Labor groups asked the Wage Board for an additional P136 to the current P466 minimum wage for workers in Metro Manila and nationwide at the start of the panel’s review of the current wage rate in Pasay City yesterday.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa and the Trade Union Congress Party-list said that it is high time that minimum wage earners be accorded with lost value of the peso and the workers’ lost purchasing power.
“We have been experiencing growth in our economy, but the workers who worked hard for it are wallowing in poverty. They have jobs and most are employed yet they do not benefit from the development. This is highly unfair and grossly unjust to workers and their families. It is a social discrepancy that needs urgent attention from government and employers must take seriously into consideration,” said Rep. Raymond Mendoza in a statement.
For his part, TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay said the real value of the peso has been eroded by 35 percent due to a variety of inflationary factors, including consumer price index, tuition fees, the recent Metro Rail Transit/Light Rail Transit (MRT/LRT) fare hike, and the impending water and electricity rate increases.
“The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only. It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employed workers fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor. Thus, we are asking the board to give a ‘living’ minimum wage. We particularly appeal to employers to grant our petition,” he said during the discussion at the 2015 Wage Consultation of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-National Capital Region at the PTTC Building, Gil Puyat Ave., Pasay City.
The board is composed of three government representatives, one each from the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and two each from the labor and employers’ sectors.
The review process will take about a maximum of two months before deciding on the lawful amount.
The groups noted that a P136 across-the-board and region-wide daily increase is essential if workers are to cope with the increasing prices of commodities and cost of living, if they are to meet the basic needs of their families – even if only partially – and if the country is to give meaning and substance to the policy of equitable distribution of income and wealth.
They added, “Workers and their families have long been suffering from the spiraling costs of basic commodities and services that include food, transportation, electricity and water. We do not even count on our need for clothing, shelter, education and healthcare, which seem to have become a luxury for the poor and a privilege for the few. A decent life is a human right which should be enjoyed by all.” - PNA / Tribune
Friday, January 30, 2015
Group demands P136-pay increase
A labor group on Thursday pressed for a P136-pay increase for workers in Metro Manila.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa said it would ask the Department of Labor and Employment to add P136 more to the P466 minimum wage in the National Capital Region.
TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay said the real value of the peso has been eroded by at least 35 per cent due to inflation along with increases in consumer prices, tuition, MRT/LRT fare and the impending water and electricity rates.
“The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only. It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employed workers fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor. Thus, we are asking the board to give a ‘living’ minimum wage. We particularly appeal to employers to grant our petition,” he said.
“Workers and their families have long been suffering from the spiraling costs of basic commodities and services that include food, transportation, electricity and water. We do not even count on our need for clothing, shelter, education and healthcare which seem to have become a luxury for the poor and a privilege for the few. A decent life is a human right which should be enjoyed by all.”
Party-list Rep. Raymond Mendoza noted the inadequate pay among employees.
“We have been experiencing growth in our economy but the workers who worked hard for it are wallowing in poverty. They have jobs and most are employed yet they do not benefit the development. This is highly unfair and grossly unjust to workers and their families. It is a social discrepancy that needs urgent attention from government and employers must take seriously into consideration,” he said. - By Vito Barcelo / Manila Standard Today
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa said it would ask the Department of Labor and Employment to add P136 more to the P466 minimum wage in the National Capital Region.
TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay said the real value of the peso has been eroded by at least 35 per cent due to inflation along with increases in consumer prices, tuition, MRT/LRT fare and the impending water and electricity rates.
“The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only. It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employed workers fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor. Thus, we are asking the board to give a ‘living’ minimum wage. We particularly appeal to employers to grant our petition,” he said.
“Workers and their families have long been suffering from the spiraling costs of basic commodities and services that include food, transportation, electricity and water. We do not even count on our need for clothing, shelter, education and healthcare which seem to have become a luxury for the poor and a privilege for the few. A decent life is a human right which should be enjoyed by all.”
Party-list Rep. Raymond Mendoza noted the inadequate pay among employees.
“We have been experiencing growth in our economy but the workers who worked hard for it are wallowing in poverty. They have jobs and most are employed yet they do not benefit the development. This is highly unfair and grossly unjust to workers and their families. It is a social discrepancy that needs urgent attention from government and employers must take seriously into consideration,” he said. - By Vito Barcelo / Manila Standard Today
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Saksi: P136 across-the-board wage increase sa Metro Manila, hiniling ng TUCP
- Saksi is GMA Network's late-night newscast hosted by Arnold Clavio and Pia Arcangel. It airs Mondays to Fridays at 11:30 PM (PHL Time) on GMA-7. http://www.gmanetwork.com/saksi
GMA News and Public Affairs
Higher Metro Manila floor wage sought
METRO MANILA has started the ball rolling for minimum wage hikes across the country, as two labor groups yesterday filed petitions on behalf of private sector workers in the capital in the face of rising utility tariffs and train fare.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)-Nagkaisa faction yesterday filed its petition for a P136 increment to the P429 and P466 daily minimum wage levels in Metro Manila during a public consultation of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Pasay City.
“The P136 across-the-board and regionwide daily increase is essential if workers are to cope with the increasing prices of commodities and cost of living, if they are to meet the basic needs of their families,” TUCP said in a three-page position paper.
“The P466 minimum wage is no longer enough,” Alan A. Tanjusay, the group’s spokesman, added in an interview.
He cited the higher fare starting this month for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems that has taken a big bite out of workers’ take-home pay, higher utility tariffs, as well as steady prices of basic goods despite drops in transport fuel prices. “The significant increase in LRT/MRT fares is one factor,” Mr. Tanjusay said in Filipino, adding that “higher electricity and water rates are also factors.”
