Press Release
July 27, 2009
The militant labor group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) in its counter-SONA protest today depicted Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as an H1N1 virus that is fatal to the workers and the people. “The survey by the Social Weather Station on hunger reflects the real state of the people more than GMA’s SONA that will just be full of lies. That one in five Filipinos have experienced hunger in the last three months reveal that economic growth under GMA is a fairy tale that has not been felt by the masses,” argued Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.
Members of PM together with groups such as Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, Zone One Tondo Organization, United Cavite Workers Association and Samahan ng Mamamayan ng Calabarzon gathered in front of the Commission on Human Rights along Commonwealth Ave. just before noon. Later in the afternoon hundreds of union members of the Fortune Tobacco Labor Union joined the PM contingent.
The colorful protest by PM featured an effigy of GMA as an H1N1 virus that is a scourge on the country and Congress representatives as swine that the group alleged should all be quarantined to save the people from fatal infection. The group also depicted GMA as a CD scandal queen in memory of the Hello Garci controversy. PM members dressed as witches and fairies also cast spells on GMA ala Harry Potter style.
“We call on congress to focus on economic recession instead of charter revision. Workers and the poor are suffering from layoffs, contractualization, low wages and hunger while GMA and her allies in Congress plot to convene the constituent assembly and extend her term. GMA’s attention is on how to remain in power instead of how to solve the problem of unemployment and poverty,” added Magtubo.
PM vowed to physically block through protests any attempt to convene the constituent assembly. Magtubo warned that “The SONA protests are just a dress rehearsal for the mass actions that will erupt if GMA maneuvers to hold on to power by con-ass, martial law, state of emergency or some other means.”
Showing posts with label ZOTO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ZOTO. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Tondo urban poor hold noise barrage as build up for SONA protests
Press Release
July 25, 2009
Urban poor from Tondo, Manila held a community march around the area and then held at 5 p.m. along the R-10 road in Mabuhay a noise barrage against the plan to convene a constituent assembly and the threat of martial law. The noise barrage of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) and the Zone One Tondo Organization (ZOTO), the oldest urban poor group in the country, is part of a build up for the counter-SONA protests on July 27 by the groups Laban ng Masa and TindigNation.
“We give Gloria Arroyo a failing grade of 5.0 for in the eight years of her term the plight of the poor have worsened. The poor do not feel any improvement. Our lives have changed but for the worse. More people are hungry not just poor, desperate not just hopeless. The poor cannot eat the positive GNP that government was bragging about the start of the global crisis,” argued Melba Arquisola, president of the ZOTO-Tondo chapter.
Protesters wore masks similar to those used in the Moriones festival to elicit the attention and support of bystanders. Tondo residents warmly received the protesters as the community march made its way from the inner streets to the R-10 road. The noise barrage at Mabuhay was enthusiastically welcomed by passers by and even drivers who honked their vehicle horns as a sign of support. The theme of the pre-SONA protests was opposition to the planned convening of a constituent assembly and the threat of the imposition of martial law.
Neneng Racines, a leader of PM-Tondo chapter, stated, “We should defend our freedoms and rights which is bound to be taken away in the event of the imposition of martial law. If the threat of martial law does not come to pass it can only be because of the people’s protests such as this noise barrage. We should make noise today or else tomorrow we will wake up with Gloria Arroyo retaining power forever as prime minister or a new dictator.”
“The mass actions today are not just a build up for the counter-SONA protest on Monday but also a preview of the nationwide outrage that will erupt in case the planned con-ass is actually summoned or martial law is truly imposed. We should defend our freedoms and rights that will be taken away in the event of the imposition of martial law. If the threat of martial law does not come to pass it can only be because of the people’s protests such as this noise barrage,” insisted Arquisola.
July 25, 2009
Urban poor from Tondo, Manila held a community march around the area and then held at 5 p.m. along the R-10 road in Mabuhay a noise barrage against the plan to convene a constituent assembly and the threat of martial law. The noise barrage of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) and the Zone One Tondo Organization (ZOTO), the oldest urban poor group in the country, is part of a build up for the counter-SONA protests on July 27 by the groups Laban ng Masa and TindigNation.
“We give Gloria Arroyo a failing grade of 5.0 for in the eight years of her term the plight of the poor have worsened. The poor do not feel any improvement. Our lives have changed but for the worse. More people are hungry not just poor, desperate not just hopeless. The poor cannot eat the positive GNP that government was bragging about the start of the global crisis,” argued Melba Arquisola, president of the ZOTO-Tondo chapter.
Protesters wore masks similar to those used in the Moriones festival to elicit the attention and support of bystanders. Tondo residents warmly received the protesters as the community march made its way from the inner streets to the R-10 road. The noise barrage at Mabuhay was enthusiastically welcomed by passers by and even drivers who honked their vehicle horns as a sign of support. The theme of the pre-SONA protests was opposition to the planned convening of a constituent assembly and the threat of the imposition of martial law.
Neneng Racines, a leader of PM-Tondo chapter, stated, “We should defend our freedoms and rights which is bound to be taken away in the event of the imposition of martial law. If the threat of martial law does not come to pass it can only be because of the people’s protests such as this noise barrage. We should make noise today or else tomorrow we will wake up with Gloria Arroyo retaining power forever as prime minister or a new dictator.”
