KAMP
PRESS RELEASE
08 October 2012
After an annoying week of ‘circus’ at the Commission on Elections, a network of grassroots organizations campaigning for social protection is pressing for a more empowering, agenda-based conduct of the 2013 national and local elections. In a “Caravan of Electoral Agenda” organised this morning by the Kampanya para sa Makataong Pamumuhay (KAMP), a priority list of social policy agenda was presented in public as the campaign network plans to make active intervention in next year’s polls.
The list includes the agenda on:
Decent work and guaranteed employment
Universal Health Care
Humane housing and the right to the city, and
De-privatization of essential services
“Political campaigns in the past insult the intelligence of people, candidates entertain us with song and dance numbers and empty promises. Unholy alliances among parties show that winning is more important than presenting clear and coherent programs,” declared KAMP lead convenor, Ana Maria R. Nemenzo, adding that “It’s time to make our elections agenda-based.”
The KAMP caravan with some 300 representatives coming from communities of the network made its first stop at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) where workers demanded full compliance to government’s obligation to promote the workers’ rights and provide full employment to all Filipino workers.
“Yesterday was the World Day for Decent Work. The celebration was obviously empty here in the Philippines where contractual/outsourced jobs dominate the industries while more and more members of the labor force are trapped in chronic unemployment and underemployment problems,” said Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) chair, Renato Magtubo. He likewise called on the government to formulate a public employment program that can offer guaranteed public jobs for the millions of unemployed.
From the labor department, KAMP members proceeded to the Comelec where they handed a letter to Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes, requesting the poll body to organize a series of national debate among the candidates on the said policy agenda. Nemenzo said the Comelec is in the best position to organize this national debate, “so that candidates can also be given a fair chance to explain their position on those particular issues.” She added that better still if the poll body can organize the same at the local level to bring it closer to the people.
Magtubo on his part explained that, “A national debate is thought-provoking and participatory, and therefore will be more empowering compared to sugar-coated political ads created by spin masters.”
From the poll body, the caravan headed toward the Department of Health office in Manila where KAMP members called for more radical reforms in the country’s health care system which they said, needs to institutionalize the principle and programs of primary health care to attend to people’s health needs at the onset, before they even reach the hospital. Nemenzo pointed out that in Cuba “hospitals are considered just a step away from the cemetery.”
The group said the KP program remains limited as the system merely converges with the government’s targeted conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, and therefore is not universal. “KAMP is pushing for a system where quality health care is accessible and available to anyone, anytime, anywhere,” explained Nemenzo, who is also the leader of WomanHealth Philippines.
The caravan’s last leg was at the National Housing Authority (NHA) where the demand for on-site/in-city housing program is being pushed by urban poor groups.
Bubuy Magahis, coordinator of Kilos Maralita said, “The present off-site relocation program denies the poor the right to the city. Cities are not only for the 1% and the middle class. The poor have the right to be with them and the State has the obligation to ensure that city spaces, including parks, are mutually shared by all its citizens whose majority in fact happens to be the poor.”
Showing posts with label party-list. Show all posts
Showing posts with label party-list. Show all posts
Monday, October 8, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012
Akbayan disqualification is hypocritical, says labor party
Press
Release
October
5, 2012
The
Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) today decried as “hypocritical” the move by Kilusang
Mayo Uno (KMU) and its allied organizations to disqualify Akbayan as a
party-list group. “Our political differences
with Akbayan do not detract from the fact that they are as genuine a party-list
as adobo is an original Pinoy dish,” asserted Renato Magtubo, PM
national chair.
“KMU claims that Akbayan is not anymore a party of the
marginalized since it is in coalition with the Aquino administration and its
leaders are already in government. But the same was the political objective of KMU’s
allied party-list groups when it forged an alliance with a different
presidential candidate who just so happened lost in the last elections,” Magtubo
explained.
Meanwhile
PM called on the Comelec to make good on its declaration that it will rid the
party-list system of “jokes, fakes and frauds.” “It is high time that the
party-list system is cleansed and loopholes are plugged so that it does not
become a backdoor entry for trapos who could not compete at the congressional district
level. Despite its flaws, the party-list remains an opening for progressive
groups to gain a foothold in Congress so as to advance the struggle for social
reforms and social change,” Magtubo insisted.
Magtubo
is a nominee of the PM Coalition whose petition for accreditation as a
party-list organization is pending at the Comelec. PM Coalition is comprised of
labor organizations like PM, the Philippine Airlines Employees Association
(PALEA), United Cavite Workers Association, Solidarity of Cebu Workers and the
Yellow Bus Labor Union in Mindanao.
“We
commend KMU for exposing bogus party-list organizations like Mikey Arroyo’s Ang
Galing Pinoy. But we cannot support their claim against Akbayan is which simply
based on partisan and sectarian politics. Even as KMU and Akbayan are in partnership
with rival factions of the ruling class, open or otherwise, their constituencies
and programs nonetheless both remain representative of the so-called
marginalized sectors,” Magtubo added.
“I
remember that Akbayan is one of a few and brave progressive parties that pioneered
participation in the party-list elections at a time when others criticized it
as reformism and equated revolutionism with waging guerilla war in the mountains.
Of course these erstwhile extremist groups later made a 180 degree turn without
explanation and then pioneered unprincipled alliances with class enemies,”
Magtubo elaborated.
Together
with Etta Rosales of Akbayan, Magtubo was one of the original party-list
representatives who won in the first party-list elections in 1998. In their
first term, Magtubo and Rosales exposed the payola attending the passage of the
EPIRA Law that groups now lambast as the root cause of the high electricity
costs in the country, which is the most expensive in the world.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
PALEA wish for job security in Mendiola caroling
December 23, 2010
PALEA
Some 200 members of the Philippine Airlines Employees’ Association (PALEA) and the anti-contractualization group Kontra went caroling in Mendiola at 10:00 this morning to wish for job security. “We call on PNoy to be a Santa not a Grinch. All we want for Christmas is our regular jobs. We ask PNoy to grant our wish that he reverse the decision of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz allowing the outsourcing and layoff plan by Philippine Airlines (PAL),” said Gerry Rivera, PALEA president and vice chair of the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM).
A PALEA member was dressed in Santa costume and chanted workers demands as he rang a noisy bell and shouted “Ho ho ho.” The group also brought makeshift Christmas gifts labeled with their demands for regular jobs and against contractualization. They also gave away to passers by lollipops together with PALEA’s appeal.
Aside from supporting PALEA’s call for the reversal of the Baldoz ruling, the coalition Kontra is also pushing for the passage of the consolidated security of tenure bill now pending at House of Representatives. “We appeal to PNoy to certify the security of tenure bill as priority legislation. The security of tenure bill will remedy the worst forms of contractualization schemes employed by capitalists. We call on senators to file a similar bill in the upper house,” explained Rivera.
Meanwhile in a related development, PALEA announced that they are supporting the complaint of the PAL employee who was insulted by a party-list solon. “We stand by our fellow PALEA member in her case against the patent abuse by Rep. Eulogio Magsaysay of Alliance of Volunteer Educators,” Rivera insisted. PAL ground attendant Sarah Bonnin Ocampo had accused Rep. Magsaysay of calling her names when she was not able to accommodate his request for seat transfer.
Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general, insisted that “Magsaysay had no right to verbally abuse and throw sexist remarks at anybody least of all a woman worker just doing her job. We demand that Magsaysay make a public apology.”
PALEA and Kontra announced that next year they will step up the campaign for job security and against labor contractualization. “A happy new year for the workers would mean the scrapping of the mass layoff at PAL and the regulation of contractualization schemes in all workplaces,” argued Rivera.
The two groups revealed that they will be combining mass actions in the parliament of the streets and lobbying in Congress to urge the enactment of the security of tenure proposal. “Workers must prepare for bigger battles, more actions and broader unity next year in order to win the demand for regular jobs,” insisted Rivera.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Comelec ruled on ‘intent of the Arroyos’ not on ‘intent of the law’–labor group
PRESS RELEASE
21 July 2010
The labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) lambasted the Comelec for consistently erring on very important questions on party-list representations.
According to PM chair Renato Magtubo, the Comelec is making contempt of its own not only by making self-contradictory rulings but also on making itself highly vulnerable to suspicions that sans propriety, these rulings are nothing but political trade off if not an outright fiscal transaction.
“Had Kasangga party-list still had Lourdes Arroyo in its list of nominees, the Comelec could have granted it the same privilege as that of Ang Galing Pinoy whose nominee is the former presidential son, Mikey Arroyo,” explained Magtubo.
The labor group said it was obviously the “intent of the Arroyos” and other favoured groups and not the “intent of the party-list law” that were considered by the Comelec in issuing this shameful ruling.
“When Lourdes Arroyo said she wanted to represent the small vendors in the 14th Congress the Comelec said she can. And when Mikey said he wanted to become security guards’ party-list nominee in the 15th Congress the Comelec said he can. They wished and the Comelec understood it as their command,” protested Magtubo.
He said Comelec’s favourable ruling on Mikey Arroyo is totally bereft of wisdom and perhaps deliberately planned to sow more confusion in the party-list system, undermine its real purpose, to give credence to those who call for its abolition.
Guarding against impostors
Upon hearing the news of Mikey getting the nod of Comelec, a group of security guards wanted Mikey Arroyo’s proclamation challenged not only in court but also in public debates.
Pilo Rosete, a licensed security guard with more than 15 years of work experience in the field, said, “An impostor can sit well with representatives of employers and landlords in Congress but not with underpaid, unsecured security guards.”
Omar Pescadera, another security guard, said Mikey has never experienced the grueling 12-hour shifts that we normally do and surviving on minimum wages. “Our work as security guards usually involve protecting property from being stolen by thieves thus we also do not want our voice to be robbed by frauds,” he said. Pescadera lives in Dasmarinas, Cavite and has four years of work experience with his last year working as a guard in Cavite although he has recently been unemployed.
