Senate’s chacha dance unnecessary, out of step – Nagkaisa!

Leading the charter change (chacha) dance this time is totally unnecessary and out of step for the Senate, the Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition declared in a statement, a week after Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri himself led the Senate majority in the filing of Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH 6) which aims to amend the economic provision of the 1987 Constitution through a Constituent Assembly (ConAss).

 

Protesting outside the Senate gates on Tuesday, Nagkaisa! members called on Zubiri to redirect his focus to the pressing demands of workers, including a wage hike, an end to labor contractualization (endo), and employment guarantees to address the chronic jobs crisis in the country. Their rallying cry: "Sahod itaas, Chacha i-atras!"

 

Josua Mata, Convenor of Nakakaisa! and Secretary-General of Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO), expressed disappointment, stating, "SP Zubiri made significant promises to workers last year, vowing to enact a P150 across-the-board wage hike. Now, it seems he's shifting focus to cha-cha, an agenda unrelated to labor concerns."

 

Mata cautioned against a dubiously assembled ConAss, suggesting it could veer off course, impacting not only the economic provisions but also the political structures, catering to trapos’ (traditional politician) perpetual lust for power.

 

Addressing the diversionary tactics, Judy Miranda, Nagkaisa Women Committee Head and Partido Manggagawa (PM) Secretary-General, accused cha-cha proponents of diverting attention, energy, and resources from issues directly affecting 99% of Filipinos. She emphasized the urgency of prioritizing the P150 wage hike bill and creating more jobs, especially for women, over alien bids to acquire 100% land ownership and control of Philippine businesses.

 

Citing survey results from Pulse Asia and OCTA, Miranda underscored that over two-thirds of Filipinos are more concerned about inflation, wage hikes, and job creation than constitutional changes. She also criticized politicians for denying their complicity in maintaining poverty under a capitalist system that concentrates 90% of national wealth in the hands of the 0.1%.

 

Nagkaisa Chair and Federation of Free Workers (FFW) President Sonny Matula reiterated the call he made earlier that the government rather address workers' core concerns: higher wages, job security, and the freedom to organize for collective bargaining. He criticized the Charter change initiative for diverting attention and resources away from these pressing issues.

 

Nagkaisa! pledged to actively oppose moves to revise the Constitution, announcing plans to collaborate with broader sectors to build an anti-cha-cha movement. The group aims to present workers' agendas as a compelling counter-narrative against pro-alien and pro-dynasty arguments. ###

 

Photos and videos of the rally can be accessed here:

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PRESS RELEASE

NAGKAISA! Labor Coalition

23 January 2024

 

GMA must heed the people’s pulse and drop con-ass, term extension

Press Statement
August 7, 2009
Renato Magtubo
Chairperson

The massive crowd that joined former President Cory Aquino’s funeral was not simply expressing grief but conveying support for her fight against dictatorship as shown by the sea of people flashing the laban sign. The laban sign was formerly a symbol of the struggle against the fascist Marcos, it has now assumed a meaning as a fight against the threat of a new tyranny. Gloria Arroyo’s spokespersons are denying that the Palace is threatened but for the first time since Edsa Tres, the regime has reason to be afraid of the spontaneous masses.

Gloria Arroyo should read the sign of the times and heed the pulse of the people. It is time for her to order a stop to con-ass and declare that she will not extend her term. She still has two weeks to do so until the anniversary of Ninoy’s assassination on August 21 that may be the next spontaneous expression of the people’s outrage.

It will not be too late for Gloria Arroyo to pay true respects to Cory Aquino by announcing that she is not seeking to remain in power, what could have been the most important part of her SONA speech that she did not say and merely glossed over by stating the fact that her term ends in 2010.

The Philippines has had only two women presidents. History has been truly kind to the first, Cory Aquino, who is now considered, rightly or wrongly, as an icon of democracy. The people have been awfully forgiving of the second, Gloria Arroyo, for they apparently will allow her to finish her term. But if Gloria Arroyo pushes her luck and maneuvers to remain in power, she faces resistance from a people mobilized by the laban sign.