“The mass actions today are not just a build up for the counter-SONA protest on Monday but also a preview of the nationwide outrage that will erupt in case the planned con-ass is actually summoned or martial law is truly imposed. We should defend our freedoms and rights that will be taken away in the event of the imposition of martial law. If the threat of martial law does not come to pass it can only be because of the people’s protests such as this noise barrage,” insisted Arquisola.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Lakbayan para sa Araw ng Manggagawa magsisimula bukas
Press Release
April 29, 2009
Manggagawa nanawagan na ikulong mga kapitalistang abusado kaysa si Jun Lozada
Magsisimula bukas ang paggunita sa Araw ng Manggagawa sa pamamagitan ng isang Lakbayan ng mga manggagawang natanggal sa trabaho at mga maralitang tagalungsod. Ang panawagan ng mga kalahok sa Lakbayan ay “Proteksyon sa manggagawa at maralita, Pagbabago sa ekonomiya at lipunan.”
“Sa halip na si Jun Lozada, mga kapitalistang abusado ang dapat ikulong. Sinasamantala ng maraming kapitalista ang krisis para ibagsak ang proteksyon sa paggawa at wasakin ang mga karapatan ng manggagawa. Hindi papayag ang mga manggagawa na pasanin ang bigat ng krisis na likha ng mga kapitalista,” ani Renato Magtubo, tagapangulo ng Partido ng Manggagawa (PM).
Mga 1,000 manggagawa at maralita mula sa Calabarzon ang magkikita ng 6:30 n.u. sa Zapote sa boundary ng Las Pinas at Bacoor bilang pagsisimula ng Lakbayan. Magtatagpo sila ng mga lalahok sa Lakbayan mula sa NCR at Bulacan bandang tanghali sa opisina ng HUDCC upang makipag-dialogue sa kahilingang sa moratorium sa demolisyon. Mula doon ay magmamartsa sila tungong opisina ng DOLE para sa dialogue kay Sec. Marianito Roque hinggil sa panawagang ayuda sa mga manggagawa.
“Ang kahilingan para sa proteksyon sa manggagawa at maralita ay unang hakbang lang sa pagtugon sa krisis. Ang susunod na hakbang ay pagbaliktad sa mga patakaran na nagpalala sa krisis. Ito ay ang liberalisasyon, deregulasyon at pribatisasyon na dahilan ng pagguho ng industriya at agrikultura, at pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin,” dagdag ni Magtubo.
Magdadala ang mga kalahok sa Lakbayan ng mga payong na may nakasulat na “Proteksyon laban sa bagyong pang-ekonomiya.” Nakasulat din ang iba’t ibang konkretong kahilingan tulad ng unemployment insurance, tax refund, universal health care, reporma sa employment program at moratorium sa demolisyon. Bukod sa PM, sasama sa Lakbayan ang grupong Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, Zone One Tondo Organization, Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Cavite, United Cavite Workers Association at Samahan ng Mamamayan ng Calabarzon.
Tinawag ng PM na “bandaid solution” ang planong job fair ng gobyerno sa May 1. “Hindi job mismatch ang problema at hindi job fair ang solusyon sa kawalang-trabaho. Ang ugat ng unemployment sa bansa ay economy mismatch o ang maling patakarang pang-ekonomiya na idinikta ng IMF-WB at WTO sa Pilipinas. Bunga ng globalisasyon, nawasak ang lokal na ekonomiya kaya’t walang disenteng trabaho para sa milyun-milyong Pilipino kasama na ang mga kabataang bagong graduate,” paliwanag ni Magtubo.
April 29, 2009
Manggagawa nanawagan na ikulong mga kapitalistang abusado kaysa si Jun Lozada
Magsisimula bukas ang paggunita sa Araw ng Manggagawa sa pamamagitan ng isang Lakbayan ng mga manggagawang natanggal sa trabaho at mga maralitang tagalungsod. Ang panawagan ng mga kalahok sa Lakbayan ay “Proteksyon sa manggagawa at maralita, Pagbabago sa ekonomiya at lipunan.”
“Sa halip na si Jun Lozada, mga kapitalistang abusado ang dapat ikulong. Sinasamantala ng maraming kapitalista ang krisis para ibagsak ang proteksyon sa paggawa at wasakin ang mga karapatan ng manggagawa. Hindi papayag ang mga manggagawa na pasanin ang bigat ng krisis na likha ng mga kapitalista,” ani Renato Magtubo, tagapangulo ng Partido ng Manggagawa (PM).
Mga 1,000 manggagawa at maralita mula sa Calabarzon ang magkikita ng 6:30 n.u. sa Zapote sa boundary ng Las Pinas at Bacoor bilang pagsisimula ng Lakbayan. Magtatagpo sila ng mga lalahok sa Lakbayan mula sa NCR at Bulacan bandang tanghali sa opisina ng HUDCC upang makipag-dialogue sa kahilingang sa moratorium sa demolisyon. Mula doon ay magmamartsa sila tungong opisina ng DOLE para sa dialogue kay Sec. Marianito Roque hinggil sa panawagang ayuda sa mga manggagawa.
“Ang kahilingan para sa proteksyon sa manggagawa at maralita ay unang hakbang lang sa pagtugon sa krisis. Ang susunod na hakbang ay pagbaliktad sa mga patakaran na nagpalala sa krisis. Ito ay ang liberalisasyon, deregulasyon at pribatisasyon na dahilan ng pagguho ng industriya at agrikultura, at pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin,” dagdag ni Magtubo.