“We are also wondering why gasoline price reductions are not reflected immediately in the prices of basic commodities.”
Another labor group, the Association of Minimum Wage Earners and Advocates (AMWEA) is seeking a total of P734 in minimum wage increase, to be implemented in annual tranches of P146.80 for the next five years.
AMWEA described the current floor pay as “slave wage,” saying it is below the P1,200 needed each day to support a family of five.
The last wage order in the National Capital Region (NCR), signed on Sept. 6, 2013, provided a P10 increase in basic pay and a P30 hike in cost of living allowance and was implemented in two tranches: in October 2013 and in January last year.
The proposed hike for Metro Manila’s minimum wage earners is expected to set the bar for the rest of the country, one labor expert said. “Usually, NCR always takes the lead and the other regions follow in demanding wage increase,” Rene E. Ofreneo, director of the Center for Labor Justice at the University of the Philippines School of Labor and Industrial Relations, said in a telephone interview.
Last year’s wage adjustment in Metro Manila came as a result of P83 and P85 proposals submitted by two TUCP factions in 2013.
One of the two employer representatives in the wage board said a balance must be struck between workers’ demand and businesses’ capacity to pay. “We understand that (petitions), but we also have to take into account the ability of establishments, especially micro and small establishments...,” Vicente Leogardo, Jr., director general of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, said in an interview.
More consultations -- this time with employers and representatives of other affected groups -- will be held next month, a public hearing in March and a decision will be rendered some time “within the year,” Alex V. Avila, who heads the NCR wage board, said in an interview. -- Melissa Luz T. Lopez / BusinessWorld
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)-Nagkaisa faction yesterday filed its petition for a P136 increment to the P429 and P466 daily minimum wage levels in Metro Manila during a public consultation of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Pasay City.
“The P136 across-the-board and regionwide daily increase is essential if workers are to cope with the increasing prices of commodities and cost of living, if they are to meet the basic needs of their families,” TUCP said in a three-page position paper.
“The P466 minimum wage is no longer enough,” Alan A. Tanjusay, the group’s spokesman, added in an interview.
He cited the higher fare starting this month for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems that has taken a big bite out of workers’ take-home pay, higher utility tariffs, as well as steady prices of basic goods despite drops in transport fuel prices. “The significant increase in LRT/MRT fares is one factor,” Mr. Tanjusay said in Filipino, adding that “higher electricity and water rates are also factors.”
“We are also wondering why gasoline price reductions are not reflected immediately in the prices of basic commodities.”
Another labor group, the Association of Minimum Wage Earners and Advocates (AMWEA) is seeking a total of P734 in minimum wage increase, to be implemented in annual tranches of P146.80 for the next five years.
AMWEA described the current floor pay as “slave wage,” saying it is below the P1,200 needed each day to support a family of five.
The last wage order in the National Capital Region (NCR), signed on Sept. 6, 2013, provided a P10 increase in basic pay and a P30 hike in cost of living allowance and was implemented in two tranches: in October 2013 and in January last year.
The proposed hike for Metro Manila’s minimum wage earners is expected to set the bar for the rest of the country, one labor expert said. “Usually, NCR always takes the lead and the other regions follow in demanding wage increase,” Rene E. Ofreneo, director of the Center for Labor Justice at the University of the Philippines School of Labor and Industrial Relations, said in a telephone interview.
Last year’s wage adjustment in Metro Manila came as a result of P83 and P85 proposals submitted by two TUCP factions in 2013.
One of the two employer representatives in the wage board said a balance must be struck between workers’ demand and businesses’ capacity to pay. “We understand that (petitions), but we also have to take into account the ability of establishments, especially micro and small establishments...,” Vicente Leogardo, Jr., director general of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, said in an interview.
More consultations -- this time with employers and representatives of other affected groups -- will be held next month, a public hearing in March and a decision will be rendered some time “within the year,” Alex V. Avila, who heads the NCR wage board, said in an interview. -- Melissa Luz T. Lopez / BusinessWorld
P136 wage hike sought for NCR workers
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)-Nagkaisa and the Trade Union Congress Party-list is seeking a P136 wage hike for Metro Manila workers, who currently receive P466 in minimum daily pay.
The petition for the wage hike was filed before the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board -National Capital Region during a public consultation conducted by the board on Thursday.
In a position paper, Rep. Raymond Mendoza said workers are “wallowing in poverty,” despite economic growth, which, he said, is “unfair and grossly unjust” to workers and their families.
“It is a social discrepancy that needs urgent attention from the government and employers must take seriously into consideration,” Mendoza said.
According to TUCP Spokesman Alan Tanjusay, inflation eroded the real value of peso by 35 percent. Moreover, he said, the consumer price index, tuition and recent fare hikes in the Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit added burden to the workers.
“The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only. It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employees fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor. Thus, we are asking the board to give a ‘living’ minimum wage. We, particularly, appeal to employers to grant our petition,” Tanjusay said.
The board is composed of three government representatives—one each from the departments of Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry, and of National Economic Development Authority—and two each from the labor and employers’ sectors. The review process will take a maximum of two months, before deciding on the lawful amount for the wage hike.
In the position paper, the proponents said: “The P136 across-the-board and region-wide daily increase is essential, if workers are to cope with the increasing prices of commodities and cost of living, if they are to meet the basic needs of their families—even if only partially—and if the country is to give meaning and substance to the policy of equitable distribution of income and wealth.” - by Jonathan L. Mayuga / Business Mirror
The petition for the wage hike was filed before the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board -National Capital Region during a public consultation conducted by the board on Thursday.
