binalaan naman ni Maglunsod ang palasyo sa mga galaw nito dahil halata aniyang bawat iwas pusoy nito sa mga kontrobersiyang kinakaharap ay lalo lamang itong nasusukol. “Kahit anong gawin ni Pangulong Arroyo, hindi niya matatakasan ang isyung ito. Kaliwa’t kanan ang sampal sa kanyang administrasyon – jueteng, election fraud, anti-mamamayang polisiya -  at tiyak na mananagot na siya sa taumbayan,” giit ni Maglunsod.

Sinabi ng lider-manggagawa na mas matitinding rebelasyon pa ang posibleng mailantad ng CD kaysa sa envelope na nagpasiklab sa EDSA II noon na nagpatalsik kay dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada.

Nanawagan din si Maglunsod sa taumbayan na maging mapagbantay sa mga susunod na hakbang ng administrasyong Arroyo. ###

Reference: Joel Maglunsod, 0918-5515014

posted by: KMU at 03:48 | link | comments |

BALITA

Hunyo 6, 2005

 Badyet sa militar at utang panlabas ilipat sa edukasyon

“Education for All” ni Gloria di epektibo – KMU

Sinabi ng Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) na mismong ang sistema ng edukasyon sa bansa ang nagkakait sa milyun-milyong kabataang Pilipino ng karapatang makapag-aral. Sa pagtaya ng KMU, mas maraming kabataan ngayong taon ang hindi nakapasok sa eskwela dahil sa sobrang taas ng matrikula at mga bayarin samantalang wala namang kakakayahan ang mga magulang na pag-aralin ang kanilang mga anak.

Ayon sa grupo, di epektibo ang programang ”Education for All” na nakasaad sa 10-pt. Agenda ng gobyernong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo dahil kitang-kita ang malalang krisis sa edukasyon ngayong unang araw ng klase. Ayon mismo sa Department of Education, kulang ng mahigit 8,000 klasrum para sa mga pampublikong elementary at hayskul. ”Hanggang malaya ang mga private educational institutions na itaas ang halaga ng edukasyon at hanggang wala namang sapat na badyet ang pampublikong edukasyon, hindi maisasakatuparan ng gobyernong Arroyo ang ’education for all’ na programa nito,” ani Joel Maglunsod, Pangkalahatang Kalihim ng KMU.

”Ang pagbubuo lang ng Taskforce Balik Eskwela at DepEd Information and Action Center lang nagawa ng gobyerno para tugunan ang maraming kahinaan sa sistema ng edukasyon sa bansa.”

Sa mahigit 17 milyong estudyante sa pampublikong elementarya at hayskul na papasok ngayong school year, tinataya ng mga manggagawa na marami ang di makakatapos ng pag-aaral dahil sa hirap ng buhay. ”Paanong makakaya ng mga magulang na pag-aralin ang kanilang mga anak samantalang ang nakukuhang sahod ay kulang pa sa gastusin sa pagkain ng pamilya ng mga manggagawa. Saan makakarating ang P25 na ibinigay na umento sa sahod dito sa NCR? Kulang pa itong pambili ng notebook at pambaon ng aming mga anak.”

Ayon pa kay Maglunsod, para epektibong mapabuti ang kalagayan ng pampublikong edukasyon sa bansa, kailangang madagdagan ang di sapat na badyet ng edukasyon. ”Sa halip na ibuhos ang malaking bahagi ng national budget sa militar at pagbabayad ng utang panlabas, dapat maglaan ng makabuluhang badyet para sa pampublikong edukasyon at iba pang social services.”