Magdadala ang mga kalahok sa Lakbayan ng mga payong na may nakasulat na “Proteksyon laban sa bagyong pang-ekonomiya.” Nakasulat din ang iba’t ibang konkretong kahilingan tulad ng unemployment insurance, tax refund, universal health care, reporma sa employment program at moratorium sa demolisyon. Bukod sa PM, sasama sa Lakbayan ang grupong Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, Zone One Tondo Organization, Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Cavite, United Cavite Workers Association at Samahan ng Mamamayan ng Calabarzon.
Tinawag ng PM na “bandaid solution” ang planong job fair ng gobyerno sa May 1. “Hindi job mismatch ang problema at hindi job fair ang solusyon sa kawalang-trabaho. Ang ugat ng unemployment sa bansa ay economy mismatch o ang maling patakarang pang-ekonomiya na idinikta ng IMF-WB at WTO sa Pilipinas. Bunga ng globalisasyon, nawasak ang lokal na ekonomiya kaya’t walang disenteng trabaho para sa milyun-milyong Pilipino kasama na ang mga kabataang bagong graduate,” paliwanag ni Magtubo.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Urban poor picket NHA to demand condonation of interests and penalties
Press Release
March 24, 2009
Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino
Some 200 residents of Bagong Silang, Caloocan City and Sapang Palay in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan trooped this morning to the main office of the National Housing Authority to press for condonation of onerous interests and penalties on their housing loans. While the protesters were picketing the NHA premises, their leaders held a dialogue with housing officials.
“A condonation of penalties and interests on low-cost and socialized housing loans together with a moratorium on demolitions and evictions must be declared. The least that the government could do in a time of crisis is to refrain from destroying the houses and livelihood of the poor,” declared Jess Panis, spokesperson of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino (AMP).
The rally assembled around 9 a.m. at Philcoa then marched round the Quezon Memorial Cirle before ending with a picket at the NHA main office. The bulk of the rallyists came from the AMP, Zone One Tondo Organization and Partido ng Manggagawa in Bagong Silang and Sapang Palay.
“We are the Pinoy version of ‘subprime homeowners’ who must be bailed out similar to Barack Obama’s plan to rescue poor Americans who are burdened with mortgages and threatened with foreclosure. Demolitions can only be permitted when relocation is negotiated with and agreed upon by the affected communities,” insisted Panis.
The groups are also calling for pro-poor implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the recently passed Republic Act 9507 providing for a loan restructuring and condonation program for socialized and low-cost homeowners. They allege that in the absence of an IRR, housing agencies are foreclosing houses of residents who would otherwise have benefited from the law.
The picket-protest at the NHA was the second time in two months that residents from relocation areas raised the demand for condonation of interests and penalties. It is also a prelude to a thousand-strong mobilization on Thursday by community organizations at the Paranaque City Hall. They will demand a stop to a series of demolitions in the city that has affected hundreds of families in depressed communities.
The rallies at NHA today and in Paranaque on Thursday are both build up activities for the ‘Kalbaryo ng Maralita’ in the coming Holy Week. The “Kalbaryo ng Maralita’ is an annual protest to highlight the plight and struggles of the urban poor.
March 24, 2009
Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino
Some 200 residents of Bagong Silang, Caloocan City and Sapang Palay in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan trooped this morning to the main office of the National Housing Authority to press for condonation of onerous interests and penalties on their housing loans. While the protesters were picketing the NHA premises, their leaders held a dialogue with housing officials.
“A condonation of penalties and interests on low-cost and socialized housing loans together with a moratorium on demolitions and evictions must be declared. The least that the government could do in a time of crisis is to refrain from destroying the houses and livelihood of the poor,” declared Jess Panis, spokesperson of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino (AMP).
The rally assembled around 9 a.m. at Philcoa then marched round the Quezon Memorial Cirle before ending with a picket at the NHA main office. The bulk of the rallyists came from the AMP, Zone One Tondo Organization and Partido ng Manggagawa in Bagong Silang and Sapang Palay.
“We are the Pinoy version of ‘subprime homeowners’ who must be bailed out similar to Barack Obama’s plan to rescue poor Americans who are burdened with mortgages and threatened with foreclosure. Demolitions can only be permitted when relocation is negotiated with and agreed upon by the affected communities,” insisted Panis.
The groups are also calling for pro-poor implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the recently passed Republic Act 9507 providing for a loan restructuring and condonation program for socialized and low-cost homeowners. They allege that in the absence of an IRR, housing agencies are foreclosing houses of residents who would otherwise have benefited from the law.
The picket-protest at the NHA was the second time in two months that residents from relocation areas raised the demand for condonation of interests and penalties. It is also a prelude to a thousand-strong mobilization on Thursday by community organizations at the Paranaque City Hall. They will demand a stop to a series of demolitions in the city that has affected hundreds of families in depressed communities.
The rallies at NHA today and in Paranaque on Thursday are both build up activities for the ‘Kalbaryo ng Maralita’ in the coming Holy Week. The “Kalbaryo ng Maralita’ is an annual protest to highlight the plight and struggles of the urban poor.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Urban poor picket NHA to demand condonation of loan interest
Press Release
February 10, 2009
Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino
Some 300 residents of Sapang Palay in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and Barangay Timbao in Binan, Laguna trooped this afternoon to the main office of the National Housing Authority in Quezon City to press for condonation of onerous interest and penalties on their housing loans. While the protesters were picketing the NHA premises, their leaders held a dialogue with housing officials.
