Workers in Cebu demand jeepney franchise extension, P150 wage hike in year-end rally

 

In a year-end action today, a delegation of workers and students rallied at the SSS Building along Osmena Boulevard in Cebu City to demand a one-year extension of individual jeepney franchises extension and the passage of the bill for a P150 wage hike.

 

“At the stroke of midnight today, 148,000 will lose their livelihoods. This is conservatively estimated as one operator and one driver for the 74,000 jeepneys units which have not been consolidated either into cooperatives or corporations, according to the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board. This is a significant number, comprising an additional 7% to the 2,090,000 officially unemployed Filipinos as of October 2023,” stated Dennis Derige, Partido Manggagawa (PM)-Cebu spokesperson.

 

Speakers at the rally included the president of the labor union at Lami Foods and a leader of the Guadalupe Women’s Collective. Members of the Cebu chapters of PM and SENTRO joined the picket.

 

Derige explained that “In 14 out of 17 regions, minimum wages were increased by PhP 30 to Php 40 in the second half of this year, bringing them to a high of Php 610 in Metro Manila to a low of PhP 368 in Zamboanga Peninsula. However, the equivalent real wages remain depressed. The PhP 33 hike in Central Visayas raised nominal wage to PhP 468 but the equivalent real wage is only PhP 397. That is, PhP 468 in 2023 can only buy the equivalent of PhP 397 in 2018, or a gap of PhP 71.”

 

He added that “The difference between nominal and real wages is a result of inflation over the years: wage hikes have not kept up with the rise in prices and so workers’ purchasing power has been depleted. The nominal versus real wage gap ranges from PhP 63 in Zamboanga Peninsula to PhP 108 in Central Luzon. Thus the necessity for Congress to plug the gap by enacting the bill for a PhP 150 salary increase.”

 

PM is calling for a just transition for jeepney operators and drivers in the implementation of the modernization program.

 

“The government claimed that 200,000 new jobs were created as a result of investment pledges accruing from the President’s trips abroad. Assuming this is true—the administration still needs to explain how they guessed these figures—it is almost matched by the number of traditional jeepney operators and drivers who will lose their livelihood as a result of the cancellation of their individual franchises. The President does not need a 58% hike in his travel budget to PhP 1.4 billion to generate new jobs, he just needs to extend the individual franchises so that existing livelihoods are preserved,” Derige insisted.

 

Photos and a video of the rally can be accessed here: https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/posts/pfbid0T7NQBtzk5mcHnHjCwrdawUnmXS7V9vvZgTco5wBqWuPPcznf2djmJS1trumeNfm9l and https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/videos/1567012827390462 

Press Release

December 31, 2023

Labor yearender 2023

How did the working class fare in 2023? Wages and jobs remained the most pressing issues for workers and the poor.

Workers caught between shrinking amounts of products and shrinking value of wages

The cost of living crisis in the country is expressed, on the one hand, in the deflation of real wages and, on the other hand, in the shrinkflation of commodities. Caught between shrinking amounts of products and shrinking value of wages, workers are reeling from hardship during the holidays. No wonder that a survey has shown that one of every four employees prefer to monetize the Christmas parties held by companies for their workforce. It is better to have money in the pocket than to have fun with workmates. 

In 14 out of 17 regions, minimum wages were increased by PhP 30 to Php 40 in the second half of this year, bringing them to a high of Php 610 in Metro Manila to a low of PhP 368 in Zamboanga Peninsula. However, the equivalent real wages remain depressed. The real wage in Metro Manila is only PhP 504. That is, PhP 610 in 2023 can only buy the equivalent of PhP 504 in 2018, or a gap of PhP 106.

The difference between nominal and real wages is a result of inflation over the years: wage hikes have not kept up with the rise in prices and so workers’ purchasing power has been depleted. The nominal versus real wage gap ranges from PhP 63 in Zamboanga Peninsula to PhP 108 in Central Luzon. Thus the necessity for Congress to plug the gap by enacting the bill for a PhP 150 salary increase.

The minimum wage adjustments were a belated response from the government to organized labor’s demand for salary increases since last year. In December 2022, the group Kapatiran ng mga Unyon at Samahang Manggagawa filed a petition for an additional PhP 100 in minimum wage so that workers can recover their lost purchasing power. Similar petitions were filed in Calabarzon, Cebu and Western Visayas. The wage orders from the different regional wage boards then fell short of the wage recovery demand. Expectedly, real wages stayed deflated despite the latest round of minimum wage hikes.