Militants depict GMA as H1N1 virus is SONA protests, say hunger survey reflects real state of the nation

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.”

9th SONA: Most disinteresting but probably not the last for PGMA, labor group says

PRESS RELEASE
26 July 2009

A labor party-list group, Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), describes tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Arroyo the most disinteresting one, but probably not her last.

“For one, nobody would try to listen to a valedictory address which leaves no meaning for the lives of the masang Pinoy as well as on the economic and political life of a nation long been longing for social change. For another, a desperate Gloria will not reveal her political plans in her SONA since tomorrow may not be her last,” said PM secretary-general Judy Ann Miranda.

Scorecards, according to Miranda, are not that relevant in tomorrow’s SONA because the President herself is aware of the awful truth that she failed to BEAT THE ODDS she boldly proclaimed in her previous SONAs. She also has no solution in averting the country’s drift towards recession.

The labor group believes that Mrs. Arroyo is not likely to step down to avoid prosecution and to protect the family’s investments, thus, “steps and schemes for extending herself beyond Constitutional limits are going to be very discreet especially if they are done through extraconstitutional way.”

PM was referring to published reports on the existence of a plot to set up a transition government being peddled to high government officials, the military and church leaders by no less than her national security adviser, Norberto Gonzales.

“Mas dapat basahin ang mga kilos at galaw ng administrasyon sa susunod na mga araw, kaysa sa mga istatistikang ihahapag niya ngayon,” said Miranda.

The group opposes the convening of Constituent Assembly to amend the Constitution. It also vows to defy another imposition of martial rule and is preparing their communities to any eventuality like this.

Tomorrow, PM members are joining the Laban ng Masa and Tindignation march from the Commission of Human Rights to Batasan. It's regional chapters in Ilo-ilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Geneal Santos and Iligan City will also hold their own actions.

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.

Workers lead nationwide pre-SONA protests vs. con-ass and martial law

Press Release
July 24, 2009

Militant workers and poor led many of the pre-SONA noise barrages launched today as a build up to the SONA protest on Monday. 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.

Renato Magtubo, national chairperson of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), averred “Between Avelino Cruz’s analysis and Ronaldo Puno’s denial, the former is more believable as far as the threat of martial law is concerned. Puno is just a palace sycophant who keeps on praising her empress while Cruz is the brave boy who told the ugly truth that the empress was actually not wearing any clothes. But the workers would go beyond Cruz’s advice to the soldiers not to follow illegal orders. The workers ask the soldiers to follow their conscience and support the people in the event they will overthrow a would-be dictator who plots to rule forever.”

PM joined other labor groups that are part of Manggagawa Kontra Chacha in a noise barrage in the early evening at Timog corner Morato in Quezon City. In the afternoon, hundreds of members of Fortune Tobacco Labor Union marched from the factory at Parang, Marikina to the busy area of Concepcion Church. Similar noise barrages were held in other working class areas like the Cavite Economic Zone in the town of Rosario, the Bicutan Market at Bicutan Interchange in the SLEX, 5th Avenue in Caloocan proper, Bukid Area in Caloocan City and Shopwise in Antipolo City.

Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary general, stated, “Today the working class marches side by side with the middle class in indignation at Gloria Arroyo’s attempt to extend her term. So while students of Ateneo take time to protest outside the campus, the workers march from their factories and the poor demonstrate at their communities for the common agenda of defending civil liberties and resisting the return of dictatorship.”

Simultaneous protests were also staged in the cities of Ilo-ilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, General Santos City, Iligan City and in Cabanatuan City where students and faculty of Wesleyan University held a noise barrage in the afternoon.

“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 impose. 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 Miranda.