Supreme Court refuge
The Partido ng Manggagawa is planning to go to the Supreme Court to seek relief not only on the qualifications of a party-list nominee but also on the disqualification of several party-list groups. The group is now preparing a motion for intervention on the case filed earlier by another party-list group seeking the disqualification of more than a hundred party-list groups that do not represent marginalized sectors.
“We believe that the question on nominees has so much to do with the nature of the party they represent. If a nominee is an impostor, the party is most likely a sham,” concluded Magtubo.
21 July 2010
The labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) lambasted the Comelec for consistently erring on very important questions on party-list representations.
According to PM chair Renato Magtubo, the Comelec is making contempt of its own not only by making self-contradictory rulings but also on making itself highly vulnerable to suspicions that sans propriety, these rulings are nothing but political trade off if not an outright fiscal transaction.
“Had Kasangga party-list still had Lourdes Arroyo in its list of nominees, the Comelec could have granted it the same privilege as that of Ang Galing Pinoy whose nominee is the former presidential son, Mikey Arroyo,” explained Magtubo.
The labor group said it was obviously the “intent of the Arroyos” and other favoured groups and not the “intent of the party-list law” that were considered by the Comelec in issuing this shameful ruling.
“When Lourdes Arroyo said she wanted to represent the small vendors in the 14th Congress the Comelec said she can. And when Mikey said he wanted to become security guards’ party-list nominee in the 15th Congress the Comelec said he can. They wished and the Comelec understood it as their command,” protested Magtubo.
He said Comelec’s favourable ruling on Mikey Arroyo is totally bereft of wisdom and perhaps deliberately planned to sow more confusion in the party-list system, undermine its real purpose, to give credence to those who call for its abolition.
Guarding against impostors
Upon hearing the news of Mikey getting the nod of Comelec, a group of security guards wanted Mikey Arroyo’s proclamation challenged not only in court but also in public debates.
Pilo Rosete, a licensed security guard with more than 15 years of work experience in the field, said, “An impostor can sit well with representatives of employers and landlords in Congress but not with underpaid, unsecured security guards.”
Omar Pescadera, another security guard, said Mikey has never experienced the grueling 12-hour shifts that we normally do and surviving on minimum wages. “Our work as security guards usually involve protecting property from being stolen by thieves thus we also do not want our voice to be robbed by frauds,” he said. Pescadera lives in Dasmarinas, Cavite and has four years of work experience with his last year working as a guard in Cavite although he has recently been unemployed.
Supreme Court refuge
The Partido ng Manggagawa is planning to go to the Supreme Court to seek relief not only on the qualifications of a party-list nominee but also on the disqualification of several party-list groups. The group is now preparing a motion for intervention on the case filed earlier by another party-list group seeking the disqualification of more than a hundred party-list groups that do not represent marginalized sectors.
“We believe that the question on nominees has so much to do with the nature of the party they represent. If a nominee is an impostor, the party is most likely a sham,” concluded Magtubo.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
May 1 protest demands a stop to layoffs and contractualization
May 1, 2010
The call to stop mass layoffs and labor contractualization rang loud and clear in protests on Labor Day. The demand to reform the wage fixing system and abolish the wage boards were also highlighted in the protest motorcade dubbed “Sakbayan para sa Trabahong Regular at Dagdag Sahod” by the party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM).
“Can the 3,000 PAL employees to be retrenched on May 31 find work in the Labor Day job fairs of the government? If ever they do, they will probably end up as contractual workers, which is their same fate in the spun off companies to be created by Lucio Tan. Regular jobs are being destroyed and replaced by contractual work in which wages are cheaper, benefits are fewer and security of tenure is abolished,” declared Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.
The May 1 motorcade converged by 7:00 a.m. at the PAL In Flight Center along Airport Road in Paranaque. A program was held in which Gerry Rivera, PAL Employees Association (PALEA) president and PM vice-chairperson, was the main speaker. The motorcade then proceeded to Mendiola for a joint program with other labor groups by 10:00 a.m.
Rivera criticized the Department of Labor and Employment for assuming jurisdiction (AJ) of the labor dispute in PAL when PALEA has not even held a strike vote and has not yet discussed holding a strike. The AJ order was dated April 23, 2010 and stopped PALEA from continuing with the protest motorcades that had mobilized hundreds of workers last week.
Magtubo called on PAL to cancel the retrenchment planned for May 31. “The failure of elections that could result from a slowdown or paralysis of PAL’s operations is the responsibility of management since it provoked the labor dispute,” Magtubo argued. PM is supporting the series of protest actions by PAL workers against spinoff and contractualization.
Magtubo also lambasted the government for freezing wages for the past two years and its announcement that no wage hike is forthcoming. “The minimum wage has been stuck at P382 while the prices of basic goods and services have skyrocketed. In the midst of rotating brownouts and less energy consumption, consumers’ electricity bills have increased by 50% and yet the government will not lift a finger to ease workers’ burdens. To the bitter end, the Gloria Arroyo regime remains anti-labor,” he exclaimed.
PM also led May 1 protests in Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Davao and Iligan. In Cebu, more than 1,000 workers marched to the campout of the displaced Alta Mode workers at the gates of the Mactan export processing zone. PAL workers in Cebu joined the Labor Day program at the Alta Mode campout. In Bacolod, a caravan of more than 20 trucks from plantations in South Negros entered Bacolod in the morning and met with other contingents for an indoor rally at the Teacher Center. At the end of the indoor rally by 3:00 p.m., the participants marched to SM-Bacolod where a job fair was being held and tore in half an employment contract in a symbolic protest at contractualization.
Meanwhile in Iloilo City, a caravan of 20 jeeps ended in a rally at Plaza Letogay. In Davao, PM members assembled by 1:00 p.m. at the corner of Magsaysay and Roxas Blvds. before marching to Orcullo Freedom Park for a joint rally with other groups. Also in Iligan, PM joined a labor unity parade by the different labor groups that went around the downtown area. A program was then held at the City Plaza where workers concerns were discussed. Finally in Koronadal City, PM members led by the union of the Yellow Bus Line marched around the downtown area in the afternoon.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Independent congressional candidate decry double standard and harassment
Press Release
April 13, 2010
Supporters of an independent running for the congressional seat of the first district of Cavite held a picket at the Comelec office in Kawit, Cavite over alleged double standard in removing campaign materials. A hundred members of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) trooped to the new Kawit municipal hall at 10 am today for the protest while their leaders engaged in a dialogue with Comelec officials.
Adel Dinero, a PM leader who is running for the first congressional district of Cavite, led the protesters. He asserted that “We do not mind the operasyon baklas of the Comelec if they implement it fairly. But why are my campaign materials and tarpaulins of PM being removed while those of other candidates and party-lists remain?”
Dinero is a 33-year old political neophyte who is competing against established names such as Cavite City Mayor Totie Paredes and incumbent Rep. Jun Abaya. Dinero is an incumbent barangay kagawad of Aplaya, Kawit, and a community leader as president of Boracay Silangan Endeavor Neighborhood Association Inc. and general-secretary of Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Kawit, a federation of urban poor groups.
Joy Aguilar, a leader of PM in Cavite, declared that “The Comelec in Kawit is patently guilty of double standard. This is happening at the same time as several of our grassroots leaders are being harassed.”
In the past several days, Comelec personnel together with police men have been removing campaign materials of Dinero in the towns of Kawit, Cavite City, Noveleta and Rosario which comprise the first congressional district of Cavite.
Aguilar announced that the picket is only the start of larger protests that PM will lead if Comelec officials in Kawit cannot satisfactorily explain what she claimed as a “double standard in operasyon baklas.” She contended that the harassment is happening as Dinero’s independent campaign is gaining ground on a platform of change and empowerment.
Dinero explained that “I want to be voice of the youth, the workers and the poor of Cavite who are tired of the dominance and evils of patronage politics in the first district.” Aside from Dinero, another PM leader is running for a local position in the area, Nena Olvina for councilor of Rosario. The first district of Cavite is considered as the stronghold of PM in Cavite. Meanwhile PM is participating in the party-list elections on a platform of “Apat na Dapat.” These are the four working class demands for regular jobs, a living wage, affordable housing and universal healthcare coverage.
April 13, 2010
Supporters of an independent running for the congressional seat of the first district of Cavite held a picket at the Comelec office in Kawit, Cavite over alleged double standard in removing campaign materials. A hundred members of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) trooped to the new Kawit municipal hall at 10 am today for the protest while their leaders engaged in a dialogue with Comelec officials.
Adel Dinero, a PM leader who is running for the first congressional district of Cavite, led the protesters. He asserted that “We do not mind the operasyon baklas of the Comelec if they implement it fairly. But why are my campaign materials and tarpaulins of PM being removed while those of other candidates and party-lists remain?”
Dinero is a 33-year old political neophyte who is competing against established names such as Cavite City Mayor Totie Paredes and incumbent Rep. Jun Abaya. Dinero is an incumbent barangay kagawad of Aplaya, Kawit, and a community leader as president of Boracay Silangan Endeavor Neighborhood Association Inc. and general-secretary of Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Kawit, a federation of urban poor groups.
Joy Aguilar, a leader of PM in Cavite, declared that “The Comelec in Kawit is patently guilty of double standard. This is happening at the same time as several of our grassroots leaders are being harassed.”
In the past several days, Comelec personnel together with police men have been removing campaign materials of Dinero in the towns of Kawit, Cavite City, Noveleta and Rosario which comprise the first congressional district of Cavite.
Aguilar announced that the picket is only the start of larger protests that PM will lead if Comelec officials in Kawit cannot satisfactorily explain what she claimed as a “double standard in operasyon baklas.” She contended that the harassment is happening as Dinero’s independent campaign is gaining ground on a platform of change and empowerment.
