DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Members of progressive organizations staged a protest here Saturday (Nov. 30) afternoon to mark the 156th Bonifacio Day.
More than a hundred protesters gathered at the Freedom Park, along Roxas Avenue and raised issues versus the Train Law, joblessness, low wages, and contractualization, among others.
Kilusang Mayo Uno-Southern Mindanao Region spokesperson PJ Dizon decried the attacks against workers fighting for their rights under the Duterte administration as workers and labor leaders were killed, arrested, and tagged as members of the communist movement.
According to KMU, around 233 workers’ union strikes were already launched since 2018 to protest against unfavorable policies.
Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Representative Karlos Isagani Zarate, issued a solidarity message saying the revolution started by KKK that was led by Bonifacio, continues up to now.
“The oppression, intrusion of foreign countries continued under the tyrannical rule of President Duterte. Our call is for the new ‘Katipuneros’ to continue what Bonifacio has started and put an end to this oppressive system of our society,” he challenged.
While remembering the contributions of revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Mindanao Region, in a statement, said the neoliberal economic policies in the country had pushed the Filipinos in poverty.
“The export-oriented and import-dependent economy that we have continues to exploit our raw resources and the labor forces,” it said.
Bayan-SMR also criticized the Philippine government for being a “lap dog” as it continues to follow the dictates of countries like US and China.
Earlier in the morning, labor unions in Davao Region affiliated with KMU and Sentro Nagkakaisa held a program calling to stop trade union repression and calling for the passage of the labor groups’ version of the Security of Tenure Bill.
The group ended the activity with a solidarity march along downtown area. (davaotoday.com)