“A moratorium on demolitions and evictions together with condonation of penalties and interests on low-cost and socialized housing loans must be declared. The least that the government could do in a time of crisis is to refrain from destroying the houses and livelihood of the poor. The only exception to the ban on demolitions is when relocation negotiated with and agreed upon by the affected communities,” declared Jess Panis, spokesperson of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino (AMP).
The bulk of the rallyists came from the AMP and Zone One Tondo Organization in Sapang Palay while a contingent came from AMP-Laguna together with supporters from the Partido ng Manggagawa. The groups are also calling for a pro-poor implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the recently passed Republic Act 9507 providing for a loan restructuring and condonation program for socialized and low-cost homeowners. They allege that in the absence of an IRR, housing agencies are foreclosing houses of residents who would otherwise have benefited from the law.
The protesters from Laguna were disqualified on anomalous grounds by the NHA from benefiting from the relocation program for South Rail residents. In protest, they have occupied vacant housing units in Southville V, a relocation area for displaced South Rail residents.
“We are the Pinoy version of ‘subprime homeowners’ who must be bailed out similar to Barack Obama’s plan to rescue poor Americans who are burdened with mortgages and threatened with foreclosure,” insisted Michael Dasigan, a leader of AMP-Laguna.
The Sapang Palay residents are also demanding the following:
1. Implementation of P15,000 costing of lots with no interest for homeowners who acquired rights before 1986;
2. Stop to upfront payment of P3,500 for survey costs, should be added instead to monthly amortization;
3. Entry of new applicants to vacant lots;
4. Survey of lots that are without markers.
February 10, 2009
Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino
Some 300 residents of Sapang Palay in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and Barangay Timbao in Binan, Laguna trooped this afternoon to the main office of the National Housing Authority in Quezon City to press for condonation of onerous interest and penalties on their housing loans. While the protesters were picketing the NHA premises, their leaders held a dialogue with housing officials.
“A moratorium on demolitions and evictions together with condonation of penalties and interests on low-cost and socialized housing loans must be declared. The least that the government could do in a time of crisis is to refrain from destroying the houses and livelihood of the poor. The only exception to the ban on demolitions is when relocation negotiated with and agreed upon by the affected communities,” declared Jess Panis, spokesperson of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino (AMP).
The bulk of the rallyists came from the AMP and Zone One Tondo Organization in Sapang Palay while a contingent came from AMP-Laguna together with supporters from the Partido ng Manggagawa. The groups are also calling for a pro-poor implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the recently passed Republic Act 9507 providing for a loan restructuring and condonation program for socialized and low-cost homeowners. They allege that in the absence of an IRR, housing agencies are foreclosing houses of residents who would otherwise have benefited from the law.
The protesters from Laguna were disqualified on anomalous grounds by the NHA from benefiting from the relocation program for South Rail residents. In protest, they have occupied vacant housing units in Southville V, a relocation area for displaced South Rail residents.
“We are the Pinoy version of ‘subprime homeowners’ who must be bailed out similar to Barack Obama’s plan to rescue poor Americans who are burdened with mortgages and threatened with foreclosure,” insisted Michael Dasigan, a leader of AMP-Laguna.
The Sapang Palay residents are also demanding the following:
1. Implementation of P15,000 costing of lots with no interest for homeowners who acquired rights before 1986;
2. Stop to upfront payment of P3,500 for survey costs, should be added instead to monthly amortization;
3. Entry of new applicants to vacant lots;
4. Survey of lots that are without markers.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Militant groups rally, tells govt to focus on more basic problems and not Cha-cha
GMANews.TV
12/09/2008 12:08 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Militant workers and urban poor on Tuesday started a two-day protest demonstration as they marched from Las Piñas City to Baclaran to oppose moves to push Charter change.
In a statement, Partido ng Manggagawa said members from various militant groups started the march 8 a.m. to the Redemptionist Church in Baclaran where they were met by other groups from depressed communities of Manila's Tondo district and the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela.
The group will then march to the Department of Labor and Employment via Taft Avenue where participants from Caloocan, Bulacan and Rizal are expected to join them. At 6:00 p.m. the protesters will hold a noise barrage at the Welcome Rotonda.
The labor groups are expected to make an overnight vigil and then merge with farmers’ groups that will troop to the Batasang Pambansa on Wednesday.
Partido ng Manggagawa Secretary- General Judy Ann Miranda said instead of focusing on Charter change, the government should first address more basic concerns to help the poor cope with the global economic crisis.
"The reduction in self-rated poverty revealed in the SWS survey does not mean the government is doing its job well. In fact it is doing its job badly and so the people are just reducing their standard of living as a coping mechanism. Rather than focusing on Cha-cha in order to remove the protectionist provisions of the constitution, the government must instead prioritize protection for the workers and the poor so they could deal with the global crisis," Miranda said.
The group also echoed calls for the continuation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
Miranda said that the government should also consider coming up with a "stimulus package" that may include a subsidy to all private sector workers, government employees and OFW's who will be laid off due to the crisis that should last until they are re-employed up to a maximum of six months.
In addition, she urged the government to declare a tax rebate for all workers equivalent to two months wage as well as a public employment program for over four million unemployed Filipinos.