Dinero explained that “I want to be voice of the youth, the workers and the poor of Cavite who are tired of the dominance and evils of patronage politics in the first district.” Aside from Dinero, another PM leader is running for a local position in the area, Nena Olvina for councilor of Rosario. The first district of Cavite is considered as the stronghold of PM in Cavite. Meanwhile PM is participating in the party-list elections on a platform of “Apat na Dapat.” These are the four working class demands for regular jobs, a living wage, affordable housing and universal healthcare coverage.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Labor party-list asks Mikey to follow his aunt, withdraw as party-list nominee
Press Release
March 30, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) is asking Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo to follow the lead of his aunt Kasangga Rep. Malou Arroyo-Lesaca who announced her withdrawal as a party-list nominee. “Ang ginagawa ng matatanda dapat gayahin ng mga bata. The decent nephew follows the good example of an aunt. So we dare Mikey to do a Malou and pull-out as a party-list nominee,” declared Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.
He added that “It is an honorable option for assailed party-list nominees to pull-out from the elections rather than be shamed as fakes and face disqualification. A party-list of security guards is bogus if its first nominee is a presidential son who also happens to be an incumbent congressman. A party-list of transport workers is a sham if its first nominee is an ex-general who also happens to be cabinet secretary.”
PM together with several other party-list groups are preparing to file disqualification cases against certain nominees. “The party-list system is stricken with a virus and it must be cleansed. It is the vigilance of genuine groups and the concerned public that will heal the disease,” argued Magtubo.
PM also declared that they will push in the next Congress for an amendment to the Party-List Act to plug the loopholes that have led to alleged abuses. The labor group is consulting with other party-list organizations on a common agenda of defending the party-list system as means for representation for marginalized sectors.
The group submitted its list of five nominees to the Comelec main office last March 24, a day after the end of PM’s congress that elected its nominees from more than a hundred delegates. “In compliance with the letter and spirit of the party-list law, PM’s five nominees truly represent the working class. They include three union officers with decades of experience as unionists and two former student activists who have spent their adult lives serving the struggles of the workers and the poor,” Magtubo explained.
He stated that “Besides GMA’s not-so-hidden agenda of packing the House of Representatives with her relatives or former cabinet secretaries in order to get elected as House Speaker, the party-list is also being abused as a back-door entry for trapos who find it cheaper spending P20 to 30 million compared to the P50 million or more in traditional congressional races.”
In order, the five PM nominees are:
1. Renato Magtubo: former president of the Fortune Tobacco Labor Union
2. Gerardo Rivera: recently elected president of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association
3. Judy Ann Miranda: former UP student council officer who went full time as working class organizer
4. Wilson Fortaleza: former student activist who also went full time as working class organizer
5. Ma. Luisa Parroco: vice president of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative employees union.
March 30, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) is asking Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo to follow the lead of his aunt Kasangga Rep. Malou Arroyo-Lesaca who announced her withdrawal as a party-list nominee. “Ang ginagawa ng matatanda dapat gayahin ng mga bata. The decent nephew follows the good example of an aunt. So we dare Mikey to do a Malou and pull-out as a party-list nominee,” declared Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.
He added that “It is an honorable option for assailed party-list nominees to pull-out from the elections rather than be shamed as fakes and face disqualification. A party-list of security guards is bogus if its first nominee is a presidential son who also happens to be an incumbent congressman. A party-list of transport workers is a sham if its first nominee is an ex-general who also happens to be cabinet secretary.”
PM together with several other party-list groups are preparing to file disqualification cases against certain nominees. “The party-list system is stricken with a virus and it must be cleansed. It is the vigilance of genuine groups and the concerned public that will heal the disease,” argued Magtubo.
PM also declared that they will push in the next Congress for an amendment to the Party-List Act to plug the loopholes that have led to alleged abuses. The labor group is consulting with other party-list organizations on a common agenda of defending the party-list system as means for representation for marginalized sectors.
The group submitted its list of five nominees to the Comelec main office last March 24, a day after the end of PM’s congress that elected its nominees from more than a hundred delegates. “In compliance with the letter and spirit of the party-list law, PM’s five nominees truly represent the working class. They include three union officers with decades of experience as unionists and two former student activists who have spent their adult lives serving the struggles of the workers and the poor,” Magtubo explained.
He stated that “Besides GMA’s not-so-hidden agenda of packing the House of Representatives with her relatives or former cabinet secretaries in order to get elected as House Speaker, the party-list is also being abused as a back-door entry for trapos who find it cheaper spending P20 to 30 million compared to the P50 million or more in traditional congressional races.”
In order, the five PM nominees are:
1. Renato Magtubo: former president of the Fortune Tobacco Labor Union
2. Gerardo Rivera: recently elected president of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association
3. Judy Ann Miranda: former UP student council officer who went full time as working class organizer
4. Wilson Fortaleza: former student activist who also went full time as working class organizer
5. Ma. Luisa Parroco: vice president of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative employees union.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Party-list campaigns on RH platform, dares Buhay’s Velarde to a debate
Press Release
March 29, 2010
Amidst the electoral carnival that puts a premium on personalities rather than platforms, the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) enters the second half of the national campaign by stressing its advocacies on issues such as the Reproductive Health (RH) bill. As an example of its platform-based campaign, PM held today an assembly of more than a hundred urban poor women in a depressed community in Quezon City in which reproductive health was the main agenda.
While discussing the RH bill, Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general and a nominee of the group, issued a challenge to El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde for a debate on the issue. The dare was in reaction to Velarde’s announcement that he decided to run as a party-list nominee in order to oppose the RH bill.
Miranda announced that “So that the voters can have an informed choice for the party-list based on platforms, we are open to a public discussion on the Reproductive Health bill with Velarde as Buhay nominee.”
PM also expressed its support for the plan to teach sex education in the public schools. Miranda said that “In the context of fighting the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and preventing teenage pregnancies, teaching sex education to the youth is a no-brainer. This is a topic that cannot be left only to parents and their children since this is also a public concern given the social dimensions of the issues.”
PM is the group that presented baskets of condoms to the Catholic Bishops Conference Office last March 8. PM is running for the party-list elections on a platform of “Apat ng Dapat” which includes working class concerns such as universal healthcare coverage, regular jobs, affordable housing and a wage hike.
“Similar to the planned debate between Health Secretary Cabral and the Catholic bishops, a public discussion between PM and Buhay on the pros and cons of the RH bill will educate the public in general and the voters in particular. A debate on issues is certainly much better for the voters than being entertained by dancing girls on stage or being barraged by self-serving political ads,” insisted Miranda.
In a preview of her position in a debate, Miranda added that “Reproductive health is not a moral issue but a public health concern of women. Women must have the freedom to make informed choices concerning their bodies and their welfare.”
Miranda is a former UP Manila student council officer with two decades of experience as organizer of workers and the urban poor. The other nominees of PM are Renato Magtubo, former union president of Fortune Tobacco; Gerry Rivera, current president of PAL Employees Association; Wilson Fortaleza, former student activist who also became an organizer; and Malou Parroco, union vice-president of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative.
March 29, 2010
Amidst the electoral carnival that puts a premium on personalities rather than platforms, the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) enters the second half of the national campaign by stressing its advocacies on issues such as the Reproductive Health (RH) bill. As an example of its platform-based campaign, PM held today an assembly of more than a hundred urban poor women in a depressed community in Quezon City in which reproductive health was the main agenda.
While discussing the RH bill, Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general and a nominee of the group, issued a challenge to El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde for a debate on the issue. The dare was in reaction to Velarde’s announcement that he decided to run as a party-list nominee in order to oppose the RH bill.
Miranda announced that “So that the voters can have an informed choice for the party-list based on platforms, we are open to a public discussion on the Reproductive Health bill with Velarde as Buhay nominee.”
PM also expressed its support for the plan to teach sex education in the public schools. Miranda said that “In the context of fighting the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and preventing teenage pregnancies, teaching sex education to the youth is a no-brainer. This is a topic that cannot be left only to parents and their children since this is also a public concern given the social dimensions of the issues.”
PM is the group that presented baskets of condoms to the Catholic Bishops Conference Office last March 8. PM is running for the party-list elections on a platform of “Apat ng Dapat” which includes working class concerns such as universal healthcare coverage, regular jobs, affordable housing and a wage hike.
“Similar to the planned debate between Health Secretary Cabral and the Catholic bishops, a public discussion between PM and Buhay on the pros and cons of the RH bill will educate the public in general and the voters in particular. A debate on issues is certainly much better for the voters than being entertained by dancing girls on stage or being barraged by self-serving political ads,” insisted Miranda.
In a preview of her position in a debate, Miranda added that “Reproductive health is not a moral issue but a public health concern of women. Women must have the freedom to make informed choices concerning their bodies and their welfare.”
Miranda is a former UP Manila student council officer with two decades of experience as organizer of workers and the urban poor. The other nominees of PM are Renato Magtubo, former union president of Fortune Tobacco; Gerry Rivera, current president of PAL Employees Association; Wilson Fortaleza, former student activist who also became an organizer; and Malou Parroco, union vice-president of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Labor party-list to move for disqualification once nominees are revealed
Press Release
March 24, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) is preparing to file disqualification cases against alleged bogus party-list groups based once the list of nominees is officially released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on March 27. The group also welcomed the announcement by the Comelec that it will issue a guideline on party-list nominees.
“The party-list system is stricken with a virus and it must be cleansed. Comelec’s belated prescription may help disinfect the party-list system but it is the vigilance of genuine groups and the concerned public that will heal the disease,” argued Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.
The group submitted its list of five nominees to the Comelec main office in Intramuros at noon today, a day after the end of PM’s congress that elected its nominees from more than a hundred delegates. The group went to the Comelec while wearing face masks to symbolize its call to cleanse the party-list system. Scores of delegates accompanied PM’s nominees and held posters with the message “Disinfect the party-list system” and “Linisin ang sistemang party-list.”
“In compliance with the letter and spirit of the party-list law, PM’s five nominees truly represent the working class. They include three union officers with decades of experience as unionists and two former student activists who have spent their adult lives serving the struggles of the workers and the poor,” Magtubo explained.
He added that “A party-list of security guards is bogus if its first nominee is a presidential son who also happens to be an incumbent congressman. A party-list of transport workers is a sham if its first nominee is an ex-general who also happens to be cabinet secretary.”
