ANG BALIKATAN AY PREPARASYON SA DIGMAAN: Stop Turning the Philippines into a Platform for War

 

Partido Manggagawa (PM) condemns the firing and strategic deployment of US Typhon missiles on Philippine soil under the Balikatan military exercises, warning that these war drills only heighten unnecessary tension in the region and further drag the Philippines into the dangerous rivalry of hegemonic global powers.

 

Linawin natin: Ang Balikatan ay preparasyon sa Digmaan. Hindi ito pre-Olympic games o PE sa mga paaralan. 

 

The Filipino people do not need preparation for proxy wars. What the country urgently needs is a real war against poverty and inequality, price shocks, and unemployment.

 

Ayuda at dagdag sahod, hindi giyera. Kooperasyon, hindi agresyon. Pagkain, hindi armas.

 

The ongoing US-Israel war of aggression against Iran has already shown the world the terrible consequence of militarism – death, destruction, economic disruption, and global price shocks. It is deplorable to invite more regional conflict. Never at our doorstep.

 

Wars benefit arms manufacturers and geopolitical interests, while ordinary people, including workers in soldier’s uniform, bear the burden of inflation, displacement, and destruction. It is because war is a wasteful enterprise funded by taxpayers.

 

In the face of broken federal healthcare, education, and shelter programs, American taxpayers are made to pay for the Typhoon missiles fired from Tacloban to Nueva Ecija, the war budget of Israel, the defense of allied states in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as the maintenance of more than 800 military bases with tens of thousands of US troops worldwide.

 

The world’s people pay a heavy price for wars and conflicts not of their own making. So will Filipinos, once their leaders chose to align with any camp of contending superpowers.

We reiterate our call for demilitarization of the West Philippine Sea: China at US parehong umatras!

 

Only under this condition that explosive territorial disputes do not develop and escalate into shooting wars.

 

Enough of wars! Enough of war drills! Enough of war freak leaders!

 

Funds wasted on weapons and military exercises are better used for universal healthcare, education, public employment, social protection, and comprehensive anti-poverty programs. War preparedness contributes nothing to human development.

Lastly, the Philippines must uphold an independent foreign policy anchored on peace, diplomacy, regional cooperation, and the welfare of its people – not subservience to the military and economic agenda of powerful nations. 

PRESS STATEMENT

05.06.2026

 

OPPOSE IMPERIALIST AGGRESSION ON VENEZUELA

Partido Manggagawa (PM) strongly condemns Trump’s military strike and kidnapping of President Maduro, First Lady Cilia, and the larger plot of the United States to invade Venezuela to effect regime change, run the country, and retake control of Venezuelan oil.

These acts—whether undertaken directly by the US armed forces, private mercenaries, or proxy actors—represent a grave violation of national sovereignty, international law, and the right of nations and peoples to self-determination.

The use of kidnapping, military invasion, and coercive regime change as political tools exposes the political and economic logic of imperialism: powerful empires believe they can decide the fate of other nations and oppress their people, overthrow governments, and seize natural resources through force.

Venezuela’s oil belongs to the Venezuelan people, not to foreign corporations, war profiteers, or imperial powers seeking to reassert control over strategic resources.

PM rejects all forms of imperialist maneuvers including kidnappings, coups, and invasions, which only deepen instability and suffering for working people.

History has shown—again and again—that imperialist led regime-change operations elsewhere do not bring democracy or prosperity. They bring war, displacement, austerity, union repression, and the plunder of public wealth.

As a workers’ party rooted in international solidarity, PM stands with the Venezuelan working class, trade unions, peasants, and communities who bear the brunt of sanctions, militarization, and economic sabotage. We oppose unilateral actions that bypass international law and undermine peaceful, diplomatic solutions.

This issue also carries urgent lessons for the Philippines and the Global South. Imperialist intervention abroad is inseparable from regional tensions now building up in the Indo-Pacific region - with the plans by the US to increase presence by re-deploying most of its foreign forces to Asia, and forming alliances with other imperialist powers to contain the rising economic and political power of rival China.

Conflicts and wars not of our own making only lead to attacks on workers at home—through rising fuel prices, militarization, shrinking social services, and the prioritization of corporate profits over people’s needs. When oil, gas, and strategic resources are treated as prizes of war, workers everywhere pay the price.

Partido Manggagawa calls on:

               ⁃             Unconditional release of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who is former President of the National Assmbly;

               ⁃             All governments to respect Venezuelan sovereignty and stop all military or covert intervention;

               ⁃             International bodies to uphold international law and reject regime-change operations led by the US;

               ⁃             The American people to defund Trump and the US military industry and rechannel the trillion $ war budget to expand social services;

               ⁃             Workers’ movements worldwide to oppose imperialist wars and resource plunder; and

               ⁃             The Philippine government to pursue an independent foreign policy that rejects alignment with imperial aggression.