Tha protest rally will be a prelude to the anti-Charter change rally scheduled on December 10 in Makati City which will be participated by Catholic bishops, Labor union groups, militant groups, transport groups and students. - Mikhaela De Leon, GMANews.TV
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138335/Militant-groups-rally-tells-govt-to-focus-on-more-basic-problems-and-not-Cha-cha
12/09/2008 12:08 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Militant workers and urban poor on Tuesday started a two-day protest demonstration as they marched from Las Piñas City to Baclaran to oppose moves to push Charter change.
In a statement, Partido ng Manggagawa said members from various militant groups started the march 8 a.m. to the Redemptionist Church in Baclaran where they were met by other groups from depressed communities of Manila's Tondo district and the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela.
The group will then march to the Department of Labor and Employment via Taft Avenue where participants from Caloocan, Bulacan and Rizal are expected to join them. At 6:00 p.m. the protesters will hold a noise barrage at the Welcome Rotonda.
The labor groups are expected to make an overnight vigil and then merge with farmers’ groups that will troop to the Batasang Pambansa on Wednesday.
Partido ng Manggagawa Secretary- General Judy Ann Miranda said instead of focusing on Charter change, the government should first address more basic concerns to help the poor cope with the global economic crisis.
"The reduction in self-rated poverty revealed in the SWS survey does not mean the government is doing its job well. In fact it is doing its job badly and so the people are just reducing their standard of living as a coping mechanism. Rather than focusing on Cha-cha in order to remove the protectionist provisions of the constitution, the government must instead prioritize protection for the workers and the poor so they could deal with the global crisis," Miranda said.
The group also echoed calls for the continuation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
Miranda said that the government should also consider coming up with a "stimulus package" that may include a subsidy to all private sector workers, government employees and OFW's who will be laid off due to the crisis that should last until they are re-employed up to a maximum of six months.
In addition, she urged the government to declare a tax rebate for all workers equivalent to two months wage as well as a public employment program for over four million unemployed Filipinos.
Tha protest rally will be a prelude to the anti-Charter change rally scheduled on December 10 in Makati City which will be participated by Catholic bishops, Labor union groups, militant groups, transport groups and students. - Mikhaela De Leon, GMANews.TV
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138335/Militant-groups-rally-tells-govt-to-focus-on-more-basic-problems-and-not-Cha-cha
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Lakbayan ng Manggagawa merges with farmers march, calls for “Social change not charter change”
Press Release
December 10, 2008
The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa merged today with the farmers march for a joint mobilization at the Batasang Pambansa with the call “Maralita Magkaisa, Baguhin ang Sistema (Poor Unite and Fight for Social Change).” The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa by a thousand factory workers and urban started yesterday from Zapote Bacoor, passed by Redemptorist Church in Baclaran, marched through Taft and Espana in Manila and then made an overnight vigil at the Claret School in QC.
“The merging of the Lakbayan ng Manggagawa and the farmers march is an expression of the basic alliance between the workers and farmers. A one-two punch by the workers and farmers will provide the knock-out blow against the rotten system and pave the way for social change,” stated Renato Magtubo, chairperson of the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM).
The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa made a final stop at the main office of the NHA for a noise barrage at 9 a.m. to air the poor’s grievances at the failed housing program of the government. Fr. Buddy Agualada, school head of Claret, and scores of Claret students and personnel joined the workers and poor in the NHA protest.
“The sanctuary provided by the church to the Lakbayan marchers and the support of ordinary Filipinos to our demands is in sharp contrast to Malacanang and Congress which are deaf and blind to the opposition of the people to charter change. Rather than focusing on chacha in order to remove the protectionist provisions of the constitution, the government must instead prioritize protection for the workers and the poor so they could deal with the global crisis,” explained Magtubo.
The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa then proceeded to Philcoa where it combined with the peasant marchers. By 10 a.m. the workers and farmers marched together to the St. Peter Cathedral along Commonwealth Ave. for a mass be officiated by Catholic bishops at noon. The big mobilization then proceeded to the Batasan Pambansa for a program at the gates to pressure Congress to pass the proposed bill for CARP extension.
The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa participants came from PM, Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, Zone One Tondo Organization, Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Cavite, United Cavite Workers Association and unions of Valenzuela City. PM supports the peasants’ campaign for a continuation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and slams the inaction of Congress on the proposed bill for extension. The group is also demanding that Congress and Malacanang enact a bailout at stimulus package for workers and poor.
December 10, 2008
The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa merged today with the farmers march for a joint mobilization at the Batasang Pambansa with the call “Maralita Magkaisa, Baguhin ang Sistema (Poor Unite and Fight for Social Change).” The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa by a thousand factory workers and urban started yesterday from Zapote Bacoor, passed by Redemptorist Church in Baclaran, marched through Taft and Espana in Manila and then made an overnight vigil at the Claret School in QC.
“The merging of the Lakbayan ng Manggagawa and the farmers march is an expression of the basic alliance between the workers and farmers. A one-two punch by the workers and farmers will provide the knock-out blow against the rotten system and pave the way for social change,” stated Renato Magtubo, chairperson of the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM).
The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa made a final stop at the main office of the NHA for a noise barrage at 9 a.m. to air the poor’s grievances at the failed housing program of the government. Fr. Buddy Agualada, school head of Claret, and scores of Claret students and personnel joined the workers and poor in the NHA protest.