Shrinkflation is just one problem facing workers and the poor. Rice cannot shrink and so its price continues to rise. One kilo of rice today costs from PhP 52 to PhP 68. The onset of El Nino next year is bound to push the price of rice even more. As a pre-emptive move, President Bong Bong Marcos Jr. has already extended the tariff cut on imported rice up to the end of next year to ease rice inflation. Still, this is a band aid solution. His election promise to bring the cost of rice to PhP 20 per kilo is even further from reality.

Food in general remains the biggest expenditure for ordinary households. This reveals not just the survival challenges for the working class but the underdevelopment problem faced by Philippine society. Higher expenses for non-food items are a characteristic of more developed countries. 

Reality of jeepney livelihood loss and myth of new jobs created

In a yearend statement, the government avers that 200,000 new jobs were created as a result of investment pledges accruing from President Bong Bong Marcos’ trips abroad. Assuming this is true—the government needs to explain how they guessed these figures—this is almost matched by the number of traditional jeepney operators and drivers who will lose their livelihood as a result of the cancellation of their individual franchises. The President does not need a 58% hike in his travel budget to PhP 1.4 billion to generate new jobs, he just needs to extend the individual franchises so that existing livelihoods are preserved. 

At the stroke of midnight on December 31, 148,000 will lose their livelihoods. This is conservatively estimated as one operator and one driver for the 74,000 jeepneys units which have not been consolidated either into cooperatives or corporations, according to the Land Transportation and Franchising Board. This is a significant number, comprising an additional 7% to the 2,090,000 officially unemployed Filipinos as of October 2023.

The current administration is just implementing a business-as-usual and hands-off approach to employment: let the private sector, whether local or foreign, direct economic development. In place for 50 years or so, this broken system has led us to double-digit unemployment plus underemployment and permanent overseas migration.

It is high time to contemplate another and better way: an industrial and agricultural policy that focuses on job creation. This should be at the top of the wish list for 2024. 

While unemployment in October has gone down to 4.2%, underemployment is more than double at 11.7%. The underemployed are those who want more hours of work, presumably because they do not earn enough. This is a result of the very broad definition of an employed person—somebody who has worked for at least one hour in the previous week! No wonder there is very low official unemployment given that very loose meaning.

Another telling statistic that reveals the extent of the problem of lack of quality jobs is the high rate of migration. The latest figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that almost two million Filipinos worked abroad annually or some 5,000 OFWs were deployed daily. This sums up to about 2.6% of the total population that is over 15 years old. In other words, the unemployment rate would go up by more than half—at the very least—to 6.8% if Filipinos did not leave for gainful employment abroad.

Slightly more than half of Filipino migrant workers are female and more than one fourth of them—the largest cohort—are young workers aged 30 to 34 years. An overwhelming number of OFWs are in the elementary occupations, a euphemism for unskilled and menial jobs such as domestic and care work, and construction jobs. Meaning, Filipinos are working abroad not for dream jobs but for 3D work—dirty, dangerous and demeaning—that just happens to pay better than what is available in the country. Again to stress the point, the Philippine migration profile exposes the open secret of the deficits of good-paying jobs in the country.

The death of Secretary Susan Ople last August cut short her efforts to establish the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Her father, Blas Ople, was then Labor Minister in 1976 when a temporary program to place Filipino workers in the Middle East started the current wave of migration. It was deemed temporary since it was a disgrace for the martial law regime to admit that workers had to be deployed abroad to ease unemployment. A temporary scheme that has lasted 47 years from the father, Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. to his son and namesake, Bong Bong Marcos, Jr. is a testament to the utter bankruptcy of the economic and employment models followed by all the past governments, whether pre- or post-EDSA. The establishment of the DMW is a tacit admission that the government considers migration to be a permanent not provisional system to create jobs for Filipinos. ###

The reality of jeepney livelihood loss and the myth of new jobs created

 

In a year end statement, Malacanang avers that 200,000 new jobs were created as a result of investment pledges accruing from President Bong Bong Marcos’ trips abroad. Assuming this is true—Malacanang needs to explain how they guessed these figures—this is almost matched by the number of traditional jeepney operators and drivers who will lose their livelihood as a result of the cancellation of their individual franchises. The President does not need a 58% hike in his travel budget to PhP 1.4 billion to generate new jobs, he just needs to extend the individual franchises so that existing livelihoods are preserved.

