PM women push for RH bill, job security and wage increase on women’s day of suffrage

PRESS RELEASE

April 30, 2011

Around fifty (50) members of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) gathered at the gates of the Commission on Elections this morning to commemorate Filipino women’s 74^th year of exercising the right of suffrage. PM is pushing for the passage of the RH and job security bills, and a legislated wage increase.

They brought with them a ballot box for a symbolic casting of their votes for the RH bill, job security and wage increase. 

April 30 was declared as Women Suffrage Day through a proclamation issued by then President Marcos in March 29, 1984. It was in April 30, 1937 when Filipino women cast their votes in favor of women’s suffrage.

“If women would be allowed to vote on these measures, it would definitely be a 100% vote of support.  The RH bill will guarantee women’s right to their own bodies, while measures ensuring their employment, job security, and a living wage will guarantee their right to live a decent life,” asserted PM Secretary General Judy Ann Miranda. 

The right to suffrage then, Miranda added, merely granted women the right to choose their political leaders, “now we assert that it is high time that women’s right to decide on their own bodies be recognized and guaranteed by the state, including their right to a decent life.”

Miranda pointed out that historically, when women were first granted the right to vote, women workers continued their struggle for 8-hour work, better working conditions and decent wages which culminated into a powerful movement for labor rights – leading to the commemoration of the International Labor Day which started in 1886.

The passage of the right to a living wage, and passage of the security of tenure and RH bills are some of the demands to be raised by PM in the coming Labor Day celebration.

Aside from the Mendiola rally at noon, PM will also lead Labor Day protests in Cebu City, Davao City, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, General Santos City, Iligan City and Dipolog City. Thousands of workers are expected to participate in the Labor Day protest.