In a position paper, Rep. Raymond Mendoza said workers are “wallowing in poverty,” despite economic growth, which, he said, is “unfair and grossly unjust” to workers and their families.
“It is a social discrepancy that needs urgent attention from the government and employers must take seriously into consideration,” Mendoza said.
According to TUCP Spokesman Alan Tanjusay, inflation eroded the real value of peso by 35 percent. Moreover, he said, the consumer price index, tuition and recent fare hikes in the Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit added burden to the workers.
“The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only. It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employees fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor. Thus, we are asking the board to give a ‘living’ minimum wage. We, particularly, appeal to employers to grant our petition,” Tanjusay said.
The board is composed of three government representatives—one each from the departments of Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry, and of National Economic Development Authority—and two each from the labor and employers’ sectors. The review process will take a maximum of two months, before deciding on the lawful amount for the wage hike.
In the position paper, the proponents said: “The P136 across-the-board and region-wide daily increase is essential, if workers are to cope with the increasing prices of commodities and cost of living, if they are to meet the basic needs of their families—even if only partially—and if the country is to give meaning and substance to the policy of equitable distribution of income and wealth.” - by Jonathan L. Mayuga / Business Mirror
Much ado about salary hike, holiday pay and bonus tax
The country’s largest labor group is now demanding a P136 pay hike for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila to help them cope with the rising prices of basic services and commodities.
The Trade Union Congress of Philippines (TUCP) finally submitted the wage petition yesterday before the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards-National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) during its scheduled stakeholder consultation.
It said the P136 “living wage” aims to restore the loss purchasing power of minimum wage earners, which have been “eroded” by several economic factors in NCR.
“The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only,” TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said.
“It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employed workers fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor,” he added.
The proposed living wage comes from TUCP’s computation on the wage impact of the increase of the consumer price index, expected increase in the charges of basic utilities this year and, government -mandated deductions.
It also includes the “equity supplement” or the supposed just share of workers in the country’s economic growth for last 25 years.
TUCP said it is confident companies will be able to afford the wage hike, especially after the country has repeatedly reported significant economic growth since 2010.
“Workers cannot be denied of an increase now… We only ask for what is due our workers. What we ask is a modest share from the gains of the booming economy,” TUCP said in its position paper.
It also assured the pay increase will not lead to mass retrenchment as claimed by some employers since labor cost only account to 15 percent of their operation costs.
“We reject any attempt linking employment growth to minimum wage increase,” TUCP said.
“It is the high cost of electricity which makes up about 30 to 45% of the cost of doing business. It is the lack of power supply and the high price of power that drives away investors,” it added.
If approved by the regional wage board, the wage petition will increase the existing minimum wage in NCR from P466 to P602.
BILL LIMITS HOLIDAYS
Good news for the business sector, but bad news for the tourism sector and many Filipinos.
A bill seeking to regulate the proclamation of all holidays in the country and to require all public and private banks to operate even on weekends and official holidays has been filed at the House of Representatives.
Deputy Speaker and Leyte Rep. Sergio Apostol filed House Bill 5334 calling for the regulation of “holiday economics”, lamenting that proclamation of days-long holidays is “damaging to businesses” and affects the nation’s productivity.
“To avoid damage to our economy, this bill proposed that holidays, particularly non-woking holidays, should be properly regulated not allowing holidays to last more than two days,” he said.
HB 5334 tasks the Office of the President to regulate the dates and number of days of all the holidays.
“Holidays in the Philippines are greatly enjoyed by many Filipino people as they get to spend more time with their families and take a break from their respective jobs. Although it is only right to be able to rest in the middle of a chaotic schedule, longer holidays usually result to a ton of pending workload hindering the productivity of various offices in our country,” Apostol said.
Quoting Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, he said small businesses usually suffer during the holidays as most of them are incapable of bearing the costs of a higher-wage bill during holidays. “While daily paid workers don’t earn on these days, consequently affecting the progress and competitiveness of our economy,” he said.
An opposition lawmaker is cautioning President Aquino against further putting to test the peoples’ tolerance of government-imposed economic difficulties by vetoing the popular bill raising the tax exemption camp for the 13th month pay and other bonuses.
ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio issued the warning as he called on Aquino not to heed the recommendation of the Department of Finance (DOF) to reject the bill that was passed by Congress as an urgent measure.
Tinio is among the principal authors of the bill that was sent to Malacañang on January 14.
Tinio warned that Aquino will be facing the people’s extreme anger against his administration if the measure is rejected.
The bill has reportedly been sent by Aquino to the legal department of Malacañang “for further study.”
Tinio said the DOF has aired its opposition to the measure and has been repeatedly asking Aquino to reject it.
The DOF wants to reduce the tax exemption ceiling to P55,000 through an administrative order. Congress has proposed to set the exemption ceiling to P82,000.
“All working people want some relief from unconscionably high personal income taxes. They are eagerly awaiting enactment of this bill into law as soon as possible. A Presidential veto will deny the majority of Filipinos, who are mostly low- and middle-income earners, the higher take-home pay that they so justly deserve and need,” stated Tinio.
He said Aquino’s veto of the measure will confirm accusations that he was lying through his teeth when he declared in his first state of the nation that the Filipino people are his bosses. - by Samuel Medenilla (With reports from Charissa M. Luci and Ben R. Rosario) Manila Bulletin
The Trade Union Congress of Philippines (TUCP) finally submitted the wage petition yesterday before the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards-National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) during its scheduled stakeholder consultation.