 

At the stroke of midnight on December 31, 148,000 will lose their livelihoods. This is conservatively estimated as one operator and one driver for the 74,000 jeepneys units which have not been consolidated either into cooperatives or corporations, according to the Land Transportation and Franchising Board. This is a significant number, comprising an additional 7% to the 2,090,000 officially unemployed Filipinos as of October 2023.

 

The current administration is just implementing a business-as-usual and hands-off approach to employment: let the private sector, whether local or foreign, direct economic development. In place for 50 years or so, this broken system has led us to double-digit unemployment plus underemployment and permanent overseas migration.

 

It is high time to contemplate another and better way: an industrial and agricultural policy that focuses on job creation. The state—not the oligarchs—must direct economic development similar to the East Asian model. This should be at the top of the wish list for 2024.

 

While unemployment in October has gone down to 4.2%, underemployment is more than double at 11.7%. The underemployed are those who want more hours of work, presumably because they do not earn enough. This is a result of the very broad definition of an employed person—somebody who has worked for at least one hour in the previous week! No wonder there is very low official unemployment given that very loose meaning.

 

Another telling statistic that reveals the extent of the problem of lack of quality jobs is the high rate of migration. The latest figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that almost two million Filipinos worked abroad annually or some 5,000 OFWs were deployed daily. This sums up to about 2.6% of the total population that is over 15 years old. In other words, the unemployment rate would go up by more than half—at the very least—to 6.8% if Filipinos did not leave for gainful employment abroad.

Press Statement

December 28, 2023

Labor Yearender: Workers caught between shrinking amounts of products and shrinking value of wages

 

The cost of living crisis in the country is expressed, on the one hand, in the deflation of real wages and, on the other hand, in the shrinkflation of commodities. Caught between shrinking amounts of products and shrinking value of wages, workers are reeling from hardship during the holidays. No wonder that a survey has shown that one of every four employees prefer to monetize the Christmas parties held by companies for their workforce. It is better to have money in the pocket than to have fun with workmates.

 

In 14 out of 17 regions, minimum wages were increased by PhP 30 to Php 40 in the second half of this year, bringing them to a high of Php 610 in Metro Manila to a low of PhP 368 in Zamboanga Peninsula. However, the equivalent real wages remain depressed. The real wage in Metro Manila is only PhP 504. That is, PhP 610 in 2023 can only buy the equivalent of PhP 504 in 2018, or a gap of PhP 106.

 

The difference between nominal and real wages is a result of inflation over the years: wage hikes have not kept up with the rise in prices and so workers’ purchasing power has been depleted. The nominal versus real wage gap ranges from PhP 63 in Zamboanga Peninsula to PhP 108 in Central Luzon. Thus the necessity for Congress to plug the gap by enacting the bill for a PhP 150 salary increase.

 

The minimum wage adjustments were a belated response from the government to organized labor’s demand for salary increases since last year. In December 2022, the group Kapatiran ng mga Unyon at Samahang Manggagawa filed a petition for an additional PhP 100 in minimum wage so that workers can recover their lost purchasing power. Similar petitions were filed in Calabarzon, Cebu and Western Visayas. The wage orders from the different regional wage boards then fell short of the wage recovery demand. Expectedly, real wages stayed deflated despite the latest round of minimum wage hikes.

 

Shrinkflation is just one problem facing workers and the poor. Rice cannot shrink and so its price continues to rise. One kilo of rice today costs from PhP 52 to PhP 68. The onset of El Nino next year is bound to push the price of rice even more. As a pre-emptive move, President Bong Bong Marcos Jr. has already extended the tariff cut on imported rice up to the end of next year to ease rice inflation. Still, this is a band aid solution. His election promise to bring the cost of rice to PhP 20 per kilo is even further from reality.

 

Food in general remains the biggest expenditure for ordinary households. This reveals not just the survival challenges for the working class but the underdevelopment problem faced by Philippine society. Higher expenses for non-food items are a characteristic of more developed countries.