“The sanctuary provided by the church to the Lakbayan marchers and the support of ordinary Filipinos to our demands is in sharp contrast to Malacanang and Congress which are deaf and blind to the opposition of the people to charter change. Rather than focusing on chacha in order to remove the protectionist provisions of the constitution, the government must instead prioritize protection for the workers and the poor so they could deal with the global crisis,” explained Magtubo.
The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa then proceeded to Philcoa where it combined with the peasant marchers. By 10 a.m. the workers and farmers marched together to the St. Peter Cathedral along Commonwealth Ave. for a mass be officiated by Catholic bishops at noon. The big mobilization then proceeded to the Batasan Pambansa for a program at the gates to pressure Congress to pass the proposed bill for CARP extension.
The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa participants came from PM, Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, Zone One Tondo Organization, Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Cavite, United Cavite Workers Association and unions of Valenzuela City. PM supports the peasants’ campaign for a continuation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and slams the inaction of Congress on the proposed bill for extension. The group is also demanding that Congress and Malacanang enact a bailout at stimulus package for workers and poor.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Lakbayan ng Manggagawa starts today, to merge with farmers march tomorrow
Press Release
December 9, 2008
The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa begins today with the call “Baguhin ang sistema hindi ang konstitusyon!”(Social change not charter change!).” Around a thousand factory workers and urban poor will march through different parts of Metro Manila, make an overnight vigil and then merge with the farmers’ mobilization that will troop to the Batasang Pambansa tomorrow.
“The reduction in self-rated poverty revealed in the SWS survey does not mean the government is doing its job well. In fact it is doing its job badly and so the people are just reducing their standard of living as a coping mechanism. Rather than focusing on chacha in order to remove the protectionist provisions of the constitution, the government must instead prioritize protection for the workers and the poor so they could cope with the global crisis,” argued Judy Ann Miranda, secretary-general of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM).
The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa starts with the Calabarzon contingent meeting at 8 a.m. in Zapote at the boundary of Bacoor and Las Pinas. They then marched the several kilometers to the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran where groups from depressed communities of Tondo and Camanava, and relocation areas in Caloocan, Bulacan and Rizal met them around noon. At 4 p.m. they held a program at the DOLE main office in Intramuros. By 6 p.m. the marchers stopped for a while at Welcome Rotonda for a noise barrage. The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa participants came from PM, Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, Zone One Tondo Organization, Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Cavite, United Cavite Workers Association and unions of Valenzuela City.
Miranda explained that “The Lakbayan is the workers response to the call of the Catholic bishops for people to work for social change. The merging of forces of the workers and the peasants is not just a symbolic gesture and not simply an expression of their common struggle. No movement for social change can succeed without the basic alliance between the workers and farmers.”
PM supports the peasants’ campaign for a continuation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and slams the inaction of Congress on the proposed bill for extension. The group is also demanding that Congress and Malacanang enact a bailout at stimulus package for workers and poor.
Miranda identified the package as “The SSS, GSIS and OWWA must subsidize all private sector workers, government employees and OFW’s who will be laid off due to the crisis that should last until they find a new job up to a maximum of 6 months. Government must also declare a tax rebate for all workers equivalent to 2 months wage. And a public employment program must be established for the four million unemployed Filipinos.”
A noise barrage at several points in Metro Manila yesterday served as prelude and build up to the two-day Lakbayan. A few hundred participants to the noise barrage banged pots and pans to dramatize the opposition to chacha.
December 9, 2008
The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa begins today with the call “Baguhin ang sistema hindi ang konstitusyon!”(Social change not charter change!).” Around a thousand factory workers and urban poor will march through different parts of Metro Manila, make an overnight vigil and then merge with the farmers’ mobilization that will troop to the Batasang Pambansa tomorrow.
“The reduction in self-rated poverty revealed in the SWS survey does not mean the government is doing its job well. In fact it is doing its job badly and so the people are just reducing their standard of living as a coping mechanism. Rather than focusing on chacha in order to remove the protectionist provisions of the constitution, the government must instead prioritize protection for the workers and the poor so they could cope with the global crisis,” argued Judy Ann Miranda, secretary-general of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM).
The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa starts with the Calabarzon contingent meeting at 8 a.m. in Zapote at the boundary of Bacoor and Las Pinas. They then marched the several kilometers to the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran where groups from depressed communities of Tondo and Camanava, and relocation areas in Caloocan, Bulacan and Rizal met them around noon. At 4 p.m. they held a program at the DOLE main office in Intramuros. By 6 p.m. the marchers stopped for a while at Welcome Rotonda for a noise barrage. The Lakbayan ng Manggagawa participants came from PM, Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, Zone One Tondo Organization, Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Cavite, United Cavite Workers Association and unions of Valenzuela City.
Miranda explained that “The Lakbayan is the workers response to the call of the Catholic bishops for people to work for social change. The merging of forces of the workers and the peasants is not just a symbolic gesture and not simply an expression of their common struggle. No movement for social change can succeed without the basic alliance between the workers and farmers.”
PM supports the peasants’ campaign for a continuation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and slams the inaction of Congress on the proposed bill for extension. The group is also demanding that Congress and Malacanang enact a bailout at stimulus package for workers and poor.