Urban poor hold noise barrage as build up for SONA protests

Press Release
July 22, 2009

More than a hundred urban poor from Paranaque trooped to the Bicutan market at the South Luzon Expressway interchange this afternoon and held a noise barrage in the early evening against the plan to convene a constituent assembly and the threat of martial law. The 6 p.m. noise barrage of the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino (AMP) and Tucuma Federation is part of a build up for the counter-SONA protests on July 27 by the group TindigNation and is a preview of the nationwide mass actions on Friday.

“We call on our fellow workers and Filipinos to join the noise barrage this afternoon and on Friday to show to the government our collective outrage against con-ass and martial law,” explained Robert Labrador, president of Tucuma Federation, community organization in Paranaque.

The mass action today started with a march from the Tucuma community at Barangay Merville. The Paranaque residents warmly received the protesters as the march made its way from the inner streets of Merville to the Bicutan interchange. The noise barrage at the Bicutan market was enthusiastically welcomed by passers by and even drivers who honked their vehicle horns as a sign of support.

Among the protests that will be part of the Friday nationwide mass actions are noise barrages in Welcome Rotonda by the Manggagawa Kontra Chacha, and PM-sponsored activities by hundreds of Fortune Tobacco workers at Marikina, Valenzuela unionists at Malinta exit, Rizal urban poor at Antipolo, and students and faculty in Cabanatuan City.

Romy Cabugnason, spokesperson of AMP, 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.”

Judy Ann Miranda, secretary general of PM, added, “National Security Adviser Bert Gonzales is not making a secret of but instead actively campaigning for his proposal of no-election and a transition government. Gloria Arroyo will remain in power as a member of the transition government. What Gonzales is not saying is that a no-election scenario and a transition government can only come in being on the crest a chaotic situation. So even while the bombings have stopped, speculation still abound as to who are its masterminds and if its part of a scenario building exercise."

Las Pinas urban poor march on City Hall vs. demolitions, hold noise barrage vs. con-ass

Press Release
July 9, 2009
Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino

Some 300 urban poor marched early this afternoon on the Las Pinas city hall in time for a city council session to demand a local moratorium on demolitions. The march-rally was spearheaded by community organizations at Manggahan in Brgy. Pamplona II and Veraville in Brgy. Pulang Lupa II. The Manggahan community is under threat of eviction while the depressed area of Veraviile has been the scene of several violent demolitions in the last three months.

“We ask that a local moratorium on demolitions be passed by the Las Pinas city council in view of the violent demolitions and the threat of more evictions. A local moratorium will be in line with the recommendation by the Commission on Human Rights as per Resolution (1v) No. A2008-052,” stated Robert Labrador of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino (AMP).

After the rally at the city hall, the urban poor marched back to Brgy. Pamplona II around 5 p.m. for a noise barrage against con-ass and cha-cha. Labrador stated that “This noise barrage is part of the build up activity for the State of the Nation protests. The noise of the people’s protests should drown out the sound of bombs exploding that is meant to scare the masses. We call on the people to defend their democratic rights and oppose martial law or a state of emergency. The people should make noise today or else we will wake up tomorrow with Gloria Arroyo remaining in power forever as prime minister.”

The Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) is also demanding a moratorium on evictions in the face of the violent demolitions. “We ask that Malacanang declare a moratorium on demolitions and a ban on violent evictions. The least that government can do in the midst of the economic crisis is to refrain from destroying the houses and livelihoods of the poor,” stated Renato Magtubo, chairperson of PM.

“The UDHA provides that no demolition can proceed without relocation provided the urban poor. Honest to goodness negotiations with the community must be conducted for decent relocation. Residents are resisting and fighting evictions because they are being relocated to death zones where there are no livelihood and services,” explained Magtubo.