No to US-orchestrated regime change elsewhere.

Yes to peace, sovereignty, and workers’ solidarity!

Hands off Venezuela. Oil for the people, not imperialist plunder!

Anti-war network condemns US veto of UN resolution calling for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza

 

The Network Opposed to War (NO TO WAR) strongly denounces the United States' veto of the UN Security Council resolution, which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in response to the UN Secretary General’s call under Article 99 of the Charter. This regrettable action occurred on the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

 

The veto by the United States and the abstention of the United Kingdom effectively negated the 13 majority vote of the Security Council as well as the more than 90 countries, including the Philippines, which endorsed the resolution. 

 

NO TO WAR-Palestine Solidarity Pilipinas condemns these decisions, highlighting the blatant disregard for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as warned by the UN Secretary General, posing a threat to international peace and security.

 

The ongoing atrocities in Gaza, including daily massacres, displacement, and dehumanization of Palestinians, affect all, including doctors, journalists, and UN staff. The complete destruction of Gaza ensures a bleak future for its residents. It is deeply troubling that the United States and the United Kingdom openly support the genocide and ethnic cleansing of the oppressed Palestinian people, turning a blind eye to the violations of human rights and humanitarian law. Despite global condemnation, Israel continues to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity.

 

In November of this year, the Philippines, along with 144 nations, condemned Israel's illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan. Unfortunately, this resolution was likewise opposed by seven countries, led by the US, UK, and Israel.

Given the apparent ineffectiveness of the international body, it is now imperative for the global community to uphold the will of free peoples worldwide.

 

NO TO WAR however believes that the increasing diplomatic isolation of the US, UK, and Israel is shaping a new global perspective on democracy and solidarity, particularly among the youth.

 

CEASEFIRE NOW! Stop the Genocide! Demand accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity now!

 

PRESS STATEMENT

NO TO WAR

Network Opposed to War

10 December 2023

Kapayapaan Hindi Digmaan! – Network Opposed to War (No to War) Bonifacio Day 2023 Statement

 

The Filipino people have a long and storied history of resistance against oppression. From the Spanish, Americans, the Japanese, and current injustices, Filipinos continue to march, protest, and organize. It is in this spirit that we mass movements and people’s organizations mobilize today. Learning from the example of Andres Bonifacio, we aspire for a Philippines built on freedom, peace, and common prosperity.

 

The Network Opposed to War (No to War), as a grouping of people’s organizations, mass movements, and trade unions, is in the streets today as we celebrate the birthday of Andres Bonifacio. Inspired by the life and struggle of the Supremo, we mobilize today for a society free from violence and oppression. Like the Katipuneros before us, we see that the dream of justice and equality is a desire we Filipinos share with peoples all over the world. From Manila to Gaza, Burma and Kiev, the dream of peace built on justice continues to animate millions.

 

We are adamant in our opposition to all forms of war. It is clear that in times of conflict, it is workers and ordinary people that are harmed and sacrificed. History shows us that while working people bleed, the rich and powerful benefit from war. We have no illusions. Wars today are for the benefit of corporations and the elites that profit from bloodshed.

 

For the Network Opposed to War, it is impossible to address the root causes of poverty and injustice in times of conflict. Rather than being the solution to problems of development, wars instead intensify existing inequalities. As is the experience of women globally, militarization leads to lasting scars not only on the body, but on the psyche as well. For the vast majority that struggle with poverty and precariousness, it is obvious that war is not for our interests.

 

We join all progressive organizations and mobilizations today that stand against poverty and militarism. Peace is the foundation of truly just and prosperous societies. We express our desire to build peace, not cultures and industries for war.

End to wars and poverty highlight workers’ Bonifacio Day protest

 

In the wake of the devastating consequences witnessed in conflicts such as the ongoing disputes between Israel and Palestine, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, and numerous other smaller conflicts worldwide, the Partido Manggagawa (PM) issues a stern warning: "It is imperative to stop these wars so that focus is redirected to more immediate and pressing concerns faced by the world’s people, particularly the urgent battles against poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis," ," stated Partido Manggagawa Chair Renato Magtubo.

 

Joining the Mendiola rally organized by Nagkaisa Labor Coalition and the Network Opposed to War (No to War) on Bonifacio Day, PM emphasizes the need for secure jobs and increased wages to combat the ripple effects of unemployment and the rising cost of living. In Cebu, a counter march from Plaza Independencia to Colon St., was held by the same groups, including the Cebu chapter of PM.

 

“However, the realization of these aspirations, echoing the Katipunan dreams of ‘kalayaan at kaginhawahan’ remains elusive 160 years after the birth of Gat Andres Bonifacio. This persistence is attributed to anti-worker economic policies, such as cheap labor, endo, and privatization, coupled with the enduring structural flaws of ilustrado governance in the form of trapo politics,” said Magtubo.