The labor group is also holding consultations with other genuine party-list organizations on a common agenda of defending the party-list system as means for representation for traditionally marginalized sectors. PM also declared that they will push in the next Congress for an amendment to the Party-List Law to plug the loopholes that have led to alleged abuses.
He stated that “Besides GMA’s not-so-hidden agenda of packing the House of Representatives with her relatives or former cabinet secretaries in order to get elected as House Speaker, the party-list is also being abused as a back-door entry for trapos who find it cheaper spending P20 to 30 million compared to the P50 million or more in traditional congressional races.”
In order, the five PM nominees are:
1. Renato Magtubo: former president of the Fortune Tobacco Labor Union
2. Gerardo Rivera: recently elected president of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association
3. Judy Ann Miranda: former UP student council officer who went full time as working class organizer
4. Wilson Fortaleza: former student activist who also went full time as working class organizer
5. Ma. Luisa Parroco: vice president of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative employees union.
March 24, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) is preparing to file disqualification cases against alleged bogus party-list groups based once the list of nominees is officially released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on March 27. The group also welcomed the announcement by the Comelec that it will issue a guideline on party-list nominees.
“The party-list system is stricken with a virus and it must be cleansed. Comelec’s belated prescription may help disinfect the party-list system but it is the vigilance of genuine groups and the concerned public that will heal the disease,” argued Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.
The group submitted its list of five nominees to the Comelec main office in Intramuros at noon today, a day after the end of PM’s congress that elected its nominees from more than a hundred delegates. The group went to the Comelec while wearing face masks to symbolize its call to cleanse the party-list system. Scores of delegates accompanied PM’s nominees and held posters with the message “Disinfect the party-list system” and “Linisin ang sistemang party-list.”
“In compliance with the letter and spirit of the party-list law, PM’s five nominees truly represent the working class. They include three union officers with decades of experience as unionists and two former student activists who have spent their adult lives serving the struggles of the workers and the poor,” Magtubo explained.
He added that “A party-list of security guards is bogus if its first nominee is a presidential son who also happens to be an incumbent congressman. A party-list of transport workers is a sham if its first nominee is an ex-general who also happens to be cabinet secretary.”
The labor group is also holding consultations with other genuine party-list organizations on a common agenda of defending the party-list system as means for representation for traditionally marginalized sectors. PM also declared that they will push in the next Congress for an amendment to the Party-List Law to plug the loopholes that have led to alleged abuses.
He stated that “Besides GMA’s not-so-hidden agenda of packing the House of Representatives with her relatives or former cabinet secretaries in order to get elected as House Speaker, the party-list is also being abused as a back-door entry for trapos who find it cheaper spending P20 to 30 million compared to the P50 million or more in traditional congressional races.”
In order, the five PM nominees are:
1. Renato Magtubo: former president of the Fortune Tobacco Labor Union
2. Gerardo Rivera: recently elected president of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association
3. Judy Ann Miranda: former UP student council officer who went full time as working class organizer
4. Wilson Fortaleza: former student activist who also went full time as working class organizer
5. Ma. Luisa Parroco: vice president of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative employees union.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Labor party-list asks bogus party-lists to withdraw rather than be exposed
Press Release
March 22, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) called on alleged bogus party-list groups to voluntarily withdraw rather than face exposure in the face of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminder than nominees must be disclosed no later than March 26.
“It is a better option for assailed party-list groups to pull-out from the elections rather than be revealed as fakes come March 26 and later face disqualification. A party-list of security guards is bogus if its first nominee is a presidential son who also happens to be an incumbent congressman. A party-list of transport workers is a sham if its first nominee is an ex-general who also happens to be cabinet secretary,” argued Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.
PM is preparing to file disqualification cases against alleged bogus party-list groups once the list of nominees is released by the Comelec on March 27. The labor group is also holding consultations with other party-list organizations on a common agenda of defending the party-list system as means for representation for traditionally marginalized sectors. PM also declared that they will push for an amendment to the Party-List Law to make it mandatory for the Comelec to release the list of nominees.
Magtubo announced that PM will be submitting its list of nominees on the morning of Wednesday, the day after its congress ends. PM is presently holding in Quezon City a two-day congress which will elect five nominees ranked in order from among delegates from chapters across the country.
He stated that “Besides GMA’s not-so-hidden agenda of packing the House of Representatives with her relatives or former cabinet secretaries in order to get elected as House Speaker, the party-list is also being abused as a back-door entry for trapos who find it cheaper spending P20-30 million compared to P50 million or more in traditional congressional races.”
“In compliance with the letter and spirit of the constitution and party-list law, we will be choosing nominees who truly represent the working class. Without pre-empting the congress, PM’s five nominees can only be union officers, community leaders or former students who have spent their adult lives serving the struggles of the workers and the poor,” Magtubo explained.
March 22, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) called on alleged bogus party-list groups to voluntarily withdraw rather than face exposure in the face of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminder than nominees must be disclosed no later than March 26.
“It is a better option for assailed party-list groups to pull-out from the elections rather than be revealed as fakes come March 26 and later face disqualification. A party-list of security guards is bogus if its first nominee is a presidential son who also happens to be an incumbent congressman. A party-list of transport workers is a sham if its first nominee is an ex-general who also happens to be cabinet secretary,” argued Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.
PM is preparing to file disqualification cases against alleged bogus party-list groups once the list of nominees is released by the Comelec on March 27. The labor group is also holding consultations with other party-list organizations on a common agenda of defending the party-list system as means for representation for traditionally marginalized sectors. PM also declared that they will push for an amendment to the Party-List Law to make it mandatory for the Comelec to release the list of nominees.
Magtubo announced that PM will be submitting its list of nominees on the morning of Wednesday, the day after its congress ends. PM is presently holding in Quezon City a two-day congress which will elect five nominees ranked in order from among delegates from chapters across the country.
He stated that “Besides GMA’s not-so-hidden agenda of packing the House of Representatives with her relatives or former cabinet secretaries in order to get elected as House Speaker, the party-list is also being abused as a back-door entry for trapos who find it cheaper spending P20-30 million compared to P50 million or more in traditional congressional races.”
“In compliance with the letter and spirit of the constitution and party-list law, we will be choosing nominees who truly represent the working class. Without pre-empting the congress, PM’s five nominees can only be union officers, community leaders or former students who have spent their adult lives serving the struggles of the workers and the poor,” Magtubo explained.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Wage hike, reproductive health pushed in Calabarzon-wide motorcade
Press Release
March 14, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) held today a massive motorcade of 97 motorcycles and 5 vehicles that traversed the Calabarzon region to push for wage hike and reproductive health among a host of working class demands. “We brought the message of a wage increase, reproductive health, affordable housing and regular jobs to the industrial heartland of the country where the concentration of the factory workers can now be found,” explained Ramil Cangayao, PM leader in Calabarzon.
The “Motorcade para sa Trabaho, Sahod, Pabahay at Kalusugan” started at the Cavite Economic Zone in Rosario at exactly 7:00 a.m. while at the same time a contingent left Malvar, Batangas. The combined motorcade then passed through the industrial towns of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. Around 1:00 p.m. the motorcade made a stop at the covered court of Barangay 5, Tanauan, Batangas where an assembly of some 1,000 workers and urban poor discussed issues such as high prices, job contractualization, urban poor demolitions and free condoms. The motorcade ended in Carmona, Cavite.
At various stops such as in Pala-Pala, Dasmarinas in Cavite, Calamba Crossing in Laguna and Tanauan town proper in Batangas, PM women members distributed condoms in a symbolic gesture of support for the controversial reproductive health bill. “The candidates who say they are pro-poor and pro-women should make this motherhood slogan concrete by categorical support for reproductive health. The candidates especially the presidentiables should not fear the supposed clout and negative campaign of pro-life groups for they do not represent the sentiments and votes of the silent majority,” stated Nena Olvina, PM-Cavite leader.
Members of the Excellent Riders Club and the Cavite Professional Riders Club joined the motorcade as well as individual workers in their own motorcycles. The motorcycles and vehicles were festooned with flaglets, posters and paraphernalia in support of four basic working class demands. PM is running for the party-list elections on a platform of “Apat na Dapat” which means regular jobs, living wage, affordable housing and healthcare coverage for all.
Cangayao argued that “In a television interview early this week, the spokesperson of the Department of Labor pre-empted the wage boards by echoing the capitalist black propaganda that a wage increase will result in job losses. Our fearless forecast is that the wage boards will reject the wage petitions. That is why we are batting for the abolition of the wage boards and the establishment of a National Wage Commission instead.”
PM wants a National Wage Commission to be formed with the mandate to set a national minimum wage based solely on the cost of living. “Any wage petition will not prosper unless President Gloria Arroyo supports it. That unfortunately is the problem with the tripartite regional wage boards. If Malacanang does not give the go signal for a wage hike, the wage petition will be stymied at the wage boards,” Cangayao explained.
March 14, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) held today a massive motorcade of 97 motorcycles and 5 vehicles that traversed the Calabarzon region to push for wage hike and reproductive health among a host of working class demands. “We brought the message of a wage increase, reproductive health, affordable housing and regular jobs to the industrial heartland of the country where the concentration of the factory workers can now be found,” explained Ramil Cangayao, PM leader in Calabarzon.
The “Motorcade para sa Trabaho, Sahod, Pabahay at Kalusugan” started at the Cavite Economic Zone in Rosario at exactly 7:00 a.m. while at the same time a contingent left Malvar, Batangas. The combined motorcade then passed through the industrial towns of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. Around 1:00 p.m. the motorcade made a stop at the covered court of Barangay 5, Tanauan, Batangas where an assembly of some 1,000 workers and urban poor discussed issues such as high prices, job contractualization, urban poor demolitions and free condoms. The motorcade ended in Carmona, Cavite.