APM and AMP are pushing for a 5-point demand in response to the crisis: (1) Moratorium on demolitions and ban on violent evictions; (2) Condonation of penalties and interests on low-cost and socialized housing loans. Draft a pro-poor implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 9507 or Socialized and Low-Cost Housing Loan Restructuring Act of 2008; (3) Jobs for the 3 million unemployed. Reform and expand the public employment program; (4) Allot 20% of the land in housing projects for socialized housing as provided for in the UDHA. Thus on-site relocation will be possible and the urban poor need not be relocated to undeveloped areas without services and jobs; and (5) Shift the bulk of the P330 billion fund for the stimulus plan to direct support and social services to the poor instead of infrastructure projects which benefits principally contractors and business.

Hundreds of workers hold noise barrage vs. con-ass, say “show indignation to stop the titillation”

Press Release
June 19, 2009

Different labor groups under the umbrella of the newly formed Manggagawa Kontra Cha-Cha held a labor forum this afternoon and then organized a noise barrage in the early evening. Renato Magtubo, chairperson of Partido ng Manggagawa and a convenor of the Manggagawa Kontra Cha-Cha said that “The people must show indignation to stop GMA’s titillation of the nation. FVR should join the protests against con-ass if she wants GMA to reveal her plans. Yet the indignation versus cha-cha should aim not just to oblige GMA to express her political intentions but force a retreat from her term extension plan.”

The Manggagawa Kontra Cha-Cha met at the UP School of Labor and Industrial Relations (SOLAIR) from 1 to 5 p.m. to consolidate organized labor’s position on con-ass. The labor groups explained that they oppose con-ass not simply because they resist GMA’s term extension but also because they fight the neoliberal agenda behind cha-cha.

Magtubo explained that “There are those in the broad movement against con-ass who approve of cha-cha for the purpose of abolishing the protectionist provisions and oppose merely GMA’s term extension. The workers however resist both perpetuating GMA in power forever and removing the protectionist provisions of the Constitution. The working class oppose cha-cha not to defend the elite democracy enshrined in the 1987 Constitution but to protect the progressive provisions on national patrimony and labor rights.”

At the end of the forum, the 200 participants marched from SOLAIR to Philcoa for the noise barrage. Members of PM made noise using tools of production used by workers such as hammers, pliers and metal sheets to symbolize labor’s resistance to charter change. The noise barrage is part of labor-led protests calling for government action on the economic recession instead of charter revision.

“Government must act on the demand for social protection for the workers instead of term extension for GMA. Today union members in the giant Keppel shipyard in Cebu went on strike while workers in the big Mactan Export Processing Zone have been holding daily protests. The challenge that government must solve is the recession not the Constitution,” insisted Magtubo.

In their manifesto, it is stated that “The workers march side by side with the multisectoral movement against con-ass but build a parallel movement with independent demands for labor protection and economic protectionism. The workers add their voice to the people’s indignation over con-ass even as we air our own slogans for system change instead of charter change.”

Noise barrage today at two NCR chokepoints continue labor-led protests vs. con-ass

Press Release
June 9, 2009

The militant Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) will lead the noise barrage at two chokepoints in Metro Manila today as labor-led protests against con-ass and cha-cha continued. At 2 p.m. some 300 urban poor will mobilize at Paranaque. While at 6 p.m. another group of 300 Manila residents and PM members will hold a separate noise barrage.

“The distrust and disapproval ratings of Gloria Arroyo are an early plebiscite on cha-cha. That one in every two Filipinos distrust and disapprove of Gloria Arroyo expresses the people’s rejection of the attempt to extend her term through con-ass,” argued Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.

Members of PM and Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino in Paranaque marched from their communities to the Bicutan palengke at the Bicutan interchange for the noise barrage. Residents of the Balic-Balic community led by the Holy Trinity Parish priest Fr. Erik Adoviso will be joined by PM members for the noise barrage at Welcome Rotonda. Fr. Erik Adoviso is head of the Archbishop of Manila Labor Ministry.

“We appeal to religious leaders to reject the courting from Malacanang and to stand firm against con-ass. The sweet talk from Malacanang is mere double talk. The workers protests are in response to the Catholic Church’s call versus con-ass and are parallel to multisectoral movement against cha-cha. The working class adds its voice to the people’s indignation over the railroading of con-ass and the desperate attempt to extend GMA’s term,” explained Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary general.