Press Statement

December 27, 2023

Give jeepney operators and drivers a holiday gift: Extend the individual franchise by a year

 

We ask President Bong Bong Marcos, Jr to be nice not naughty. The government should extend the individual franchise of traditional jeepneys by another year as a holiday gift.

The impending revocation of individual franchises by January 1, 2024 threatens the livelihoods of tens of thousands of operators and drivers. Let us not deprive hardworking Filipinos of their means of livelihood as we are all facing economic difficulties with rising prices of basic goods, especially rice, and the harsh impacts of climate change like El Nino.

 

Partido Manggagawa stands in solidarity with our fellow jeepney operators and drivers in their struggle. While strikes do disrupt our daily lives, it is a small sacrifice for the preservation of affordable fares and the continued livelihood of our fellow jeepney operators and drivers.

 

If the outcome of consolidation and modernization is the displacement of informal traditional jeepneys with modern jeepneys under corporate management, this will result in higher fares, exacerbating the hardships of Filipinos amidst inflation.

 

Let us remember how water and electricity rates skyrocketed after privatization and corporations took control of public utilities. The same will happen if corporations take over the routes and franchises on the roads.

 

There is no doubt that the current PUV modernization will lead to a widespread phaseout. The price of modern jeeps exceeds 2 million pesos, making it unaffordable for struggling operators, especially when the promised government subsidy is only 160,000 pesos.

 

While traditional jeepneys should transition to reduce pollution, it bears emphasizing that private vehicles have significantly higher carbon emissions. The transition should result in a better life for jeepney operators and drivers, rather than unemployment. Jeepney cooperatives are a viable alternative to corporations, but they require sufficient time and support. Negotiations should listen to the pleas of jeepney operators and drivers—a just transition amid climate change adaptation.

 

However, such negotiations for a just transition may not happen because the government insists on proceeding with the PUV modernization while pushing the consolidation deadline. Therefore, it is right to oppose the government's stubbornness with the jeepney strike. It will not be a happy new year for jeepney operators and drivers.

December 18, 2023

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

PRESS STATEMENT

NO TO WAR

Network Opposed to War

10 December 2023

PM joins human rights groups in village education and candle-lighting at CHR

 

The Partido Manggagawa (PM) is one with the human rights community in seeking justice for all the victims of human rights violations in the country, and for the countless victims of wars, including  those from Israel’s continuing campaign of genocide against the Palestinians.

 

Here in the Philippines, we join the In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (IDEFEND) today in celebration of the Human Rights Week and International Human Rights Day on December 10 through a village march and candle lighting at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in UP Diliman.

 

Workers continue to face human rights violations in many forms such as contractualization, violation of freedom of association and the right to a living wage, red-tagging, and worse, killing.

 

Palestinians, on the other hand, are suffering the worst kind of oppression known to humankind. They are denied all basic rights - the right to life, food, water, shelter, etc.

 

PM will continue to stand with all the oppressed people and uphold the principles and values of human rights and a life with dignity.

 

Photos can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/posts/pfbid0u8RRJ56RGVXJ65Rho1oxg9Qij4q3Koh6y5NAdi8au7gpPGQKZrucEpDZRzxxKQ9Dl

Press Statement

07 December 2023

Workers demand rights and freedom, end to wars on Bonifacio Day

 

 

Despite the government's decision to move Bonifacio Day to November 27, labor groups, led by the Nagkaisa labor coalition, pressed forward with their march this morning, November 30, alongside organizations in the No to War network.

 

Amidst the intensifying cost of living crisis, the coalition declared at the Mendiola rally that workers would never enjoy the government's holiday economics.

 

Nagkaisa pointed out that, despite adjustments in daily minimum in various regions, wages still lag significantly behind the rising cost of living. Likewise, the erosion of workers' rights, including the freedom to form unions and security of tenure, remains a critical concern.

 

Emphasizing the legacy of Andres Bonifacio, Nagkaisa highlighted that the fight for freedom from colonial rule was intertwined with the pursuit of a dignified life for all Filipinos. However, the coalition lamented that post-colonial republics failed to secure genuine sovereignty, and the freedom from poverty remains elusive.

 

The coalition called for a redirection of government priorities to address these pressing concerns rather than engaging in war preparations or supporting the political agenda of the same colonial powers who were behind many of these conflicts.