It said the P136 “living wage” aims to restore the loss purchasing power of minimum wage earners, which have been “eroded” by several economic factors in NCR.
“The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only,” TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said.
“It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employed workers fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor,” he added.
The proposed living wage comes from TUCP’s computation on the wage impact of the increase of the consumer price index, expected increase in the charges of basic utilities this year and, government -mandated deductions.
It also includes the “equity supplement” or the supposed just share of workers in the country’s economic growth for last 25 years.
TUCP said it is confident companies will be able to afford the wage hike, especially after the country has repeatedly reported significant economic growth since 2010.
“Workers cannot be denied of an increase now… We only ask for what is due our workers. What we ask is a modest share from the gains of the booming economy,” TUCP said in its position paper.
It also assured the pay increase will not lead to mass retrenchment as claimed by some employers since labor cost only account to 15 percent of their operation costs.
“We reject any attempt linking employment growth to minimum wage increase,” TUCP said.
“It is the high cost of electricity which makes up about 30 to 45% of the cost of doing business. It is the lack of power supply and the high price of power that drives away investors,” it added.
If approved by the regional wage board, the wage petition will increase the existing minimum wage in NCR from P466 to P602.
BILL LIMITS HOLIDAYS
Good news for the business sector, but bad news for the tourism sector and many Filipinos.
A bill seeking to regulate the proclamation of all holidays in the country and to require all public and private banks to operate even on weekends and official holidays has been filed at the House of Representatives.
Deputy Speaker and Leyte Rep. Sergio Apostol filed House Bill 5334 calling for the regulation of “holiday economics”, lamenting that proclamation of days-long holidays is “damaging to businesses” and affects the nation’s productivity.
“To avoid damage to our economy, this bill proposed that holidays, particularly non-woking holidays, should be properly regulated not allowing holidays to last more than two days,” he said.
HB 5334 tasks the Office of the President to regulate the dates and number of days of all the holidays.
“Holidays in the Philippines are greatly enjoyed by many Filipino people as they get to spend more time with their families and take a break from their respective jobs. Although it is only right to be able to rest in the middle of a chaotic schedule, longer holidays usually result to a ton of pending workload hindering the productivity of various offices in our country,” Apostol said.
Quoting Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, he said small businesses usually suffer during the holidays as most of them are incapable of bearing the costs of a higher-wage bill during holidays. “While daily paid workers don’t earn on these days, consequently affecting the progress and competitiveness of our economy,” he said.
An opposition lawmaker is cautioning President Aquino against further putting to test the peoples’ tolerance of government-imposed economic difficulties by vetoing the popular bill raising the tax exemption camp for the 13th month pay and other bonuses.
ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio issued the warning as he called on Aquino not to heed the recommendation of the Department of Finance (DOF) to reject the bill that was passed by Congress as an urgent measure.
Tinio is among the principal authors of the bill that was sent to Malacañang on January 14.
Tinio warned that Aquino will be facing the people’s extreme anger against his administration if the measure is rejected.
The bill has reportedly been sent by Aquino to the legal department of Malacañang “for further study.”
Tinio said the DOF has aired its opposition to the measure and has been repeatedly asking Aquino to reject it.
The DOF wants to reduce the tax exemption ceiling to P55,000 through an administrative order. Congress has proposed to set the exemption ceiling to P82,000.
“All working people want some relief from unconscionably high personal income taxes. They are eagerly awaiting enactment of this bill into law as soon as possible. A Presidential veto will deny the majority of Filipinos, who are mostly low- and middle-income earners, the higher take-home pay that they so justly deserve and need,” stated Tinio.
He said Aquino’s veto of the measure will confirm accusations that he was lying through his teeth when he declared in his first state of the nation that the Filipino people are his bosses. - by Samuel Medenilla (With reports from Charissa M. Luci and Ben R. Rosario) Manila Bulletin
News@6: TUCP, nanawagan sa wage board na aprubahan ang P136 wage hike
Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza: Dapat maramdaman din ng mga manggagawa ang paglago ng ekonomiya
- PTV
Labor groups ask for P136 more in minimum wage
 |
| Labor groups want a 'living' minimum wage from the board for workers in Metro Manila to cope with the rising costs of goods and services. |
MANILA, Philippines - Various several labor organizations, including the Trade union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP) and TUCP partylist group, on Thursday asked the wage board to add P136 to the current P466 minimum wage for workers in Metro Manila.
The groups filed the wage hike petition during the start of the panel’s review of the current wage rate held in Pasay City.
"We have been experiencing growth in our economy but the workers who worked hard for it are wallowing in poverty. They have jobs and most are employed yet they do not benefit the development. This is highly unfair and grossly unjust to workers and their families. It is a social discrepancy that needs urgent attention from government and employers must take seriously into consideration," TUCP partylist Rep. Raymond Mendoza said.
During the discussion, TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said the real value of the peso has been eroded by 35 per cent due to a variety of inflationary factors including consumer price index and school fees
The peso value was also depleted by the recent Metro Rail Transit-Light Rail Transit fare hike and the impending water and electricity rate increases.
"The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only. It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employed workers fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor. We are asking the board to give a 'living' minimum wage. We particularly appeal to employers to grant our petition," Tanjusay said.
The board is composed of three government representatives, one each from the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry and National Economic Development Authority and two each from the labor and employers' sectors.
The review process will take about a maximum of two months before deciding on the lawful amount.- By Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com)
P136 minimum wage hike in Metro Manila sought
THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) is pushing for a P136 increase in the minimum wage of workers in Metro Manila from its current rate of P466.
TUCP said there is a need to approve the pay hike if workers are to feel the inclusive growth being trumpeted by the Aquino administration.