She stated that “We call on the people to make noise today or else we will wake up tomorrow with Gloria Arroyo remaining in power as prime minister. She is already earnestly campaigning with 15 trips to Pampanga in less than four months or once a week. There is no other reason for Gloria Arroyo’s visits except to woo voters for a run at the congressional seat now occupied by her son. Gloria Arroyo as a prime minister means the old dog returning with a new collar.”

“The denials of the trapos who sponsored signed Resolution 1109 cannot be believed like the generals who talk of peace even as they prepare for war. The 2010 polls that Nograles and others speak of will be elections for the members of parliament not a new president,” insisted Magtubo.

“Revising the Constitution will pave the way not just for GMA’s perpetuation in power but also the annihilation of the token protection for labor rights and national patrimony that remains in the Constitution,” Magtubo clarified as the basis for labor’s opposition to cha-cha.

Export zone workers march vs. con-ass, call for action on economic recession instead of charter revision

Press Release
June 8, 2009

Some 300 factory workers and community residents marched around the Cavite Economic Zone in the town of Rosario to express outrage over the passage of Resolution 1109. “The workers protests are in response to the multisectoral movement against cha-cha and the Catholic Church’s call versus con-ass. The working class adds its voice to the people’s indignation over the railroading of con-ass and the desperate attempt to extend GMA’s term,” stated Dennis Sequena, Partido ng Manggagawa (PM)-Cavite chairperson.

Members of the Rosario Workers Association (RWA), United Cavite Workers Association and Samahang Nagkakaisa ng Cavite led two contingents that met around 10 a.m. at the main gate of the Cavite Economic Zone then marched around the export zone. The first group came from the towns of Gen. Trias and Tanza, and assembled at Tejero. The second contingent came from the towns of Rosario, Kawit and Cavite City, and gathered at the Rosario Municipal Hall.

Marites Manjares of RWA argued that “The workers call on Congress to retreat from changing the Constitution and instead act on the economic recession. The recession has been overshadowed by other sensational news but it is a threat worse than the outbreak of the AH1N1 virus while the epidemic of layoffs is a worse scandal than the Hayden-Katrina sex video.”

PM renewed its call for a workers bailout in order to stimulate the economy and counter the recession. The group is calling for tax refund, unemployment insurance and direct subsidies to displaced employees and poor people in to order to “put money in the hands of workers and the poor” and revive consumer demand.

“Resolution 1109 may be one small step for her allies in the House of Representatives but it is a giant leap for GMA. It may not be long now when the people will wake up one morning to be greeted by a Prime Minister GMA. Con-ass is the illegitimate child of the Lakas-Kampi marriage and the secret godchild of Gloria Arroyo. It is a GMA-PALAKA outrage that is worse than the sex videos,” Manjares added.

Sequena expained that “Revising the Constitution will pave the way not just for GMA’s perpetuation in power but also the annihilation of the token protection for labor rights and national patrimony that remains in the Constitution.”

Tomorrow the urban poor will hold a noise barrage at the Bicutan Interchange in Paranaque to call on Congress to withdraw the con-ass move. Affiliates of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino and PM in Paranaque will march from their communities to the Bicutan palengke at the Bicutan Interchange. They will hold a noise barrage to call for a stop to con-ass and the scrapping of cha-cha.

Workers to hold protests vs. con-ass, call for action on economic recession instead of charter revision

Press Release
June 7, 2009

The militant Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) will lead workers in Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog in protest actions against con-ass and cha-cha this coming week. On Monday factory workers will march around the Cavite Economic Zone in Rosario to express outrage over the passage of Resolution 1109. While on Tuesday the urban poor will hold a noise barrage at the Bicutan Interchange in Paranaque to call on Congress to withdraw the con-ass move.

