By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO Bulatlat.com MANILA — It was impossible to resist the airconditioned rooms that the fastfood chains along the stretch of Mendiola offered to May Day protesters and even journalists covering the annual mobilization yesterday. Reality struck me that while the fiery speeches and burning issues might bring exhilaration to the soul…
Factory worker 34-year-old Mary Jane Emplamado (Photo by J. Ellao / Bulatlat.com) “Even a salary of P36,000 is not enough. We have to borrow money to make ends meet. At times, we even have to pawn our ATMs (to loan sharks). My mere daily transportation cost is already pegged at P4,000. How could they dare…
Under the scorching heat of the sun, workers from various unions and progressive organizations marched in the streets of Davao City signifying dismay over the failed promises to end contractualization in the country.
Workers, urban poor, peasants and other sectors march along Espana during the Labor Day protest in Manila. (Photo by Loi Manalansan / Bulatlat) “We have the worst hunger, unemployment, killings and when we protest and organize we are called ‘criminals.’ RELATED STORY: A slice of life of Filipino women workers By MARYA SALAMAT Bulatlat.com MANILA…
A portion of the May 1, 2019 mural (Bulatlat Photo) By MARYA SALAMAT Bulatlat.com MANILA – Labor Day celebrations in the Philippines showcase effigies and murals condemning the Duterte’s policies and attacks on workers. In the capital, the KMU is rolling out a mammoth effigy of President Duterte juggling high-powered rifles. Heavily armed Duterte is…
“For 39 years, national labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) has been at the forefront of Filipino workers’ struggle for living wages, regular jobs and democratic rights.” By MARYA SALAMAT Bulatlat.com MANILA – The labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno turns 39 years old this Labor Day. Founded at the height of Martial Law under…
Labor Day 2019 is turning also into a major campaign day for Senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares. By MARYA SALAMAT Bulatlat.com MANILA – Labor Day celebration in the Philippines begins early on May 1 in various parts of the Philippines. Unions and workers’ associations gather in various points to eventually converge at an agreed intersection. In…
“Voters should be wary of party-list groups of known political dynasties and big business interests claiming to represent the poor.” By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com MANILA – Election watchdog Kontra Daya called for voter vigilance as the rich and the powerful dominate the recent survey of Pulse Asia. The group said the Pulse Asia…