At various stops such as in Pala-Pala, Dasmarinas in Cavite, Calamba Crossing in Laguna and Tanauan town proper in Batangas, PM women members distributed condoms in a symbolic gesture of support for the controversial reproductive health bill. “The candidates who say they are pro-poor and pro-women should make this motherhood slogan concrete by categorical support for reproductive health. The candidates especially the presidentiables should not fear the supposed clout and negative campaign of pro-life groups for they do not represent the sentiments and votes of the silent majority,” stated Nena Olvina, PM-Cavite leader.
Members of the Excellent Riders Club and the Cavite Professional Riders Club joined the motorcade as well as individual workers in their own motorcycles. The motorcycles and vehicles were festooned with flaglets, posters and paraphernalia in support of four basic working class demands. PM is running for the party-list elections on a platform of “Apat na Dapat” which means regular jobs, living wage, affordable housing and healthcare coverage for all.
Cangayao argued that “In a television interview early this week, the spokesperson of the Department of Labor pre-empted the wage boards by echoing the capitalist black propaganda that a wage increase will result in job losses. Our fearless forecast is that the wage boards will reject the wage petitions. That is why we are batting for the abolition of the wage boards and the establishment of a National Wage Commission instead.”
PM wants a National Wage Commission to be formed with the mandate to set a national minimum wage based solely on the cost of living. “Any wage petition will not prosper unless President Gloria Arroyo supports it. That unfortunately is the problem with the tripartite regional wage boards. If Malacanang does not give the go signal for a wage hike, the wage petition will be stymied at the wage boards,” Cangayao explained.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Labor party-list challenges presidentiables to make pro-RH stand
Press Release
March 13, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) challenged the candidates in the elections, especially the presidentiables, to make a categorical stand in favor of reproductive health in view of the SWS survey showing voters’ support for pro-RH contenders. “We call on national to local candidates to make a stand for the RH bill and the Filipino voters will stand by you in the election. The candidates who say they are pro-poor and pro-women should make this motherhood slogan concrete by uncompromising support for reproductive health,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general.
The demand for reproductive health and condom distribution will be part of the issues to be raised in a PM-sponsored massive motorcade of 100 motorcycles and vehicles that will traverse the Calabarzon region tomorrow. The “Motorcade para sa Trabaho, Sahod, Pabahay at Kalusugan” will start at the Cavite Economic Zone in Rosario at 7:00 a.m. then pass through the industrial towns of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. The motorcade will make a stop at the covered court of Barangay 5, Tanauan, Batangas where an assembly of some 1,000 workers and urban poor will discuss the issues of high prices, wage increase, affordable housing and reproductive health among others. The motorcade will end in Carmona, Cavite.
Miranda argued that “The candidates especially the presidentiables should not fear the supposed clout and negative campaign of pro-life groups for they do not represent the sentiments and votes of the silent majority. The government must provide the means for natural and artificial family planning that must go together with education on the use of contraceptives in relation to the spread of HIV-AIDS, spacing of children, unwanted pregnancies, and teenage pregnancies, among others”
PM has declared its uncompromising position on the issue of condom distribution and reproductive health. Last Monday, women members of the party-list group picketed the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines office in Intramuros, Manila and delivered baskets of condoms in a symbolic protest. PM is running for the party-list elections on a platform of “Apat na Dapat” which means regular jobs, living wage, affordable housing and healthcare coverage for all.
Miranda lambasted the presidentiable candidates for making vague statements or reversing their previous positions on the RH bill due to the pro-life lobby. “What leadership can we expect from these presidentiables if they cave in to the lobby of vested interests? We hope they recover some spine in the face of the clear mandate from voters in favor of the RH bill,” she insisted.
March 13, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) challenged the candidates in the elections, especially the presidentiables, to make a categorical stand in favor of reproductive health in view of the SWS survey showing voters’ support for pro-RH contenders. “We call on national to local candidates to make a stand for the RH bill and the Filipino voters will stand by you in the election. The candidates who say they are pro-poor and pro-women should make this motherhood slogan concrete by uncompromising support for reproductive health,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general.
The demand for reproductive health and condom distribution will be part of the issues to be raised in a PM-sponsored massive motorcade of 100 motorcycles and vehicles that will traverse the Calabarzon region tomorrow. The “Motorcade para sa Trabaho, Sahod, Pabahay at Kalusugan” will start at the Cavite Economic Zone in Rosario at 7:00 a.m. then pass through the industrial towns of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. The motorcade will make a stop at the covered court of Barangay 5, Tanauan, Batangas where an assembly of some 1,000 workers and urban poor will discuss the issues of high prices, wage increase, affordable housing and reproductive health among others. The motorcade will end in Carmona, Cavite.
Miranda argued that “The candidates especially the presidentiables should not fear the supposed clout and negative campaign of pro-life groups for they do not represent the sentiments and votes of the silent majority. The government must provide the means for natural and artificial family planning that must go together with education on the use of contraceptives in relation to the spread of HIV-AIDS, spacing of children, unwanted pregnancies, and teenage pregnancies, among others”
PM has declared its uncompromising position on the issue of condom distribution and reproductive health. Last Monday, women members of the party-list group picketed the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines office in Intramuros, Manila and delivered baskets of condoms in a symbolic protest. PM is running for the party-list elections on a platform of “Apat na Dapat” which means regular jobs, living wage, affordable housing and healthcare coverage for all.
Miranda lambasted the presidentiable candidates for making vague statements or reversing their previous positions on the RH bill due to the pro-life lobby. “What leadership can we expect from these presidentiables if they cave in to the lobby of vested interests? We hope they recover some spine in the face of the clear mandate from voters in favor of the RH bill,” she insisted.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Labor party-list slams DOLE for no wage hike declaration
Press Release
March 10, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) slammed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its declaration that no wage hike is forthcoming on Labor Day. Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson argued that “The cat is out of the bag with the DOLE spokesperson’s statement on the wage hike petition. Not only did he explain that the hearings will still be ongoing by May 1 but he already pre-empted the wage boards of NCR and Central Visayas with the capitalist black propaganda that a wage increase will result in job losses.”
Meanwhile the PM-led mass actions calling for a wage hike will continue with a Calabarzon-wide motorcade on Sunday. The motorcade will start at the Cavite Economic Zone in Rosario town and then go to the industrial areas of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. Motorcycle-riding workers will be at the forefront of the hundred-vehicle motorcade. “We will bring the message of a wage hike and the reform of the wage fixing system to the industrial heartland of the country where the concentration of the factory workers can now be found,” stated Magtubo.
In a rally at the DOLE last March 8, PM declared its support for the demand for a wage hike while calling for a reform of the wage fixing process. “A P75 wage hike is reasonable and not excessive but nonetheless our fearless forecast is that it will be denied by the NCR wage board. That is why we are batting for the abolition of the wage boards and the establishment of a National Wage Commission instead,” Magtubo added.
"The wage boards must be abolished for being inutile. Its wage orders are always delayed, stingy and benefits merely a small section of workers because it is not across-the-board and riddled with exemptions, deferments and creditability clauses," declared Magtubo. The group insists that the wage hike must be legislated and across-the-board.
“Any wage petition will not prosper unless President Gloria Arroyo supports it. That unfortunately is the problem with the tripartite regional wage board. If Malacanang does not give the go signal for a wage hike, the wage petition will be stymied at the wage board,” Magtubo explained.
PM is pushing for the abolition of the wage boards that decide on wage hike for the different regions. Instead the party-list group wants a National Wage Commission to be formed with the mandate to set a national minimum wage based solely on the cost of living.
March 10, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) slammed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its declaration that no wage hike is forthcoming on Labor Day. Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson argued that “The cat is out of the bag with the DOLE spokesperson’s statement on the wage hike petition. Not only did he explain that the hearings will still be ongoing by May 1 but he already pre-empted the wage boards of NCR and Central Visayas with the capitalist black propaganda that a wage increase will result in job losses.”
Meanwhile the PM-led mass actions calling for a wage hike will continue with a Calabarzon-wide motorcade on Sunday. The motorcade will start at the Cavite Economic Zone in Rosario town and then go to the industrial areas of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. Motorcycle-riding workers will be at the forefront of the hundred-vehicle motorcade. “We will bring the message of a wage hike and the reform of the wage fixing system to the industrial heartland of the country where the concentration of the factory workers can now be found,” stated Magtubo.
In a rally at the DOLE last March 8, PM declared its support for the demand for a wage hike while calling for a reform of the wage fixing process. “A P75 wage hike is reasonable and not excessive but nonetheless our fearless forecast is that it will be denied by the NCR wage board. That is why we are batting for the abolition of the wage boards and the establishment of a National Wage Commission instead,” Magtubo added.
"The wage boards must be abolished for being inutile. Its wage orders are always delayed, stingy and benefits merely a small section of workers because it is not across-the-board and riddled with exemptions, deferments and creditability clauses," declared Magtubo. The group insists that the wage hike must be legislated and across-the-board.
“Any wage petition will not prosper unless President Gloria Arroyo supports it. That unfortunately is the problem with the tripartite regional wage board. If Malacanang does not give the go signal for a wage hike, the wage petition will be stymied at the wage board,” Magtubo explained.
PM is pushing for the abolition of the wage boards that decide on wage hike for the different regions. Instead the party-list group wants a National Wage Commission to be formed with the mandate to set a national minimum wage based solely on the cost of living.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Reproductive health and wage hike pushed by women workers
Press Release
March 8, 2010
A wage hike and reproductive health were the main concerns raised by women members of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) in celebration of women’s day. More than a hundred women workers and urban poor held a picket at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) which was followed by a rally at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offices to highlight the two demands.
“The demand for a wage hike and reproductive health set the context for this year’s commemoration of women’s day. The twin issues are appropriate since they frame the productive and reproductive roles of women in the family and society,” explained Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general.
In women’s day activities by PM chapters in the provinces, additional working women issues were brought to the fore. In Cebu, women urban poor trooped to the campout of Alta Mode garment workers in the Mactan Economic Zone for a women’s day program. In Bacolod, women agricultural workers marched to the provincial capitol for a dialogue on the demand for subsidy due to the effect of El Nino. High water and electricity rates and the failure of privatization were highlighted as heavy burden to working women in Davao. Meanwhile in Iligan, PM members joined the women’s day parade that called for the election of the first woman councilor ever in the city.