“The workers protests are in response to the multisectoral movement against cha-cha and the Catholic Church’s call versus con-ass. The working class adds its voice to the people’s indignation over the railroading of con-ass and the desperate attempt to extend GMA’s term,” stated Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.

In the Monday mass action, members of Rosario Workers Association and United Cavite Workers Association will lead two contingents that will come from Gen. Trias and Tanza, and Rosario, Kawit and Cavite City. The first group will assemble at Tejero and the second will gather at the Rosario Municipal Hall. The two contingents will meet at the main gate of the Cavite Economic Zone then march around the export zone. Meanwhile on Tuesday, affiliates of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino in Paranaque will march from their communities to the Bicutan palengke at the Bicutan Interchange. They will hold a noise barrage to call for a stop to con-ass and the scrapping of cha-cha.

Magtubo added that “The workers call on Congress to retreat from changing the Constitution and instead act on the economic recession. The recession has been overshadowed by other sensational news but it is a threat worse than the outbreak of the AH1N1 virus while the epidemic of layoffs is a worse scandal than the Hayden-Katrina sex video.”

PM renewed its call for a workers bailout in order to stimulate the economy and counter the recession. The group is calling for tax refund, unemployment insurance and direct subsidies to displaced employees and poor people in to order to “put money in the hands of workers and the poor” and revive consumer demand.

“Resolution 1109 may be one small step for her allies in the House of Representatives but it is a giant leap for GMA. It may not be long now when the people will wake up one morning to be greeted by a Prime Minister GMA. Con-ass is the illegitimate child of the Lakas-Kampi marriage and the secret godchild of Gloria Arroyo. It is a GMA-PALAKA outrage that is worse than the sex videos. Revising the Constitution will pave the way not just for GMA’s perpetuation in power but also the annihilation of the token protection for labor rights and national patrimony that remains in the Constitution,” explained Magtubo.

Militant workers to picket House today, call con-ass “illegitimate child of Lakas-Kampi marriage”

Press Release
June 3, 2009

Some 300 workers and poor led by the militant Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) will stage a picket at the Batasang Pambansa this afternoon in protest at the passage of Resolution 1109 providing for convening Congress as a constituent assembly. “Con-ass is the illegitimate first born child of the Lakas-Kampi marriage that was officiated by GMA herself. It is a GMA-PALAKA scandal that is worse than the Hayden-Katrina sex video,” insisted Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.

The protesters from PM brought placards that read: “Con-Ass: Illegitimate Child of Lakas-Kampi Marriage,” “Con-Ass: GMA-PALAKA Scandal,” and “Con-Ass: 1st scandalous act of GMA’s PALAKA.”

Magtubo argued that “Revising the Constitution will pave the way not just for GMA’s perpetuation in power but also the annihilation of the token protection for labor rights and national patrimony. Chacha will benefit Gloria, the trapos and foreigners.”

“The P20 million bribe for chacha’s passage worked its miracle to ensure a quorum and make Judases of the trapos in Congress. Instead of responding to the challenge of worsening poverty and unemployment, Congress railroaded the con-ass for the purpose of extending GMA’s term. The first crucial step has been taken on the road to GMA return to power as Prime Minister,” Magtubo added.

PNR Rehab Affected Families to hold Picket at NHA

Press Release
June 3, 2009
Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino

Families affected by the PNR Rehabilitation project from the Bicutan Segment picketed in front of the National Housing Authority Office today to demand their acceptance as beneficiaries eligible for entry to the relocation site.

Michael Dasigan, President of the Pinagkaisang Mamamayan mula sa Riles (PMR), presented documents regarding the issue, including letters to various government offices. Despite the documents, they have been denied access to the relocation site.

Michael Dasigan said that, “Iregularidad sa tanggapan ng NHA ang dahilan kung bakit wala pa rin kaming bahay magpasahanggang ngayon. Ang pagpapatupad nila ng Code of Policy na labag sa batas, ang mabagal at malabong sistema ng pagpoproseso ng aming mga requirements at kakulangan sa pagkilala sa katangian ng mga maralita sa riles ang mga ultimong dahilan kung bakit hindi episyente at magpasahanggang ngayon ay may mga pamilyang naiwan sa perokaril.”