”Puhunan ng isang maunlad na bansa ang mahuhusay at mabubuting mamamayan. Ano ang matututunan ng ating mga kabataan kung sa murang edad pa lang ay pinagkakaitan na sila ng karapatang makapag-aral,” pagtatapos ng lider manggagawa. ###

posted by: KMU at 04:33 | link | comments (1) |

BALITA

Hunyo 6, 2006

 

Sa multo ng destabilisasyon

Malakanyang, suicidal na! -- KMU

Tinawag na 'suicidal' ng militanteng grupong Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) ang gobyernong Arroyo dahil sa desperasyon nitong pangunahan ang anito'y bombang pasasabugin ng oposisyon.

Sa isang press conference noong Linggo, ibinunyag ni Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye, ang alleged destabilization plot mula sa oposisyon para isiwalat ang  VCD ng aniya’y pekeng “tapped” phone conversation sa pagitan ni Mrs. Arroyo at isang opisyal ng COMELEC hinggil sa estratehiya para dayain si FPJ noong nakaraang eleksyon.  Kasama umano ito sa isang kampanya para dungisan ang administrasyon.

Sinabi ni Nitz Gonzaga, Kalihim ng Women’s Department ng KMU, na napapraning na ang gobyernong Arroyo sa sarili nitong baho, ” halatang taranta ang palasyo kaya’t pinangungunahan niya ang isyung ito. Ang totoo, matagal nang alam ng taumbayan ang  na kaduda-duda ang pamumuno ni Pangulong Arroyo.”

Maaalalang 58% ng mga respondents sa sarbey ng Social Weather Station (SWS) matapos ang eleksyon noong nakaraang taon ang naniniwala na dinaya ni GMA ang kalaban nitong si FPJ. ”Kahit ang mga bumoto kay GMA ay naniniwalang nandaya ito.”

Iginiit pa ng lider-manggagawa na lalo lamang naging matingkad ang illegitimacy ng gobyernong Arroyo dahil sa mga programa nitong pabigat sa taumbayan tulad ng walang katapusang ipinapataw na mga buwis, prayoridad sa badyet, mataas na disempleyo, mala-aliping dagdag-sahod sa gitna ng papataas na implasyon, dispalinghadong sistema ng edukasyon at iba pa.

Ipinaliwanag din ni Gonzaga na sa pagbinyag ng palasyo na destabilization plot ang aniya’y ebidensya sana ng pandaraya ng administrasyon sa eleksyon, lalo lamang nitong binabato ng putik ang sariling bakuran. 

Sa interbyu sa DzRH, iginiit din ni Bunye na itinanggi na ng US Embassy ang pagkadawit nito sa pagkabunyag sa naturang tape conversation.

Hinamon naman ng KMU ang Malakanyang na ilabas ang naturang VCD na tinawag nitong peke. ###

posted by: KMU at 04:33 | link | comments |

posted by: KMU at 04:10 | link | comments |

Arroyo says: to increase wages, create high-paying jobs, but what kind of jobs? - KMU

 
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is making a mockery of herself according to  militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) by telling that the best way to increase wages is to create more high-paying jobs for workers.

 “Mrs. Arroyo can do better than that logic,” according to Nitz Gonzaga, Secretary for KMU Women’s Department, adding that the workers know very well that the promotion of business process outsourcing (BPO) such as call centers is not the real solution to the unemployment and low salary problem. 

 “Outsourcing has become lucrative in the past years and they are definitely high-paying compared to other jobs but what kind of jobs are these?” Gonzaga asked. The labor leader said that BPO operates under the principle of contracting and subcontracting wherein an offshore company referred to as “clients” and the principal contracts the services of a BPO company.

 
The President cited outsourcing services such as the call centers as models of high paying jobs in which she would like to move the country, “to that kind of economy." BPO are common in information and communications technology such as customer service and back office work for medical, insurance and financial service industries. 

Gonzaga explained that the problematic job generation scheme of the government and the inutility of its neoliberal policies usher big reserve of labor force that pulls down the wages of workers. She maintained that the BPO sector is only a short-term solution to unemployment, and that basic industries should be established. “In the main, we need to have local industries for national industrialization.”