“We have been experiencing growth in our economy but the workers who worked hard for it are wallowing in poverty. They have jobs and most are employed yet they do not benefit the development,” said TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz had previously said that the RTWPB-NCR already started the process of minimum wage setting even without a wage petition being filed.
The action by the NCR wage board came on the heels of the LRT and MRT fare hike. Metro Manila minimum wage workers had their last pay increase in October 2013. (HDT/Sunnex)SunStar
TUCP said there is a need to approve the pay hike if workers are to feel the inclusive growth being trumpeted by the Aquino administration.
“We have been experiencing growth in our economy but the workers who worked hard for it are wallowing in poverty. They have jobs and most are employed yet they do not benefit the development,” said TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz had previously said that the RTWPB-NCR already started the process of minimum wage setting even without a wage petition being filed.
The action by the NCR wage board came on the heels of the LRT and MRT fare hike. Metro Manila minimum wage workers had their last pay increase in October 2013. (HDT/Sunnex)SunStar
TUCP seeks P136 hike in Metro Manila daily minimum wage
MANILA - The Trade union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Thursday filed a petition asking the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board–National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) to increase the P466 daily minimum wage of workers in Metro Manila by P136.
TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said the real value of the peso has eroded by an estimated 35 percent due to a variety of inflationary factors, including the consumer price index, tuition, the recent MRT/LRT fare hike, and the impending water and electricity rate increases.
"The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only. It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employed workers fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor," he said.
"Thus, we are asking the board to make possible a 'living' minimum wage. We particularly appeal to employers to grant our petition," Tanjusay added.
The RTWPB-NCR held a wage consultation Thursday as part of the process of determining the salary rates in Metro Manila.
During discussion, TUCP presented a position paper demanding the wage hike.
"Minimum wage earners are now dubbed the 'working poor.' It has been 25 years after the last legislated wage hike through the Wage Rationalization Act of 1989, it is high time that minimum wage earners recover some of the lost value of the Peso and strengthen their eroded purchasing power," it stated.
TUCP said that workers their families have long been suffering from the spiraling cost of basic commodities and services, including food, transportation, electricity and water.
"We do not even count on our need for clothing, shelter, education and healthcare, which seem to have become a luxury for the poor and a privilege for the few. A decent life is a human right that should be enjoyed by all," it said.
"It should also be noted that this is the right time to grant the wage increase when the economy is good as government data shows," TUCP articulated.
Since 2010, growth in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) averaged about 6.3 percent. The inflation rate on the other hand averaged at 4.1 percent in 2014.
Between December 2013 and December 2014, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose from 136.8 to 140.5 or the equivalent of 2.7%.
TUCP cautioned that, due to the continuing increases in the cost of electricity, water, transportation, among others, consumer prices between January and December 2015 are expected to rise further by another 10 percent.
"Workers cannot be denied an increase now. The fruits of our booming economy should not only be enjoyed by a few rich families. We do not ask for lavish increase. We only ask for what is due our workers. What we ask is a modest share from the gains of the booming economy," the group said.
"The P136 across-the-board and region-wide daily increase is essential if workers are to cope with the increasing prices of commodities and cost of living, if they are to meet the basic needs of their families – even if only partially – and if the country is to give meaning and substance to the policy of equitable distribution of income and wealth," TUCP added. - InterAksyon.com
TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said the real value of the peso has eroded by an estimated 35 percent due to a variety of inflationary factors, including the consumer price index, tuition, the recent MRT/LRT fare hike, and the impending water and electricity rate increases.
"The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only. It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employed workers fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor," he said.
"Thus, we are asking the board to make possible a 'living' minimum wage. We particularly appeal to employers to grant our petition," Tanjusay added.
The RTWPB-NCR held a wage consultation Thursday as part of the process of determining the salary rates in Metro Manila.
During discussion, TUCP presented a position paper demanding the wage hike.
"Minimum wage earners are now dubbed the 'working poor.' It has been 25 years after the last legislated wage hike through the Wage Rationalization Act of 1989, it is high time that minimum wage earners recover some of the lost value of the Peso and strengthen their eroded purchasing power," it stated.
TUCP said that workers their families have long been suffering from the spiraling cost of basic commodities and services, including food, transportation, electricity and water.
"We do not even count on our need for clothing, shelter, education and healthcare, which seem to have become a luxury for the poor and a privilege for the few. A decent life is a human right that should be enjoyed by all," it said.
"It should also be noted that this is the right time to grant the wage increase when the economy is good as government data shows," TUCP articulated.
Since 2010, growth in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) averaged about 6.3 percent. The inflation rate on the other hand averaged at 4.1 percent in 2014.
Between December 2013 and December 2014, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose from 136.8 to 140.5 or the equivalent of 2.7%.
TUCP cautioned that, due to the continuing increases in the cost of electricity, water, transportation, among others, consumer prices between January and December 2015 are expected to rise further by another 10 percent.
"Workers cannot be denied an increase now. The fruits of our booming economy should not only be enjoyed by a few rich families. We do not ask for lavish increase. We only ask for what is due our workers. What we ask is a modest share from the gains of the booming economy," the group said.
"The P136 across-the-board and region-wide daily increase is essential if workers are to cope with the increasing prices of commodities and cost of living, if they are to meet the basic needs of their families – even if only partially – and if the country is to give meaning and substance to the policy of equitable distribution of income and wealth," TUCP added. - InterAksyon.com
TUCP seeks P136 minimum wage hike
MANILA – The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP) and the Trade Union Congress Party-list is seeking an P136 increase to the current P466 minimum wage for workers in Metro Manila.
TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said the current minimum wage can no longer sustain needs of a family, arguing that the real value of the peso has been eroded by 35 percent due to several factors including consumer price index, tuition fees, the recent Metro Rail Transit/Light Rail Transit fare hike, and the impending water and electricity rate increases.
“The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only. It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employed workers fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor. Thus, we are asking the board to give a ‘living’ minimum wage. We particularly appeal to employers to grant our petition,” Tanjusay said.
Rep. Raymond Mendoza, meanwhile, cited a “social discrepancy” between the country’s economic growth and wages of workers.
“We have been experiencing growth in our economy but the workers who worked hard for it are wallowing in poverty. They have jobs and most are employed yet they do not benefit the development. This is highly unfair and grossly unjust to workers and their families. It is a social discrepancy that needs urgent attention from government and employers must take seriously into consideration,” he said.
TUCP made the appeal at the panel’s review of the current wage rate held Wednesday in Pasay City.
The board is composed of three government representatives, one each from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and two each from the labor and employers’ sectors.
The review process will take about a maximum of two months before deciding on the lawful amount. - ABS-CBNnews.com
TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said the current minimum wage can no longer sustain needs of a family, arguing that the real value of the peso has been eroded by 35 percent due to several factors including consumer price index, tuition fees, the recent Metro Rail Transit/Light Rail Transit fare hike, and the impending water and electricity rate increases.
“The real value of the current P466 minimum wage is P299 only. It cannot sustain the needs of a family. As a result, many employed workers fall through the cracks and join the growing ranks of the working poor. Thus, we are asking the board to give a ‘living’ minimum wage. We particularly appeal to employers to grant our petition,” Tanjusay said.
Rep. Raymond Mendoza, meanwhile, cited a “social discrepancy” between the country’s economic growth and wages of workers.
“We have been experiencing growth in our economy but the workers who worked hard for it are wallowing in poverty. They have jobs and most are employed yet they do not benefit the development. This is highly unfair and grossly unjust to workers and their families. It is a social discrepancy that needs urgent attention from government and employers must take seriously into consideration,” he said.
TUCP made the appeal at the panel’s review of the current wage rate held Wednesday in Pasay City.
The board is composed of three government representatives, one each from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and two each from the labor and employers’ sectors.
The review process will take about a maximum of two months before deciding on the lawful amount. - ABS-CBNnews.com
Friday, January 23, 2015
Negligence, child labor seen in Bulacan warehouse accident
The labor department is pursuing the responsible firms: Hoclim Co Construction Corporation and its client Number One Golden Dragon Realty Corporation, with addresses in Quezon City
MANILA, Philippines – Two firms behind the construction of a Bulacan warehouse, whose partial collapse claimed 12 lives including 2 minors and a pregnant woman, "could be liable" of negligence and child labor, a state probe found.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued a cease-and-desist (CD) order against the warehouse's construction firm, said DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz on Wednesday, January 21.
The right wall of the warehouse in Ilang-Ilang villlage in Guiguinto town fell over workers' quarters on Monday, January 19.
A 14-year-old and a 7-year-old are among the 12 dead in the accident, with the former found out to be employed by the construction firm.
The firm Hoclim Co Construction Corporation and its client Number One Golden Dragon Realty Corporation – both with office addresses in Quezon City – also operated without a permit, the investigation found.
They have yet to appear and own up to their obligations, and have no response teams, no supervising personnel like engineers and safety officers in charge of construction work, DOLE alleged.
They "shall be held jointly and solidarily for all the violations related to the health and safety and the welfare of the victims," the DOLE statement read further.
Baldoz urged Congress to enact a law with heavy penalties for violators of the country’s health and safety laws, as the Labor Code does not provide criminal penalty for such non-compliance with some safety and health regulations.
Compensation demanded
Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) blamed contractual employment schemes for the incident. They said these kinds of setup allow "contractors like the Golden Dragon to subject their workers to hazardous working conditions."
For allowing such schemes, the government's action is tantamount to a "criminal neglect" of workers' health and safety," the group claimed.
"Contractualization removes the employer-employee relationship between labor contractors and their workers hence freeing them of any obligations to abide by the health and safety standards and worse, frees them of any liability in case such tragic accidents happen," KMU's statement read.
"It has always been a profiteering scheme for these construction contractors to disregard workers’ safety to maximize profits," the group warned.
Baldoz ordered DOLE Metro Manila Director Alex Avila to locate the two companies involved, and DOLE Regional Director Ana Dione to ensure that these companies pay their employees' monetary and social benefits.
The companies have been required to show proof of financial assistance to the victims’ families and of payment of salaries and remittances for Social Security System, PhilHealth, and PagIBIG contributions.
Gerard Seno, executive vice president of labor federation Associated Labor Unions-TUCP, pushed for separate charges to be filed if the companies failed to provide workers' benefits. – Buena Bernal / Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Two firms behind the construction of a Bulacan warehouse, whose partial collapse claimed 12 lives including 2 minors and a pregnant woman, "could be liable" of negligence and child labor, a state probe found.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued a cease-and-desist (CD) order against the warehouse's construction firm, said DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz on Wednesday, January 21.
 |
| Filipino rescuer workers search for possibly trapped bodies in a collapsed warehouse building in the Guiguinto town, Bulacan province, north of Manila, Philippines, 19 January 2015. Eleven people, including a pregnant women, were reportedly killed and four others injured when the wall of a warehouse collapsed, police said. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO |
The right wall of the warehouse in Ilang-Ilang villlage in Guiguinto town fell over workers' quarters on Monday, January 19.