Miranda identified the package as “The SSS, GSIS and OWWA must subsidize all private sector workers, government employees and OFW’s who will be laid off due to the crisis that should last until they find a new job up to a maximum of 6 months. Government must also declare a tax rebate for all workers equivalent to 2 months wage. And a public employment program must be established for the four million unemployed Filipinos.”
A noise barrage at several points in Metro Manila yesterday served as prelude and build up to the two-day Lakbayan. A few hundred participants to the noise barrage banged pots and pans to dramatize the opposition to chacha.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Noise barrage held today as prelude to Lakbayan ng Manggagawa tomorrow
Press Release
December 8, 2008
A noise barrage held today in different parts of Metro Manila called for “social change not charter change.” The coordinated activity was a build up for the Lakbayan ng Manggagawa that will start tomorrow and then merge with the peasant marchers on Wednesday for a big joint mobilization.
The coordinated noise barrage was launched in the following five points in Metro Manila: NHA, Elliptical Road, QC; Sto. Nino Church, Tondo, Manila; Bicutan Interchange, Paranaque; Sangandaan, Caloocan; and Royal Mall, Malinta Exit, Valenzuela. The noise barrage commenced at 5 p.m. except the NHA activity which was held earlier at 1 p.m. A hundred workers and poor in every one of the five areas banged pots and pans to dramatize their protest.
“Instead of railroading chacha, Malacanang and Congress should push for a bailout of the workers and the poor in the face of the global economic crisis,” stated Renato Magtubo, chairperson of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), one of the organizations involved in the noise barrage. He also welcomed the TUCP’s opposition to chacha but added that “We only ask that they match their words with deeds. They should join the urban and rural poor joint rally on Wednesday.”
PM will lead the Lakbayan ng Manggagawa on Tuesday that will involve more than a thousand members of Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, Zone One Tondo Organization, Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Cavite at United Cavite Workers Association. The Lakbayan marchers will pass through various points of Metro Manila and hold an overnight vigil at an undisclosed church compound. On Wednesday the Lakbayan ng Manggagawa will resume and combine with the farmer mobilization that will troop to the Batasan Pambansa.
“The merging of forces of the workers and the peasants, of the urban and rural poor, is a response to the call of the Catholic bishops for social change. An alliance between the workers and the peasants is the necessary condition for changing Philippine society. Nothing is impossible if the workers and farmers unite and fight,” asserted Magtubo.
PM declared its support for the farmers demand for an extension of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and condemnation of the landlord resistance. Meanwhile the group is campaigning for a bailout at stimulus package for workers and poor. Magtubo explained that “SSS, GSIS and the OWWA must release funds sufficient to subsidize all private sector workers, government employees and OFW’s who will be laid off due to the crisis that should last until they find a new job up to a maximum of 6 months. Government must also declare a tax rebate for all workers equivalent to 2 months wage, in effect giving them a 14th and 15th month salary. And a public employment program must be established for the four million unemployed even before the onset of the present crisis.”
December 8, 2008
A noise barrage held today in different parts of Metro Manila called for “social change not charter change.” The coordinated activity was a build up for the Lakbayan ng Manggagawa that will start tomorrow and then merge with the peasant marchers on Wednesday for a big joint mobilization.
The coordinated noise barrage was launched in the following five points in Metro Manila: NHA, Elliptical Road, QC; Sto. Nino Church, Tondo, Manila; Bicutan Interchange, Paranaque; Sangandaan, Caloocan; and Royal Mall, Malinta Exit, Valenzuela. The noise barrage commenced at 5 p.m. except the NHA activity which was held earlier at 1 p.m. A hundred workers and poor in every one of the five areas banged pots and pans to dramatize their protest.
“Instead of railroading chacha, Malacanang and Congress should push for a bailout of the workers and the poor in the face of the global economic crisis,” stated Renato Magtubo, chairperson of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), one of the organizations involved in the noise barrage. He also welcomed the TUCP’s opposition to chacha but added that “We only ask that they match their words with deeds. They should join the urban and rural poor joint rally on Wednesday.”
PM will lead the Lakbayan ng Manggagawa on Tuesday that will involve more than a thousand members of Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, Zone One Tondo Organization, Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Cavite at United Cavite Workers Association. The Lakbayan marchers will pass through various points of Metro Manila and hold an overnight vigil at an undisclosed church compound. On Wednesday the Lakbayan ng Manggagawa will resume and combine with the farmer mobilization that will troop to the Batasan Pambansa.
“The merging of forces of the workers and the peasants, of the urban and rural poor, is a response to the call of the Catholic bishops for social change. An alliance between the workers and the peasants is the necessary condition for changing Philippine society. Nothing is impossible if the workers and farmers unite and fight,” asserted Magtubo.
PM declared its support for the farmers demand for an extension of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and condemnation of the landlord resistance. Meanwhile the group is campaigning for a bailout at stimulus package for workers and poor. Magtubo explained that “SSS, GSIS and the OWWA must release funds sufficient to subsidize all private sector workers, government employees and OFW’s who will be laid off due to the crisis that should last until they find a new job up to a maximum of 6 months. Government must also declare a tax rebate for all workers equivalent to 2 months wage, in effect giving them a 14th and 15th month salary. And a public employment program must be established for the four million unemployed even before the onset of the present crisis.”