She gave the example of the booming call center industry which attracts graduates even from excellent schools. “Puwedeng magtrabaho ang lahat ng graduate natin sa mga call centers pero ano ba talaga ang magagawa nito para ma-develop natin ang industriya sa bakal enerhiya at iba pa na pundasyon sa pag-unlad ng isang bansa?”

Gonzaga expounded that the government should gear its policies for developing micro and small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) and not in BPO which does not at all develop a backward economy such as the Philippines. She pointed out that MSMEs account for 69.9 percent of the labor force, comprise 99.6 percent of all registered companies and contribute 32 percent to the growth of the economy. And yet the sector still lacks capital resources, access to credit, and technical assistance in developing products.

The veteran woman labor leader also shrugged off Arroyo’s apparent appeal to emotion when she said that the she can also feel the pain of the suffering Filipinos.

Gonzaga said that the new makeover PR team of the President behind that fallacious appeal to emotion will not work despite their effort because the people know better from their reality of poverty. ###

posted by: KMU at 05:11 | link | comments |

NEWS RELEASE

  June 3, 2005

Workers want Gen. Jovito Palparan to face court martial for gross violation of international human rights laws

Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno today suggested that Brig. Gen. Jovito Palparan, Commanding Officer of the Philippine Army's 8^th Infantry Division assigned in Eastern Samar to face before the martial court for his crimes against humanity and gross violation of international human rights. "Palparan must face the court martial. He is severely infringing various civil, political and human rights of the Filipino people."

"Gen. Palparan did not only violate the rules of war and rules of engagement, he is guilty of seriously disregarding violating various international human rights covenants with his dreaded military rule in Eastern Visayas. He is grossly violating the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) both signed by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). In particular, he is violating CARHIHL's Part III, Respect for Human Rights, Article 2 Section 4. (The right to life especially against summary executions, involuntary dissapearances, massacres and indiscriminate bombardment of communities and the right not to be subjected to campaigns of incitement to violence against one's person)" said KMU Secretary General Joel Maglunsod.

In a Congressional hearing early this week, Gen. Palparan himself admitted that the killings in Eastern Visayas, particularly in Samar, are part of his military operations against those he referred to as 'enemies' of the government. But witnesses and legislators alike pointed out that most of the victims of Palparan's operations are non-combatant civilians. Palparan further confirmed this himself by stating his suspicion that almost 50-60 percent of Samarenos are supporting the armed struggle waged by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and New People's Army (NPA).

"Gen. Palparan is practically accusing more than half of Eastern Visayas' 3.6 million population as supporters of the CPP-NPA and targets of his military operations. He even went as far as investigating his own troops in the 8^th Infantry Division for alleged collusion with the NPA. With Gen. Palparan around, no one is safe. Not even his own men," Maglunsod said.    

"Gen. Palparan is a human rights violator masquerading as a military officer and the 8^th Infantry Division serves as his 'death squad'. He gravely abused his military power and exacted the most inhumane treatment of civilians. Fundamental provisions of the Philippine Constitution state that civilian authority is superior than military authority, Palparan violated this by making Samar his latest killing fields after Oriental Mindoro." ###

posted by: KMU at 05:05 | link | comments |

New minimum wage may not benefit 1 out of 5 workers

Widespread corruption in the public sector should also be blamed for low pay for workers in tandem with the dismal implementation of the minimum wage law, according to the militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).

According to Senator Ralph Recto, “the data on the minimum wage evasion can also be interpreted as - one out of five workers is in danger of not enjoying the wage hike due to him” citing the data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that about 18% of the 16,319 firms visited last year by the agency which revealed minimum wage law violations.

KMU Chairperson Elmer Labog said that the data for violation is still smaller as the inspected firms represent only 1.7% of the total 815,444 establishments.

“Limos na nga ang dagdag-sahod, pero tiyak na marami pa ring employers ang iiwas dito.” Labog pointed out that employers conniving with some government officials to prohibit the granting of wage hikes is tantamount to corruption describing the punishment for non-compliance of wage increase as ‘toothless.’