 

The coalition red flags the potentially irreversible consequences of forging additional military agreements beyond the existing pacts with the US, particularly with Japan, and the looming possibility of similar arrangements with the UK, France, and Australia - all using China as the boogeyman - for they will only heighten the tensions in the region.

 

Nagkaisa warned against the devastating impact of new wars, citing the peoples suffering, exemplified by the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Expressing solidarity with war victims globally, Nagkaisa urged unity in calling for an end to all conflicts. Specifically addressing the Israel-Palestine situation, the coalition demanded a permanent ceasefire and an end to what they termed as Israel's campaign of genocide in Gaza.

 

While acknowledging the complexity of this age-old conflict, Nagkaisa believes a ceasefire could pave the way for de-escalation and create spaces for diplomatic negotiations.

Nagkaisa Labor Coalition

30 November 2023

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

End to wars and poverty highlight workers’ Bonifacio Day protest

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

Partido Manggagawa

30 November 2023

 

Request for coverage: BONIFACIO DAY RALLY OF NAGKAISA LABOR COALITION AND NO TO WAR NETWORK

MEDIA ADVISORY

29 November 2023

Nagkaisa Labor Coalition

Contact: Wilson Fortaleza @ 09452182693

 

Request for coverage

 

NAGKAISA AND NO TO WAR NETWORK

TO HOLD BONIFACIO DAY RALLY

 

The Nagkaisa Labor Coalition and the NO TO WAR network will be holding a Bonifacio Day action in Manila tomorrow, November 30, despite Malacañang moving the holiday to November 27.

 

WHEN: November 30, 2023

TIME: 9:00 AM

WHERE: Morayta to Mendiola

 

Aside from workers’ demand for higher wages, freedom to organize and better working conditions, human rights and anti-war groups will also be calling for permanent ceasefire and a stop to genocide in Gaza and to oppose the slide and escalation of other conflicts into new wars, including those in Asia and in the Philippines.

Women workers hail long-delayed victory on violence-free workplace

Women workers picket Senate to demand C190 ratification

Partido Manggagawa (PM) together with NAGKAISA Women picketed the Senate of the Philippines to witness the hearing for the final stage of the ratification of ILO Convention 190. C190 recognizes the right of everyone to a world of work that is free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.

 

“Matapos ang mahigit dalawang taong pagsusulong ng ratification ng C190, bagama’t long-delayed, ay natutuwa kami na nagbunga na rin ang aming tuloy-tuloy na kampanya para dito,” said PM General Secretary Judy Ann Miranda.

 

Miranda added that after the ratification, PM will then push for necessary laws and policy measures to be put in place to address violence and harassment in the world of work. In the Philippines, one in seven women experience sexual harassment at least once every week, according to a study. Sexual harassment in the workplace is prevalent but underreported because victims fear reprisal.

 

“Kalakhan ng biktima ng sexual harassment ay kababaihan, lalung-lalo na ‘yaong rank-and-file, casuals at job order. Gusto naming makapag-trabaho ang mga manggagawang kababaihan nang walang agam-agam at may dignidad, kaya babantayan namin ang pagpapatupad ng mga kaakibat na batas at polisiya kaugnay ng C190. Makaka-asa ang kapatid naming mga manggagawang kababaihan, maging ang LGBTQI+ community, na hindi magpapabaya ang PM sa usaping ito,” Miranda ended.

Access photos here:  https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/posts/pfbid0296km3ouqrVzcAbe3DzE9oKEeQZ8o6AxgfNjzxmmcGMpJpyN4facYmbdDjQxtWCaKl

Partido Manggagawa

28 November 2023

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

NO TO WAR network is composed of the following organizations:

 

Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Karapatang Pantao

Amnesty International Philippines

Anak Mindanao-Youth

Bangsa

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

Dakila

Federation of Free Workers

Focus on the Global South

KAGULONG

IIRE-Manila

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (IDefend)

Laban Kababaihan

LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women's Rights)

MINDANOW

Nagkaisa Labor Coalition

National Federation of Labor

Partido Manggagawa (PM)

Public Services Labor Independent Confederation

Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO)

Tara Kabataan

United Filipino Service Workers

United Muslim Alliance for Development (UMA DEV)