A 14-year-old and a 7-year-old are among the 12 dead in the accident, with the former found out to be employed by the construction firm.
The firm Hoclim Co Construction Corporation and its client Number One Golden Dragon Realty Corporation – both with office addresses in Quezon City – also operated without a permit, the investigation found.
They have yet to appear and own up to their obligations, and have no response teams, no supervising personnel like engineers and safety officers in charge of construction work, DOLE alleged.
They "shall be held jointly and solidarily for all the violations related to the health and safety and the welfare of the victims," the DOLE statement read further.
Baldoz urged Congress to enact a law with heavy penalties for violators of the country’s health and safety laws, as the Labor Code does not provide criminal penalty for such non-compliance with some safety and health regulations.
Compensation demanded
Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) blamed contractual employment schemes for the incident. They said these kinds of setup allow "contractors like the Golden Dragon to subject their workers to hazardous working conditions."
For allowing such schemes, the government's action is tantamount to a "criminal neglect" of workers' health and safety," the group claimed.
"Contractualization removes the employer-employee relationship between labor contractors and their workers hence freeing them of any obligations to abide by the health and safety standards and worse, frees them of any liability in case such tragic accidents happen," KMU's statement read.
"It has always been a profiteering scheme for these construction contractors to disregard workers’ safety to maximize profits," the group warned.
Baldoz ordered DOLE Metro Manila Director Alex Avila to locate the two companies involved, and DOLE Regional Director Ana Dione to ensure that these companies pay their employees' monetary and social benefits.
The companies have been required to show proof of financial assistance to the victims’ families and of payment of salaries and remittances for Social Security System, PhilHealth, and PagIBIG contributions.
Gerard Seno, executive vice president of labor federation Associated Labor Unions-TUCP, pushed for separate charges to be filed if the companies failed to provide workers' benefits. – Buena Bernal / Rappler.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Spa owners want House probe into DOH training
CEBU, Philippines - Some spa and wellness operators in Cebu are calling for a congressional inquiry into the controversial massage therapy training required by the Department of Health.
The request was coursed through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-7, said Art Barrit, spokesman of the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP), who sits as TESDA board member representing the labor sector.
“I received a lot of requests from different operators of spa calling for a meeting and they requested us to bring this matter to our partylist representative of TUCP, Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, to conduct congressional inquiry regarding the implementation of this program,” said Barrit during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday.
Barrit was reacting to the report of Consul Robert Lim Joseph that non-accredited masseurs in Boracay Island were already apprehended and made to pay P2,500 fine.
“They are criminalizing these masseurs and they would have to pay P2,500. What will happen to the cost of massage in the wellness program for the Philippines? This will happen here in Cebu and in Manila,” Joseph said.
Operator of Ton Ton Thai Massage chain, Joseph is the secretary general of the Philippine Organization of Wellness Establishments and Resources.
“Kulang na nga ng trabaho, nabigyan na ng TESDA, here is another agency which says they cannot work. It is against the poor,” said Joseph.
Barrit pointed out that TESDA, rather than DOH, even has a stringent rule regarding the operationalization of “hilot” wellness massage.
Prior to the conduct of congressional inquiry, Barrit said he will ask TESDA to have a forum for massage operators to register their opposition to the directive of DOH.
Joseph already has filed a complaint before the House of Representatives over DOH’s inaction to calls to lower exorbitant fees for the said training, which is not in compliance with the international standard for massage therapy training.
He said they sent letters to DOH asking for a meeting to settle the matter but they were ignored by the government agency.
Joseph further said DOH and its 16 accredited training centers all over the country should be investigated over an alleged money-making scheme.
He said those who took the exams had to attend the seminar and each paid P10,000 aside from the examination fee. — By Gregg M. Rubio/NSA (The Freeman)
The request was coursed through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-7, said Art Barrit, spokesman of the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP), who sits as TESDA board member representing the labor sector.
“I received a lot of requests from different operators of spa calling for a meeting and they requested us to bring this matter to our partylist representative of TUCP, Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, to conduct congressional inquiry regarding the implementation of this program,” said Barrit during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday.
Barrit was reacting to the report of Consul Robert Lim Joseph that non-accredited masseurs in Boracay Island were already apprehended and made to pay P2,500 fine.
“They are criminalizing these masseurs and they would have to pay P2,500. What will happen to the cost of massage in the wellness program for the Philippines? This will happen here in Cebu and in Manila,” Joseph said.
Operator of Ton Ton Thai Massage chain, Joseph is the secretary general of the Philippine Organization of Wellness Establishments and Resources.
“Kulang na nga ng trabaho, nabigyan na ng TESDA, here is another agency which says they cannot work. It is against the poor,” said Joseph.
Barrit pointed out that TESDA, rather than DOH, even has a stringent rule regarding the operationalization of “hilot” wellness massage.
Prior to the conduct of congressional inquiry, Barrit said he will ask TESDA to have a forum for massage operators to register their opposition to the directive of DOH.
Joseph already has filed a complaint before the House of Representatives over DOH’s inaction to calls to lower exorbitant fees for the said training, which is not in compliance with the international standard for massage therapy training.
He said they sent letters to DOH asking for a meeting to settle the matter but they were ignored by the government agency.
Joseph further said DOH and its 16 accredited training centers all over the country should be investigated over an alleged money-making scheme.
He said those who took the exams had to attend the seminar and each paid P10,000 aside from the examination fee. — By Gregg M. Rubio/NSA (The Freeman)
11 killed in collapse of Bulacan warehouse
GUIGUINTO, Bulacan—Eleven people and an unborn child were killed here after the wall of a warehouse under construction collapsed on Monday afternoon, leaving at least four others injured.