At the CBCP office in Intramuros, Manila, members of the labor party-list group asked the Catholic bishops to “bless” two baskets of condoms. They then marched to the DOLE where the protesters banged pots and pans to symbolize the call for a wage increase and a revamp of the wage fixing mechanism. From Intramuros the rally went straight to Mendiola via Ayala Bridge, blowing whistles and creating noise along the way to draw attention to the women’s challenge to the candidates in the coming elections.
“We humbly ask the bishops to bless the condoms as a conciliatory gesture to unite for reproductive health and women’s rights,” Miranda furthered. She added that aside from providing contraception, the government should embark on a nationwide education program through the barangays so that women and men learn the many facets of HIV-AIDS, teenage pregnancies, unwanted pregnancies, child spacing and family planning, among other reproductive health concerns.
Miranda also insisted that “A P75 wage hike is reasonable and not excessive but it will not prosper unless President Gloria Arroyo supports it. That unfortunately is the problem with the tripartite regional wage boards because if Malacañang does not give the go signal for a wage hike, the wage petition will be defeated by the combined votes of the employer and government representatives.”
PM wants to abolish the wage boards to give way to a National Wage Commission with the mandate to set a national minimum wage based solely on the cost of living. Miranda argued that “There must a national standard of living that should be matched by a national minimum wage. The wage is the price of the worker’s labor power and as every other commodity in the market its price must reflect its cost of production, which in the case of the worker is nothing else but the cost of living of his or her family.”
March 8, 2010
A wage hike and reproductive health were the main concerns raised by women members of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) in celebration of women’s day. More than a hundred women workers and urban poor held a picket at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) which was followed by a rally at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offices to highlight the two demands.
“The demand for a wage hike and reproductive health set the context for this year’s commemoration of women’s day. The twin issues are appropriate since they frame the productive and reproductive roles of women in the family and society,” explained Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general.
In women’s day activities by PM chapters in the provinces, additional working women issues were brought to the fore. In Cebu, women urban poor trooped to the campout of Alta Mode garment workers in the Mactan Economic Zone for a women’s day program. In Bacolod, women agricultural workers marched to the provincial capitol for a dialogue on the demand for subsidy due to the effect of El Nino. High water and electricity rates and the failure of privatization were highlighted as heavy burden to working women in Davao. Meanwhile in Iligan, PM members joined the women’s day parade that called for the election of the first woman councilor ever in the city.
At the CBCP office in Intramuros, Manila, members of the labor party-list group asked the Catholic bishops to “bless” two baskets of condoms. They then marched to the DOLE where the protesters banged pots and pans to symbolize the call for a wage increase and a revamp of the wage fixing mechanism. From Intramuros the rally went straight to Mendiola via Ayala Bridge, blowing whistles and creating noise along the way to draw attention to the women’s challenge to the candidates in the coming elections.
“We humbly ask the bishops to bless the condoms as a conciliatory gesture to unite for reproductive health and women’s rights,” Miranda furthered. She added that aside from providing contraception, the government should embark on a nationwide education program through the barangays so that women and men learn the many facets of HIV-AIDS, teenage pregnancies, unwanted pregnancies, child spacing and family planning, among other reproductive health concerns.
Miranda also insisted that “A P75 wage hike is reasonable and not excessive but it will not prosper unless President Gloria Arroyo supports it. That unfortunately is the problem with the tripartite regional wage boards because if Malacañang does not give the go signal for a wage hike, the wage petition will be defeated by the combined votes of the employer and government representatives.”
PM wants to abolish the wage boards to give way to a National Wage Commission with the mandate to set a national minimum wage based solely on the cost of living. Miranda argued that “There must a national standard of living that should be matched by a national minimum wage. The wage is the price of the worker’s labor power and as every other commodity in the market its price must reflect its cost of production, which in the case of the worker is nothing else but the cost of living of his or her family.”
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Women workers to raise reproductive health and wage hike issues on women’s day
Press Release
March 7, 2010
Women members of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) will raise the issues of a wage hike and reproductive health in the celebration of women’s day tomorrow. Some 200 women workers and urban poor will hold a picket at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to be followed by a rally at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offices to highlight the two demands.
“The burning demand for a wage hike and reproductive health set the context for this year’s commemoration of women’s day. The twin issues are appropriate since they frame the productive and reproductive roles of women in the family and society,” explained Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general.
The members of the labor party-list group will assemble by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow at the Manila Cathedral and then move on to the CBCP by 7:30 a.m. to ask to the bishops to “bless” a set of condoms that the group will distribute. They will then march to the DOLE where the protesters will bang pots and pans to demand a wage increase and a revamp of the wage fixing mechanism.
By 9:00 a.m. they join other women’s groups at España for a 10:00 a.m. rally at Mendiola. While marching to España and Mendiola, there will be a continuous noise barrage and whistle blowing to draw attention to the women’s challenge to the candidates in the coming elections.
“We will humbly ask the Catholic bishops to bless the condoms as a conciliatory gesture to unite for reproductive health and women’s rights,” Miranda furthered. She added that aside from providing contraception, the government should embark on a nationwide education program through the barangays so that women and men learn the many facets of HIV-AIDS, teenage pregnancies, unwanted pregnancies, child spacing and family planning, among other reproductive health concerns.
Miranda also insisted that “A P75 wage hike is reasonable and not excessive but it will not prosper unless President Gloria Arroyo supports it. That unfortunately is the problem with the tripartite regional wage boards because if Malacañang does not give the go signal for a wage hike, the wage petition will be defeated by the combined votes of the employer and government representatives.”
PM wants to abolish the wage boards to give way to a National Wage Commission with the mandate to set a national minimum wage based solely on the cost of living. Miranda argued that “There must a national standard of living that should be matched by a national minimum wage. The wage is the price of the worker’s labor power and as every other commodity in the market its price must reflect its cost of production, which in the case of the worker is nothing else but the cost of living of his or her family.”
The minimum wage in the NCR has been stuck at P382 for almost two years but the cost of living already reaches P1,000 a day in Metro Manila for a family of six according to various studies.
March 7, 2010
Women members of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) will raise the issues of a wage hike and reproductive health in the celebration of women’s day tomorrow. Some 200 women workers and urban poor will hold a picket at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to be followed by a rally at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offices to highlight the two demands.
“The burning demand for a wage hike and reproductive health set the context for this year’s commemoration of women’s day. The twin issues are appropriate since they frame the productive and reproductive roles of women in the family and society,” explained Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general.
The members of the labor party-list group will assemble by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow at the Manila Cathedral and then move on to the CBCP by 7:30 a.m. to ask to the bishops to “bless” a set of condoms that the group will distribute. They will then march to the DOLE where the protesters will bang pots and pans to demand a wage increase and a revamp of the wage fixing mechanism.
By 9:00 a.m. they join other women’s groups at España for a 10:00 a.m. rally at Mendiola. While marching to España and Mendiola, there will be a continuous noise barrage and whistle blowing to draw attention to the women’s challenge to the candidates in the coming elections.
“We will humbly ask the Catholic bishops to bless the condoms as a conciliatory gesture to unite for reproductive health and women’s rights,” Miranda furthered. She added that aside from providing contraception, the government should embark on a nationwide education program through the barangays so that women and men learn the many facets of HIV-AIDS, teenage pregnancies, unwanted pregnancies, child spacing and family planning, among other reproductive health concerns.
Miranda also insisted that “A P75 wage hike is reasonable and not excessive but it will not prosper unless President Gloria Arroyo supports it. That unfortunately is the problem with the tripartite regional wage boards because if Malacañang does not give the go signal for a wage hike, the wage petition will be defeated by the combined votes of the employer and government representatives.”
PM wants to abolish the wage boards to give way to a National Wage Commission with the mandate to set a national minimum wage based solely on the cost of living. Miranda argued that “There must a national standard of living that should be matched by a national minimum wage. The wage is the price of the worker’s labor power and as every other commodity in the market its price must reflect its cost of production, which in the case of the worker is nothing else but the cost of living of his or her family.”
The minimum wage in the NCR has been stuck at P382 for almost two years but the cost of living already reaches P1,000 a day in Metro Manila for a family of six according to various studies.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Labor party-list supports wage hike call but demands wage fixing reform
Press Release
March 6, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) declared its support for the demand for a wage hike but also called for a reform of the wage fixing system. “A P75 wage hike is reasonable and not excessive. But we doubt it will be granted by the NCR wage board. That is why we are batting for the abolition of the wage boards and the establishment of a National Wage Commission instead,” argued Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.
On Monday morning, Women’s Day, some 200 women PM members will have a rally at the Department of Labor of Employment office at Intramuros to push for the wage demand. The wage hike and reproductive health are the main calls of the labor group for this year’s women’s day.
“The P75 wage demand will not prosper unless President Gloria Arroyo supports it. That unfortunately is the problem with the tripartite regional wage board. If Malacanang does not give the go signal for a wage hike, the wage petition will be stymied at the wage board,” Magtubo explained.
PM is pushing for the abolition of the wage boards that decide on wage hike for the different regions. Instead the party-list group wants a National Wage Commission to be formed with the mandate to set a national minimum wage based solely on the cost of living.
Magtubo dared President Arroyo to declare her support or rejection of the P75 wage petition. He added “The hearings for the P75 wage hike are a moro-moro for in the end it is GMA’s body language that will determine its fate. Do the advocates for the P75 wage hike have GMA’s ear? Despite the pressure to be populist in an election year, our fearless forecast is that GMA will silently reject the wage increase petition.”
The labor group is criticizing the regional wage boards for cheapening the cost of labor and depressing wages by instituting a system of almost a hundred different wage levels in the country. PM also disapproves of the 10-point formula for determining wages and advocates that the single criterion of cost of living be used.