 

Addressing the potential outbreak of new conflicts, Magtubo expresses concern over increasing tensions between global superpowers vying for hegemony and expansionism, as highlighted in the analysis of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. The labor group emphasizes the devastating impact on working people, drawing parallels with historical events like the two world wars, scores of civil wars, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine due to Israel's campaign of siege and genocide.

 

In solidarity with the Palestinian people, PM aligns with the Philippines' No to War network, advocating for a permanent ceasefire and an end to Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza. The coalition posits that colonial powers, reminiscent of Bonifacio's era and the Katipunan, persist in maintaining control and exploiting weaker nations through militarism, occupation, and wars.

"The unfinished revolution for complete freedom from colonial powers and the emancipation of the Filipino people from poverty remains the legacy of the Katipunan—a cause we will persistently pursue," concluded Magtubo. 

Partido Manggagawa

30 November 2023

 

PHILIPPINE GROUPS FORM ANTI-WAR NETWORK: Call for Permanent Ceasefire, End to Genocide in Gaza

 

 We, the Philippine groups representing various interests and advocacies, including those on human rights, labor, women, youth, urban poor, Moro and IPs, environment, and political parties, form ourselves today into NO TO WAR network in solidarity with the world’s people who are suffering from the devastating impacts of ongoing conflicts and in preventing the slide of other conflicts into new wars, including those in Asia and possibly in the Philippines.

 

As an anti-war network, we are campaigning for peace with justice and will continue to oppose the ruling establishment's inclination toward war, militarization, colonization, and destruction, both of humanity and the environment.

 

In solidarity with the Palestinian people, we join the international community in calling for a permanent ceasefire, a stop to genocide in Gaza, and an end to Israeli occupation.  Words cannot adequately convey the horrors of war being experienced by the Palestinians from the endless airstrikes and ground raids carried out by Israel. There must be a stop to this genocide and human suffering!

 

We advocate for an unconditional and permanent ceasefire because we believe this is the critical first step towards de-escalation, facilitating humanitarian aid, and creating a conducive environment for brokering negotiations and dialogues. Without a a permanent ceasefire, sparks of violence will only lead to the escalation of further violence.

 

The international community, especially the free countries within the United Nations, must step up to address the intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They should redouble their efforts to find diplomatic and political solutions to the Palestine-Israel conflict and cease support for Israel’s campaign of siege and genocide in Gaza by halting aid from the US and other western powers.

 

As a contribution to the growing peace and anti-war movement across the globe, the Philippines’ NO TO WAR network will be holding a series of activities ranging from teach-ins, physical and online fora, as well as direct actions to amplify our cause.

 

In particular, in addition to its obligation to secure Filipinos on both sides, including the safe release of the remaining Filipino hostages in Gaza, we urge the Philippine government to support the UN resolution calling for a ceasefire and the creation of free corridors for humanitarian aid. In the 1930s, when many other countries refused to take in Holocaust refugees, our nation welcomed 1,200 Jewish individuals from Shanghai, China, ensuring their safety from the genocide perpetrated by

Nazi Germany. In a similar manner, we implore the Philippine government not to abstain and, once again, to stand against genocide—this time, by calling on Israel for a permanent ceasefire.

 

On November 30, the NO TO WAR network will link up with Nagkaisa Labor Coalition in commemorating Andres Bonifacio's day. Bonifacio, alongside fellow Katipuneros and Katipuneras, led the revolutionary resistance against Spanish colonialism. Members of NO TO WAR collectively believe that the historical legacy of colonialism, occupation, and militarism has perpetuated conflicts throughout modern times. Therefore, our opposition remains against militarization and the imposition of unjust policies by foreign powers in our country.

 

NO TO WAR will also be part of the human rights community in celebrating Human Rights Week at the start of December.

 

Access photos of launching here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xdTDQQmgzbQ-4MmSiXVsy4Vi2vhoLIYy

 

NO TO WAR network is composed of the following organizations:

 

Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Karapatang Pantao

Amnesty International Philippines

Anak Mindanao-Youth

Bangsa

Coalition Against Human Trafficking of Women-Asia Pacific (CATW-AP)

Dakila

Federation of Free Workers

Focus on the Global South

KAGULONG

IIRE-Manila

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (IDefend)

Laban Kababaihan

LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women's Rights)

MINDANOW

Nagkaisa Labor Coalition

National Federation of Labor

Partido Manggagawa (PM)

Public Services Labor Independent Confederation

Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO)

Tara Kabataan

United Filipino Service Workers

United Muslim Alliance for Development (UMA DEV)

World March of Women - Pilipinas

PRESS STATEMENT

NO TO WAR

28 November 2023