World March of Women - Pilipinas

PRESS STATEMENT

NO TO WAR

28 November 2023

Invitation for coverage: Groups form anti-war network in response to Palestine, West PH Sea issues

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

NO TO WAR

27 November 2023

Contact: Wilson Fortaleza @09452182693

Partido Manggagawa

 

Invitation for coverage

 

Dear friends,

 

PHILIPPINE GROUPS FORM ANTI-WAR NETWORK

Call for Permanent Ceasefire, End to Genocide in Gaza

 

Various interest and advocacy groups, including those on human rights, labor, women, youth, urban poor, Moro and IPs, environment, and political parties, will be forming the NO TO WAR network in solidarity with the world’s people who are suffering from the devastating impacts of ongoing conflicts and in preventing the slide of other conflicts into new wars, including those in Asia and in the Philippines.

 

WHEN: November 28, 2023

TIME: 10:00 AM

WHERE: Workers House, 94 Sct. Salgado, Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City

 

In solidarity with the Palestinian people, we join the international community in calling for a PERMANENT CEASEFIRE and END TO GENOCIDE IN GAZA.

 

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

 

See you at the Workers House. Thank you very much!

“War is violence against women”—feminist groups in the Philippines

 

On the first day of a 18-day global campaign to end violence against women, feminist groups in the Philippines highlighted the call for a permanent ceasefire as a step towards a permanent solution to the question of Palestine.

 

“War is violence against women. It is as clear as day in the ongoing hostage and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas that women are disproportionately victimized in war. The history of conflicts reveals this ugly truth. Thus, we call for a stop to the war in Palestine and elsewhere. And demand a just peace,” argued Judy Ann Miranda, secretary general of Partido Manggagawa (PM). PM is among the groups that participated in today’s activity.

 

A hundred women leaders from various organizations that comprise the World March of Women-Pilipinas marched to the grounds of the Commission of Human Rights today for a rousing and festive program to launch the violence against women campaign. Community assemblies in several working class areas in Metro Manila followed later in the day.

 

The launch of the campaign served as an opportunity for women to raise the urgent call for solidarity to the people of Palestine. In the statement released for the event, the World March of Women-Pilipinas, stated that “Israeli forces through persistent bombings on Palestinian communities, kill[ed] more than 14,000 Palestinians. Most hurt were women and children, as hospitals were also bombed. World March of Women members in Palestine were [also among those] attacked.”

 

“The so-called humanitarian pause should give way to a sustained ceasefire in both Gaza and the West Back. A permanent ceasefire then enables political negotiations to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine,” Miranda explained. The women’s groups’ call for solidarity with Palestine is part of a sustained advocacy by social movements, trade unions, human rights organizations and grassroots communities in the Philippines.

 

Next week, on November 30, which is a traditional day of mobilization for workers in the Philippines, trade unions along with other civil society groups will also underscore the demand for a permanent ceasefire and a stop to the genocide in Palestine. Today, a rally is being held in Manila by Muslim and Christian organizations together with progressive groups. The mobilization is billed as a march for peace and justice in Palestine.

 

All these solidarity actions build upon earlier activities by numerous organizations in different parts of the country, including in the southern island of Mindanao which has a substantial Muslim population. Among those actions was a rally outside the Catholic Church in Manila last November 4 which was a local response to the call by the International People’s Assembly for a global day of action for Palestine.

 

“The drums of war are beating so hard that they are not only deafening but are inciting harm and violence against women,” according to the World March of Women-Pilipinas. It added  that “Historically, women and children suffer the most during war in the form of hunger, sexual assault, physical violence including unjust imprisonment as hostages of warring parties, loss of home and of family members.”

 

Miranda averred that “Women also do not want to be caught in the middle of the US and China conflict. We call for a peaceful solution to the West Philippine Sea issue. Through negotiations among the claimants, we want to guarantee the right of fishers, Filipinos and other nationalities, to gainful livelihood in what should be treated as common fishing grounds.”

 

Tensions in the South China Sea are escalating with the United States forming various military alliances such as the Quad and the AUKUS in a bid to contain China and maintain control over the busy shipping lanes in the region. The Quad is an alliance between the US, Japan, Australia and India while AUKUS unites Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

 

Recently the US has avowed that it will respond to an attack on Philippine ships in the disputed sea according to terms of a mutual defense treaty. Meanwhile, talks are ongoing for a visiting forces agreement with Japan.