Labog said that his group doubted if DOLE and Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas is unaware of this.

Businessmen are keen at donating an average of 5% of their net profits to anti-corruption campaign in the country as widespread graft multiply the cost of doing business by up to 15% according to the survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS). “It is at the height of hypocrisy that employers are willing to shell out a part of their profits to anti-corruption efforts while they themselves are guilty of depriving workers with the much needed pay hike.”

The labor leader also lambasted business groups particularly the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) for denying workers wage relief and explained that the workers’ salaries only amounted to about 10% of the production cost compared to the increasing cost of business due to corruption.

“This only shows that the employers can give the P125 across-the-board wage hike that workers have longed asked for but they will not shell out even a cent to  aid workers who make their wealth,” Labog asserted.

The labor leader added that their group was explaining time and again that the biggest obstruction to a business’ growth are corruption and high cost of business due to high electricity cost and the government’s overall liberalization policies and not the increase in wages of workers. ###

posted by: KMU at 05:24 | link | comments |

June 1, 2005

"ECoP proposal for productivity based wage settings not suitable for RP's backward economy; DOLE must enforce stricter measures vs. employers violating minimum wage law – KMU

The militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno today said that the Employers Confederation of the Philippines' (ECoP) proposal for the adoption of a productivity based wage determination is tantamount to freezing wages.

"Productivity based wage setting is not suitable to the local economy's backward and pre-industrialized status. Filipino workers are productive in terms of labor capacity and performance but we don't have heavy industries and sufficient employment to absorb the capacity of the domestic labor force. The current low productivity rate is one of the end results of the overall economic crisis, it's beyond the workers' control," said KMU Executive Vice President Joselito Ustarez.

The elite employers group suggested productivity wage setting after the National Capital Region Tripartite Wages and Productivity Commission decided to grant a P25 wage increase for workers in Metro Manila which will take effect on June 16.

Ustarez said that productivity based wage determination will not work out given the volatile condition of the local economy. "Productivity based wage setting is hard to achieve in an import-dependent, export-oriented economy. Even though Filipino workers maintain high productivity rates, wages are always kept low to keep production costs and wage levels attuned to the business interests of local and foreign corporations. Workers will not benefit from this kind of wage setting."

He further scolded the employers group and said ECoP executives must stop complaining and just give out the P25 wage hike for workers. "For once, workers deserve to receive just wages. The P25 wage hike is not even enough. Government policies already allowed employers to be exempted from paying minimum wages through the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise. Like what we already expected, more employers are likely to apply for exemptions to escape compliance to the latest wage order."

The labor leader asserted that the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) must take on more effective measures in inspecting the compliance of companies and manufacturing firms to labor standards. "DoLE must stop using kid gloves against business firms violating the labor standards including the minimum wage law. At the same time, employers must not use the mandated exemptions from minimum wage payments to escape the granting of Wage Order no. NCR-11. All those violating the minimum wage law must face resolute punishment. Workers need sufficient wages, employers must bear with our desolate economic conditions," Ustarez said.

Meanwhile, the labor group said that ECOP's assertion for tax exemptions will also help workers but with the additional Value Added Tax (VAT), workers and consumers will still be burdened with high cost of goods and services.

"Income tax exemption is not enough. The government must ensure effective price controls to curb the increasing cost of petroleum products and public utilities. Significant price rollbacks must also be undertaken in order for workers to get the most out of the P25 wage hike and emergency cost of living allowances granted by the wage boards," Ustarez concluded. ###

posted by: KMU at 08:50 | link | comments |

 


NEWS RELEASE
May 31, 2005

Militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said that the P25 wage increase for workers in the National Capital Region granted by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board is another move of the government to fortify its cheap labor policy for the advantage of local and foreign big businesses.