Dasigan added, “Today’s negotiation is crucial, for the first time we will meet with Assistant General Manager, Mr. Froilan Kampitan to air our demands. If they disapprove our petition then we will also be denied our temporary shelter thus forcing us to go back to railways.”

After the dialogue they will join the farmers at the House of Representative to push for the passage of the CARPER and the protest against the passage of the con-ass resolution.

Workers slam chacha revival, calls it a Frankenstein monster

Press Release
June 2, 2009

The militant Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) slammed the move in the House of Representatives to revive the charter change. “Chacha through Resolution 1109 is a Frankenstein monster that has been resurrected from the dead by mad trapos. Chacha is exit plan of GMA yet it is the road to perdition for the people. Revising the Constitution will pave the way not just for GMA’s perpetuation in power but also the annihilation of the token protection for labor rights and national patrimony,” argued stated Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.

PM is calling on the plenary session of the Lower House to scrap Resolutions 1109 and 737. The group reiterated that the working class and the Filipino people will resist changing the Constitution “for the benefit of Gloria, the trapos and foreigners.”

“The rumored P20 million bribe for chacha’s passage is the price of the modern-day Judases who will betray the people’s interests. Instead of responding to the challenge of worsening poverty and unemployment, Congress is busy with chacha for the purpose of extending GMA’s term. We might wake up one morning with GMA returning to power as Prime Minister via con-ass or con-con,” argued Magtubo.

He added that “After Villafuerte’s necrological service for Resolution 1109 that provides for a con-ass, it is high time to bury Nograles’ Resolution 737 and other charter change proposals that will only benefit foreigners and trapos. The workers and the poor will be the gravediggers of GMA’s chacha.”

Workers led by PM joined farmers groups last week in a big mobilization to push for the extension with reform of CARP and also to oppose charter change.

Workers join farmers in rally vs chacha, call for CARPER and bailout

Press Release
May 25, 2009

Workers, urban poor and farmers will join forces today in a big rally against moves in Congress for charter change. The rallyists will also demand the passage of the CARP extension and reform bill, and call for a bailout for those affected by the global recession.

“Revising the Constitution to benefit GMA is a scandal worse than Hayden Kho violating his girlfriends. Instead of responding to the challenge of worsening poverty and unemployment, Congress is busy with chacha for the purpose of extending GMA’s term. We might wake up one morning with GMA returning to power as Prime Minister via con-ass or con-con,” argued Renato Magtubo, Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) chair.

PM will lead a mobilization of 1,000 workers and poor that will merge with several thousand farmers and other rallyists at Ever Gotesco, Commonwealth by 1 p.m. today and then march to the Batasang Pambansa by 2 p.m. Catholic bishops led by Bishop Broderick Pabillo will hold a mass at the St. Peter Parish at noon and then link up with the workers and farmers rally.

The theme of the several thousand-strong joint mobilization is “No to GMA’s charter change, Yes to social change.” The rally will demand that the House of Representatives scrap Resolution 737 filed by Speaker Nograles and even proposed bills for a constitutional convention. Aside from calling for CARPER’s passage in the House, workers are also appealing that the Senate act on three resolutions filed proposing a bailout package for the displaced and unemployed.

Magtubo added that “After Villafuerte’s necrological service for Resolution 1109 that provides for a con-ass, it is high time to bury Nograles’ Resolution 737 and other charter change proposals that will only benefit foreigners and trapos. The workers and farmers movement will be the gravediggers of GMA’s chacha.”

Aside from PM, other groups to participate in the rally include the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino (AMP), Zone One Tondo Organization (ZOTO), Rosario Workers Association (RWA), United Cavite Workers Association (UCWA) and Fortune Tobacco Labor Union (FTLU).