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Workers say Bonifacio’s struggle alive in fight vs. chacha
Press Release
November 30, 2008
After the business-led rally last Friday against amending the constitution to extend the term of President Gloria Arroyo, today it was the turn of labor to voice its opposition. “Pro-GMA solons say the people have no need to worry since the chacha resolutions are just meant to test the law. But the truth is they are also testing the waters to see if the people will erupt in rage against a blatant attempt to prolong the GMA regime,” declared Renato Magtubo, chairperson of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM).
Various labor groups including PM commemorated Heroes Day by convening a forum to tackle the workers’ position on the unfolding economic and political crisis. The workers then joined a rally at the Balintawak monument together with several vocal bishops to express their common stand against charter change.
“There is no more fitting way to celebrate Bonifacio Day than for the workers to continue his struggle by confronting the economic and political crisis of the nation. The other day it was the patricians who voiced out their position. Today it is the turn of the plebeians to express not their opposition to charter change but also their call for system change. The working class with march side-by-side with the middle forces against term extension while raising our own banner for radical reform,” explained Magtubo.
The Labor Alliance for Better Order and Reforms (LABOR) sponsored the forum at the San Roque Parish of Bishop Iniquez of Caloocan that was attended by more than 300 leaders of PM, Uni-PLC, National Confederation of Labor, Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, Zone One Tondo Organization, Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Cavite, United Cavite Workers Association, and big unions like the Fortune Tobacco Labor Union, Philippine Airlines Employees Association, and unions from Valenzuela City. The theme of the forum was “Fight for jobs and livehood, Fight against GMA’s chacha.” After the forum, several hundred participants marched from the San Roque Parish to the Balintawak monument for the rally sponsored by Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya.
Magtubo explained that “Upsizing GMA’s term is just as deleterious to the nation as the downsizing experienced by the workers in the export zones. GMA is one aspect of the nation’s problem while globalization is the other face. It is not just the corrupt GMA regime but also the crisis of globalization that we must resolve and the only solution is system change.”
PM chapters in the provinces held similar activities. Around 1,000 industrial and hacienda workers marched in Bacolod City around the Fountain of Justice in the afternoon. Meanwhile labor fora were held in the cities of Cebu and Davao.
Magtubo also stated that the mass actions today is only the start of labor’s involvement in the anti-chacha movement in parallel to their campaign for a bailout of the workers and the poor in the face of the economic recession. PM is proposing a subsidy for workers who will be laid off due to the crisis; tax breaks for all employees as a form of economic stimulus; and a thoroughgoing reform of the public employment program so that the millions of unemployed Filipinos can get jobs.
“Congress should investigate the impact of the economic recession on the workers instead of fomenting a political crisis by pushing for con-ass and term extension,” insisted Magtubo. PM has formally petitioned the Senate and House Labor Committees to a congressional inquiry of the effects of the global crisis on workers.
November 30, 2008
After the business-led rally last Friday against amending the constitution to extend the term of President Gloria Arroyo, today it was the turn of labor to voice its opposition. “Pro-GMA solons say the people have no need to worry since the chacha resolutions are just meant to test the law. But the truth is they are also testing the waters to see if the people will erupt in rage against a blatant attempt to prolong the GMA regime,” declared Renato Magtubo, chairperson of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM).
Various labor groups including PM commemorated Heroes Day by convening a forum to tackle the workers’ position on the unfolding economic and political crisis. The workers then joined a rally at the Balintawak monument together with several vocal bishops to express their common stand against charter change.
“There is no more fitting way to celebrate Bonifacio Day than for the workers to continue his struggle by confronting the economic and political crisis of the nation. The other day it was the patricians who voiced out their position. Today it is the turn of the plebeians to express not their opposition to charter change but also their call for system change. The working class with march side-by-side with the middle forces against term extension while raising our own banner for radical reform,” explained Magtubo.
The Labor Alliance for Better Order and Reforms (LABOR) sponsored the forum at the San Roque Parish of Bishop Iniquez of Caloocan that was attended by more than 300 leaders of PM, Uni-PLC, National Confederation of Labor, Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, Zone One Tondo Organization, Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Cavite, United Cavite Workers Association, and big unions like the Fortune Tobacco Labor Union, Philippine Airlines Employees Association, and unions from Valenzuela City. The theme of the forum was “Fight for jobs and livehood, Fight against GMA’s chacha.” After the forum, several hundred participants marched from the San Roque Parish to the Balintawak monument for the rally sponsored by Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya.
Magtubo explained that “Upsizing GMA’s term is just as deleterious to the nation as the downsizing experienced by the workers in the export zones. GMA is one aspect of the nation’s problem while globalization is the other face. It is not just the corrupt GMA regime but also the crisis of globalization that we must resolve and the only solution is system change.”
PM chapters in the provinces held similar activities. Around 1,000 industrial and hacienda workers marched in Bacolod City around the Fountain of Justice in the afternoon. Meanwhile labor fora were held in the cities of Cebu and Davao.
Magtubo also stated that the mass actions today is only the start of labor’s involvement in the anti-chacha movement in parallel to their campaign for a bailout of the workers and the poor in the face of the economic recession. PM is proposing a subsidy for workers who will be laid off due to the crisis; tax breaks for all employees as a form of economic stimulus; and a thoroughgoing reform of the public employment program so that the millions of unemployed Filipinos can get jobs.
“Congress should investigate the impact of the economic recession on the workers instead of fomenting a political crisis by pushing for con-ass and term extension,” insisted Magtubo. PM has formally petitioned the Senate and House Labor Committees to a congressional inquiry of the effects of the global crisis on workers.
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