Magtubo insisted that “There must a national standard of living that must be matched by a national minimum wage. The wage is the price of the worker’s labor power and as every other commodity in the market its price must reflect its cost of production, which in the case of the worker is nothing else but the cost of living of his or her family.”
The minimum wage in the NCR has been stuck at P382 for almost two years but the cost of living already reaches P1,000 a day in Metro Manila for a family of six according to various studies.
March 6, 2010
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) declared its support for the demand for a wage hike but also called for a reform of the wage fixing system. “A P75 wage hike is reasonable and not excessive. But we doubt it will be granted by the NCR wage board. That is why we are batting for the abolition of the wage boards and the establishment of a National Wage Commission instead,” argued Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson.
On Monday morning, Women’s Day, some 200 women PM members will have a rally at the Department of Labor of Employment office at Intramuros to push for the wage demand. The wage hike and reproductive health are the main calls of the labor group for this year’s women’s day.
“The P75 wage demand will not prosper unless President Gloria Arroyo supports it. That unfortunately is the problem with the tripartite regional wage board. If Malacanang does not give the go signal for a wage hike, the wage petition will be stymied at the wage board,” Magtubo explained.
PM is pushing for the abolition of the wage boards that decide on wage hike for the different regions. Instead the party-list group wants a National Wage Commission to be formed with the mandate to set a national minimum wage based solely on the cost of living.
Magtubo dared President Arroyo to declare her support or rejection of the P75 wage petition. He added “The hearings for the P75 wage hike are a moro-moro for in the end it is GMA’s body language that will determine its fate. Do the advocates for the P75 wage hike have GMA’s ear? Despite the pressure to be populist in an election year, our fearless forecast is that GMA will silently reject the wage increase petition.”
The labor group is criticizing the regional wage boards for cheapening the cost of labor and depressing wages by instituting a system of almost a hundred different wage levels in the country. PM also disapproves of the 10-point formula for determining wages and advocates that the single criterion of cost of living be used.
Magtubo insisted that “There must a national standard of living that must be matched by a national minimum wage. The wage is the price of the worker’s labor power and as every other commodity in the market its price must reflect its cost of production, which in the case of the worker is nothing else but the cost of living of his or her family.”
The minimum wage in the NCR has been stuck at P382 for almost two years but the cost of living already reaches P1,000 a day in Metro Manila for a family of six according to various studies.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Labor party-list group tells pro-life “thou shall not lie”
PRESS RELEASE
5 March 2010
After failure to gather support in its position against DOH’s condom distribution, a pro-life group and the Catholic Church tries to muddle the issue by broadcasting that condoms are ineffective against HIV-AIDS. Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) General Secretary Judy Ann Chan-Miranda belied the Catholic Church’s statements and said that “Thou shall not lie and deceive the people. According to Cochrane, the highest level of medical evidence, condoms are 80% effective with constant use. The 20% failure is due to human error such is incorrect use.”
On Monday, Women’s Day, PM will hold a picket at the CBCP to ask to the bishops to “bless” a set of condoms that the group will distribute. “Our appeal for the bishops to bless the condoms is a gesture of conciliation to unite on the issue of reproductive health in the interests of women and their families,” Miranda explained.
Some 200 members of the labor party-list group will assemble by 7:30 a.m. on March 8 at the Manila Cathedral and then move to the CBCP by 8:00 a.m. The activity will end with the women workers and poor protesting at the nearby Department and Labor and Employment to support the call for a wage increase and demand a revamp of the wage fixing mechanism.
The labor party-group said that 81% of Filipinos are Catholics and the remaining 19% are not. “Laws should respect the beliefs of others, religious beliefs, Catholic beliefs for that matter, should not be forced on people,” explained Ms. Miranda. She added “It is high time that the Catholic Church refrain from using its influence to legislate and enact religious-related practices and beliefs.”
At the same time, PM reproached the Catholic Church’s campaign for the banning of condom ads. “Beyond its anti-women stance, the Catholic Church is also showing its disregard for the Filipinos’ rights, including the right to correct information,” said Miranda. She added that, “The Catholic Church can continue to argue its beliefs, for as long as it wants to, but this should not be at the expense of allowing those who believe otherwise from doing what they also think are good for women and the Filipino people. The Catholic Church should accept the fact that it cannot and should impose their beliefs on people in the guise of eternal salvation.”
5 March 2010
After failure to gather support in its position against DOH’s condom distribution, a pro-life group and the Catholic Church tries to muddle the issue by broadcasting that condoms are ineffective against HIV-AIDS. Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) General Secretary Judy Ann Chan-Miranda belied the Catholic Church’s statements and said that “Thou shall not lie and deceive the people. According to Cochrane, the highest level of medical evidence, condoms are 80% effective with constant use. The 20% failure is due to human error such is incorrect use.”
On Monday, Women’s Day, PM will hold a picket at the CBCP to ask to the bishops to “bless” a set of condoms that the group will distribute. “Our appeal for the bishops to bless the condoms is a gesture of conciliation to unite on the issue of reproductive health in the interests of women and their families,” Miranda explained.
Some 200 members of the labor party-list group will assemble by 7:30 a.m. on March 8 at the Manila Cathedral and then move to the CBCP by 8:00 a.m. The activity will end with the women workers and poor protesting at the nearby Department and Labor and Employment to support the call for a wage increase and demand a revamp of the wage fixing mechanism.
The labor party-group said that 81% of Filipinos are Catholics and the remaining 19% are not. “Laws should respect the beliefs of others, religious beliefs, Catholic beliefs for that matter, should not be forced on people,” explained Ms. Miranda. She added “It is high time that the Catholic Church refrain from using its influence to legislate and enact religious-related practices and beliefs.”
At the same time, PM reproached the Catholic Church’s campaign for the banning of condom ads. “Beyond its anti-women stance, the Catholic Church is also showing its disregard for the Filipinos’ rights, including the right to correct information,” said Miranda. She added that, “The Catholic Church can continue to argue its beliefs, for as long as it wants to, but this should not be at the expense of allowing those who believe otherwise from doing what they also think are good for women and the Filipino people. The Catholic Church should accept the fact that it cannot and should impose their beliefs on people in the guise of eternal salvation.”
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Message of Solidarity to the Filipino Migrant Teachers Assembly
February 6, 2010
The Partido ng Manggagawa extends the long arm of workers solidarity to the Filipino Migrant Teachers Assembly in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As the independent working class party in the Philippines, we congratulate the valiant Filipino teachers who have waged the good fight to right what is wrong and defend the welfare of migrant workers in the US.
Now you stand on the threshold of taking the next big step in the fight for migrant rights and welfare. Forming a migrant teachers and workers organization is the necessary and logical level up in the continuing struggle. We wish you success in this initiative and endeavor.
Establishing an organization of Filipino migrant teachers and workers in the US consolidates the hard-fought and well-deserved gains and victories in the course of more than a year of struggle. It also prepares the courageous Filipino migrant teachers for the decisive battle to win the case against an oppressive illegal recruiter. And moreover it paves the road and points for way for the far bigger battle of gaining a voice and winning reforms for Filipino migrant workers in the US.
Forming an organization of Filipino migrant teachers and workers in the US comes at an opportune time. In the US, the Obama administration that came to power on a platform of hope and change is just a year old. In the Philippines, it is the eve of the national elections that will end the unpopular regime of Gloria Arroyo. A vibrant migrant organization in partnership with strong labor movements should challenge the promises of the present administration in the US and the coming regime in the Philippines.
As any migrant worker who has left the country in search not so much of greener pastures but simply of a better job, elections in the Philippines are more in the nature of an entertaining circus and noisy fiesta rather than springboards for real reform or even discussion of issues. Yet the crisis of the ruling system in the Philippines has opened up windows of opportunities however small, such as the party-list system, for determined labor advocates to gain voice and representation.
Also in the US, the economic recession is casting away illusions and opening up the eyes of the working people about the nature of capitalism, the excesses of globalization, the need for an alternative America and the possibility of a new world. Amidst the struggle for health care, immigration reform and pro-labor change, a revitalized American workers movement may be forged with the voice of migrant labor firmly embedded.
The prospects for expanding and consolidating a Filipino migrant teachers and workers organization are good. Under the new context, it will hopefully be immunized against the virus of disunity and fragmentation that has historically debilitated Filipino-American organizations. As long the principles of democratic processes and unity in action are practiced not just preached, as long as a long-term political vision for social change imbues the immediate fight for labor rights and welfare, then we believe the road less travelled by that you have taken as migrant workers will make all the difference.
The Partido ng Manggagawa extends the long arm of workers solidarity to the Filipino Migrant Teachers Assembly in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As the independent working class party in the Philippines, we congratulate the valiant Filipino teachers who have waged the good fight to right what is wrong and defend the welfare of migrant workers in the US.
Now you stand on the threshold of taking the next big step in the fight for migrant rights and welfare. Forming a migrant teachers and workers organization is the necessary and logical level up in the continuing struggle. We wish you success in this initiative and endeavor.
Establishing an organization of Filipino migrant teachers and workers in the US consolidates the hard-fought and well-deserved gains and victories in the course of more than a year of struggle. It also prepares the courageous Filipino migrant teachers for the decisive battle to win the case against an oppressive illegal recruiter. And moreover it paves the road and points for way for the far bigger battle of gaining a voice and winning reforms for Filipino migrant workers in the US.
Forming an organization of Filipino migrant teachers and workers in the US comes at an opportune time. In the US, the Obama administration that came to power on a platform of hope and change is just a year old. In the Philippines, it is the eve of the national elections that will end the unpopular regime of Gloria Arroyo. A vibrant migrant organization in partnership with strong labor movements should challenge the promises of the present administration in the US and the coming regime in the Philippines.
As any migrant worker who has left the country in search not so much of greener pastures but simply of a better job, elections in the Philippines are more in the nature of an entertaining circus and noisy fiesta rather than springboards for real reform or even discussion of issues. Yet the crisis of the ruling system in the Philippines has opened up windows of opportunities however small, such as the party-list system, for determined labor advocates to gain voice and representation.