 

The threats of war in the South China Sea has become a convenient pretext for an influx of the American soldiers and weapons to the Philippines. In 1991, US military bases in the country were kicked out in the culmination of a long struggle led by progressive movements to assert national sovereignty and an independent foreign policy. However, the war on terror opened the door for the return of the American military as so-called “visiting forces.”

 

The feminist groups recalled that prostitution and abuse of women and girls flourished around the sites of the former US military bases in the Philippines. Since the return of US troops in the country, they have been involved in two separate incidents involving the rape of a woman and the murder of a trans. All of the accused soldiers are now back in America after controversial decisions of acquittal or pardon.

November 25, 2023

Ceasefire now and humanitarian aid to Gaza towards an end to Israeli occupation

 

We join the majority of the United Nations and the peoples of the world in campaigning for peace and in calling for an immediate ceasefire to the armed conflict in Gaza to pave the way for a negotiated, internationally brokered political solution to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

 

By means of war, Israel has dispossessed the Palestinians of their right to existence as a free nation, with their territories effectively occupied and ghettoized by Israeli forces since the Nakba of 1948. This horrific condition suffered continuously by the Palestinian people was made possible with the imposition of unimaginable forms of repression, including killings and an unjust economic embargo, while the Israeli government continues to enjoy massive military and economic assistance from the US and other Western powers.

 

The retaliatory campaign by Israel to completely siege Gaza by cutting off food, water, and electricity supplies to annihilate “subhuman” Palestinians is not simply out of bounds but is downright genocide that needs to be opposed to avert a colossal humanitarian crisis.

 

We continue to emphasize that the only solution we see for peace to finally reign in this region is for the peoples of the world, along with institutions such as the United Nations, to campaign for an end to Israel’s occupation and continued land grabbing in Palestinian territories, and to guarantee the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people.

 

The Philippines maintains diplomatic relations with Palestine since 1989, thus working for freedom and peace and preserving mutual respect with each other as independent nations will work better than being torn apart by geo-political alignments and other relations dictated by big powers.

 

However, we find the vote of abstention to the UN ceasefire resolution by the Philippine government politically reprehensible since a “no position” stand in the face of a glaring state of genocide and humanitarian crisis in Gaza works in favor of imperialist powers who seek for the total extermination of any Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation.

 

We therefore demand that the Philippine government reverse its stand in favor of the UN ceasefire resolution as this is the most urgent need at the moment to stop further loss of lives and destruction, facilitate global humanitarian aid to Gaza, and formulate a workable and just solution to end the war.

 

We likewise call on the Philippine government to exert all efforts to determine the actual condition and secure the safe release and repatriation of Filipinos who reportedly went missing or have been killed in the October 7 attack by Hamas. At least 30,000 Filipinos live in Israel, and 100 live in Gaza Strip, according to reports.

 

STOP THE WAR ON GAZA!

CEASEFIRE AND HUMANITARIAN AID TO GAZA!

END ISRAELI OCCUPATION OF GAZA AND WESTBANK!

FREEDOM FOR PALESTINE!

November 4, 2023

Partido Manggagawa 

Media Advisory: Protests today to call for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza

Media Advisory

November 4, 2023

Partido Manggagawa

Contact Judy Ann Miranda @ 09175570777

 

Groups to call for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza

 

What: Solidarity actions by groups of workers, women and youth in Manila, Cebu and Bacolod (Partido Manggagawa, Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, PM Kabataan, Dakila, IDefend and Youth Claim)

 

When: Today (November 4), 4:00 to 5:30 pm

 

Where: Our Lady of Loreto Church, Bustillos, Sampaloc, Manila

              Fuente Osmena Circle, Cebu City

              WDC office, Airport Subdivision, Singcang, Bacolod City

 

Photo opportunities: Candle Lighting in Manila along with singing and poetry reading; Candle lighting in Cebu; Chanting in Bacolod

 

The solidarity actions in Manila, Cebu and Bacolod will call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the provision of humanitarian aid as a step towards an end to the Israeli occupation and a negotiated political settlement in Palestine. The groups are also criticizing the abstention of the Philippines to the UN resolution calling for a ceasefire. The protests today in the Philippines are part of a global day of action in solidarity with Palestine.