 “Even though the NCR wage board granted a P25 increase in the basic pay for Metro workers, daily minimum wages are still short of P388 to achieve the P663 daily cost of living in NCR. The legislated P125 across-the-board, across-the-country is substantial as compared to the wage adjustments granted by the wage boards. We will continue with our fight for a legislated pay hike for all workers,” said Kilusang Mayo Uno Chairperson Elmer Labog.

“Wage boards were formed to keep wages low. Their loyalty is with employers and big businesses. Over the years, wage determination in the country is slanted towards the promotion of cheap labor for the benefit of foreign businesses. For this, we deplore the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo government’s puppetry to the dictates of foreign capital,” Labog said.  

“The P25 wage increase is very little compared to the profits earned by business owners. Workers are not beggars asking for alms. We deserve to receive just wages equivalent to the labor we exerted for our companies.”  Labor further asserted that a P25 wage increase is too little to aid wage earners and their families in coping with the increasing daily cost of living in NCR now amounting to P663 for a family of six. It will be easily gobbled up by oil companies always itching to increase their prices. The additional VAT will soon take its toll on consumers.”

The labor group further corrected the Department of Labor and Employment’s claim that minimum wages in NCR will be P325 with the additional P25. “Minimum wages are now pegged at P275, not P325, the P50 Emergency Cost of Living Allowance (ECOLA) previously granted by the wage board is not included in the computation of basic pay, overtime pay and retirement benefits.”

The labor leader expressed his worries that more employers are likely to apply for exemptions in payment of minimum wages by applying for the certificates of Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) or the Republic Act 9178 which allows small and micro businesses from paying minimum wages to their employees. More employers are expected to violate the minimum wage law to avoid giving out the P25 wage hike granted by the NCR wage board, the KMU leader concluded. ###

posted by: KMU at 03:15 | link | comments |

May 31, 2005

On the First Family’s involvement in illegal numbers racket

“Opposition not needed to smear Arroyo administration;
anti-people policies already made Arroyo the most disreputable occupant in Malacañang” - KMU

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo does not need the opposition to do a smear campaign against her administration. “Her own anti-people policies made her notorious and disliked by many people. Her involvement in strings of financial and corruption scams and Martial Law-like policies made her the most disreputable Chief Executive in Philippine history.”

This is the statement made by the militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) in response to the president’s defense of the First Family as the senate inquiry recasts the public eye to the president’s son Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel.”Mikey” Arroyo for receiving jueteng ‘payola’ as alleged by jueteng whistleblower Boy Mayor in his statement during yesterday’s Senate hearing on the involvement of government and police officials in the operations of the illegal numbers game.

KMU Executive Vice President Joselito Ustarez said that President Arroyo already succeeded tarnishing her own administration by implementing anti-people policies such as the additional Value Added Tax (VAT) along with overwhelming increase in the prices of basic commodities, the labor leader explained.

The KMU leader, however, agreed with Malacañang that the jueteng is a serious issue of moral and social values and said that the illegal numbers racket only shows the extent of the corruption prevailing within the Arroyo government. “Jueteng is extortion in its legal form. Big-time operators and jueteng lords must be identified and punished.”

In a statement, President Arroyo pointed out that there are two Philippines “one that is about what's good about our country and the one that is not good; one that seeks to build and the other one that seeks to destroy."

Ustarez said the workers are the ones who produce social wealth and builds the country yet the government remains inutile as workers continue to face economic disaster amidst economic crisis with a measly P25 wage hike to make ends meet for their families.

A clear evidence to the Arroyo administration’s inutility, Ustarez stressed, is the projection in increases of prices of goods by 1.6% to 1.7% with the imposition of 12% VAT next year. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) National Planning and Policy Staff, on the other hand, expect inflation to peak by 9.7% in August this year. “It is unfortunate that government only grants alms not enough to aid the impoverished workers and their families.” ###

posted by: KMU at 03:06 | link | comments |