Also in the US, the economic recession is casting away illusions and opening up the eyes of the working people about the nature of capitalism, the excesses of globalization, the need for an alternative America and the possibility of a new world. Amidst the struggle for health care, immigration reform and pro-labor change, a revitalized American workers movement may be forged with the voice of migrant labor firmly embedded.
The prospects for expanding and consolidating a Filipino migrant teachers and workers organization are good. Under the new context, it will hopefully be immunized against the virus of disunity and fragmentation that has historically debilitated Filipino-American organizations. As long the principles of democratic processes and unity in action are practiced not just preached, as long as a long-term political vision for social change imbues the immediate fight for labor rights and welfare, then we believe the road less travelled by that you have taken as migrant workers will make all the difference.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Labor party-list pickets Comelec to expedite case re acronym
Press Release
February 8, 2010
On the eve of the campaign period for the national elections, the labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) picketed the Comelec main office to urge the poll body to immediately decide on the exclusive use of the acronym “PM.” “We appeal to the Comelec to expedite hearings and issue a decision before ballots are printed,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general.
Last Friday, the labor party-list filed a manifestation with the Comelec, docketed as SPP 10-006 (PL), with a prayer to prohibit a newly accredited party-list from using the acronym “PM.” The group found out that in the Certified List of Candidates for Party List posted on the COMELEC website on January 30, 2010 at 3pm that the acronym of Pasang Masda was indicated as “PM.” Partido ng Manggagawa is arguing that the use of the same acronym ‘PM’ by two groups will confuse the voters.
The day before it filed the manifestation, PM also sent a letter addressed to Atty. Ferdinand Rafanan of the Comelec Law Department and Chairman Jose Melo asking the poll body to compel Pasang Masda to change the acronym it used. Miranda added that “We expect the Comelec to correct the mistake before the official ballots are printed. ‘PM’ is an acronym that has been registered with the Partido ng Manggagawa for almost a decade now, used during elections or not, inside the House of Representatives and in the parliament of the streets.”
“The use of the same acronym ‘PM’ by both Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will utterly confuse the voters. Voters shading their ballots will easily make a mistake since Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will be adjacent to each other on the roll of party-list groups,” insisted Miranda.
In both the letter and the manifestation to the Comelec, the labor party-list argued that “PM” for the last 2001, 2004 and 2007 elections has been the acronym of Partido ng Manggagawa printed in the COMELEC official ballots. Also it stated that Renato Magtubo was proclaimed, sworn in and recognized by the 12th and 13th Congress as Partido ng Manggagawa-PM Party List representative.
Partido ng Manggagawa believes that Pasang Masda was one of many party-list groups accredited after appeal since it was not part of the original Comelec certified list of 144 last January 15. The labor party-list is also raising an issue on the propriety of the accredited party-list groups suddenly ballooning by 30% to 187.
Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson, meanwhile called on Pasang Masda to change the acronym “PM” which it used in its registration with the Comelec for the party-list election. “Don’t overtake is a minor traffic rule that we expect Pasang Masda to follow. Partido ng Manggagawa is ahead of Pasang Masda as far as driving on the party-list road is concerned and PM has been our vehicle since the 2001 elections,” he stated.
February 8, 2010
On the eve of the campaign period for the national elections, the labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) picketed the Comelec main office to urge the poll body to immediately decide on the exclusive use of the acronym “PM.” “We appeal to the Comelec to expedite hearings and issue a decision before ballots are printed,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general.
Last Friday, the labor party-list filed a manifestation with the Comelec, docketed as SPP 10-006 (PL), with a prayer to prohibit a newly accredited party-list from using the acronym “PM.” The group found out that in the Certified List of Candidates for Party List posted on the COMELEC website on January 30, 2010 at 3pm that the acronym of Pasang Masda was indicated as “PM.” Partido ng Manggagawa is arguing that the use of the same acronym ‘PM’ by two groups will confuse the voters.
The day before it filed the manifestation, PM also sent a letter addressed to Atty. Ferdinand Rafanan of the Comelec Law Department and Chairman Jose Melo asking the poll body to compel Pasang Masda to change the acronym it used. Miranda added that “We expect the Comelec to correct the mistake before the official ballots are printed. ‘PM’ is an acronym that has been registered with the Partido ng Manggagawa for almost a decade now, used during elections or not, inside the House of Representatives and in the parliament of the streets.”
“The use of the same acronym ‘PM’ by both Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will utterly confuse the voters. Voters shading their ballots will easily make a mistake since Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will be adjacent to each other on the roll of party-list groups,” insisted Miranda.
In both the letter and the manifestation to the Comelec, the labor party-list argued that “PM” for the last 2001, 2004 and 2007 elections has been the acronym of Partido ng Manggagawa printed in the COMELEC official ballots. Also it stated that Renato Magtubo was proclaimed, sworn in and recognized by the 12th and 13th Congress as Partido ng Manggagawa-PM Party List representative.
Partido ng Manggagawa believes that Pasang Masda was one of many party-list groups accredited after appeal since it was not part of the original Comelec certified list of 144 last January 15. The labor party-list is also raising an issue on the propriety of the accredited party-list groups suddenly ballooning by 30% to 187.
Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson, meanwhile called on Pasang Masda to change the acronym “PM” which it used in its registration with the Comelec for the party-list election. “Don’t overtake is a minor traffic rule that we expect Pasang Masda to follow. Partido ng Manggagawa is ahead of Pasang Masda as far as driving on the party-list road is concerned and PM has been our vehicle since the 2001 elections,” he stated.
“Don’t overtake,” labor party-list urge transport group
Press Release
February 4, 2010
The labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa called on the transport association Pasang Masda to change the acronym “PM” which it used in its registration with the Comelec for the party-list election. “Don’t overtake is a minor traffic rule that we expect Pasang Masda to follow. Partido ng Manggagawa is ahead of Pasang Masda as far as driving on the party-list road is concerned and PM has been our vehicle since the 2001 elections,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, secretary-general of Partido ng Manggagawa.
The labor party-list found out in the Certified List of Candidates for Party List posted on the COMELEC website on January 30, 2010 at 3pm that the acronym of Pasang Masda was indicated as “PM.” Partido ng Manggagawa will file today at the Comelec clerk of court a formal petition to resolve the issue and grant the labor party-list the exclusive right to use the acronym “PM.”
Yesterday the group already sent a letter addressed to the Atty. Ferdinand Rafanan of the Comelec Law Department and Chairman Jose Melo asking the poll body to compel Pasang Masda to change the acronym it used. Miranda added that “We expect the Comelec to correct the mistake before the official ballots are printed. ‘PM’ is an acronym that has been registered with the Partido ng Manggagawa for almost a decade now, used during elections or not, inside the House of Representatives and in the parliament of the streets.”
“The use of the same acronym ‘PM’ by both Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will utterly confuse the voters. Voters shading their ballots will easily make a mistake since Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will be adjacent to each other on the roll of party-list groups,” insisted Miranda.
She said that “We do not object to jeepney drivers participating in the party-list elections nor do we question Pasang Masda seeking representation for the sector. But they must register their own unique acronym instead of appropriating ‘PM’ that has been historically tied to Partido ng Manggagawa.”
In its letter to the Comelec, the labor party-list argued that “PM” for the last 2001, 2004 and 2007 elections has been the acronym of Partido ng Manggagawa printed in the COMELEC official ballots. Also it stated that Renato Magtubo was proclaimed, sworn in and recognized by the 12th and 13th Congress as Partido ng Manggagawa-PM Party List representative.
Partido ng Manggagawa believes that Pasang Masda was one of many party-list groups accredited after appeal since it was not part of the original Comelec certified list of 144 last January 15. The labor party-list is also raising an issue on the propriety of the accredited party-list groups suddenly ballooning by 30% to 187.
February 4, 2010
The labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa called on the transport association Pasang Masda to change the acronym “PM” which it used in its registration with the Comelec for the party-list election. “Don’t overtake is a minor traffic rule that we expect Pasang Masda to follow. Partido ng Manggagawa is ahead of Pasang Masda as far as driving on the party-list road is concerned and PM has been our vehicle since the 2001 elections,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, secretary-general of Partido ng Manggagawa.
The labor party-list found out in the Certified List of Candidates for Party List posted on the COMELEC website on January 30, 2010 at 3pm that the acronym of Pasang Masda was indicated as “PM.” Partido ng Manggagawa will file today at the Comelec clerk of court a formal petition to resolve the issue and grant the labor party-list the exclusive right to use the acronym “PM.”
Yesterday the group already sent a letter addressed to the Atty. Ferdinand Rafanan of the Comelec Law Department and Chairman Jose Melo asking the poll body to compel Pasang Masda to change the acronym it used. Miranda added that “We expect the Comelec to correct the mistake before the official ballots are printed. ‘PM’ is an acronym that has been registered with the Partido ng Manggagawa for almost a decade now, used during elections or not, inside the House of Representatives and in the parliament of the streets.”
“The use of the same acronym ‘PM’ by both Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will utterly confuse the voters. Voters shading their ballots will easily make a mistake since Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will be adjacent to each other on the roll of party-list groups,” insisted Miranda.
She said that “We do not object to jeepney drivers participating in the party-list elections nor do we question Pasang Masda seeking representation for the sector. But they must register their own unique acronym instead of appropriating ‘PM’ that has been historically tied to Partido ng Manggagawa.”
In its letter to the Comelec, the labor party-list argued that “PM” for the last 2001, 2004 and 2007 elections has been the acronym of Partido ng Manggagawa printed in the COMELEC official ballots. Also it stated that Renato Magtubo was proclaimed, sworn in and recognized by the 12th and 13th Congress as Partido ng Manggagawa-PM Party List representative.
Partido ng Manggagawa believes that Pasang Masda was one of many party-list groups accredited after appeal since it was not part of the original Comelec certified list of 144 last January 15. The labor party-list is also raising an issue on the propriety of the accredited party-list groups suddenly ballooning by 30% to 187.
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