Supt. Ernesto Cruz, Guiguinto police chief, told reporters “if the life of the unborn child is included, a total of 12 lives were lost in the accident.”
In his report submitted Senior Supt. Ferdinand Divina, provincial police director, the fatalities were laborers Jerald Nayanga, Nestor Maiton, Arnel Cardaño, Arnold Humawan and Edmund Bernabe, 14, of Kalayaan, Bagong Silang, Caloocan City along with masons Jonathan Sagayap, Cinto Nayanga, Rodolfo Nayanga and Joseph Bellones; Dave Avelino,7; and Agnes Tan-Santos, who was 4-months pregnant.
Cruz said the injured were masons Randy Bucayo and Junny Galela; mason Marlon Andaya; and timekeeper, Edmar Bernabe, 21.
“The workers were doing some finishing jobs on the walls and the others were missing sand and cement when the wall collapsed on them. The shanty where the pregnant woman and the child was hit killing them also,” Divina said.
He said the wall--20 feet high at least 25 to 30 feet wide—was being put up around 3:30 p.m. by workers of Hoclimco Construction Corp. on a former ricefield in Barangay Ilang-Ilang along McArthur Highway
Guiguinto Mayor Ambrosio Cruz confirmed that the owner, Number One Golden Dragon Realty Corp. and the contractors were shouldering the burial and medical expenses of the victims.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has ordered the construction stopped with instructions to Provincial Engineer Glen Reyes ensure projects followed the National Building Code.
Provincial Director Zorina Aldana of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has taken samples construction materials for inspection.
“Contractors and builders should know that steel bars are also passing under the quality control and product standard test of DTI,” she said.
Department of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz directed the DoLE region 3 to see if the company has complied with safety rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said that both the project owner and the project contractor were liable for the loss of lives.
“This accident can be prevented, if not minimized, if these two are faithfully performing their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the occupational safety and health regulations and standards,” said Gerard Seno, executive vice president of the Associated Labor Unions-TUCP.
He said a separate charge must be filed for failure to pay the lawful regional wage including social protection benefits such as Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG. - By Josephine Marianne Querubin Ignacio, With Florante Solmerin, Vito Barcelo / Manila Standard Today
Supt. Ernesto Cruz, Guiguinto police chief, told reporters “if the life of the unborn child is included, a total of 12 lives were lost in the accident.”
In his report submitted Senior Supt. Ferdinand Divina, provincial police director, the fatalities were laborers Jerald Nayanga, Nestor Maiton, Arnel Cardaño, Arnold Humawan and Edmund Bernabe, 14, of Kalayaan, Bagong Silang, Caloocan City along with masons Jonathan Sagayap, Cinto Nayanga, Rodolfo Nayanga and Joseph Bellones; Dave Avelino,7; and Agnes Tan-Santos, who was 4-months pregnant.
Cruz said the injured were masons Randy Bucayo and Junny Galela; mason Marlon Andaya; and timekeeper, Edmar Bernabe, 21.
“The workers were doing some finishing jobs on the walls and the others were missing sand and cement when the wall collapsed on them. The shanty where the pregnant woman and the child was hit killing them also,” Divina said.
He said the wall--20 feet high at least 25 to 30 feet wide—was being put up around 3:30 p.m. by workers of Hoclimco Construction Corp. on a former ricefield in Barangay Ilang-Ilang along McArthur Highway
Guiguinto Mayor Ambrosio Cruz confirmed that the owner, Number One Golden Dragon Realty Corp. and the contractors were shouldering the burial and medical expenses of the victims.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado has ordered the construction stopped with instructions to Provincial Engineer Glen Reyes ensure projects followed the National Building Code.
Provincial Director Zorina Aldana of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has taken samples construction materials for inspection.
“Contractors and builders should know that steel bars are also passing under the quality control and product standard test of DTI,” she said.
Department of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz directed the DoLE region 3 to see if the company has complied with safety rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said that both the project owner and the project contractor were liable for the loss of lives.
“This accident can be prevented, if not minimized, if these two are faithfully performing their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the occupational safety and health regulations and standards,” said Gerard Seno, executive vice president of the Associated Labor Unions-TUCP.
He said a separate charge must be filed for failure to pay the lawful regional wage including social protection benefits such as Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG. - By Josephine Marianne Querubin Ignacio, With Florante Solmerin, Vito Barcelo / Manila Standard Today
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
TUCP: Warehouse owner, contractor liable for Bulacan mishap
MANILA, Philippines - Labor group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)-Nagkaisa on Tuesday called on the government to hold the building owner and the project contractor liable for the death of 12 construction workers and the injury of several others when a wall collapsed on them Monday afternoon in Bulacan.
"Both the project owner and the project contractor are both liable for the deaths of the victims. This accident can be prevented, if not minimized, if these two are faithfully performing their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the occupational safety and health regulations and standards.
"There must be some kind of negligence on the safety regulations and standards that lead to the deaths and so they must be made answerable," Gerard Seno, executive vice president of the Associated Labor Unions-TUCP, said.
Seno said that by now, he expects the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office is conducting a probe on the incident after ceasing work at the project site to prevent.
Government regulation requires project owners and contractors in all types of constructions work to have a construction safety and health program, ensure all workers have personal protective equipment, project safety personnel, emergency occupational health personnel and facilities, construction safety signages, construction safety and health committee, and workers' welfare facilities.
Seno noted that a separate charge must be slapped if the project owner and contractor also fail to comply with their obligations to pay the lawful regional wage including social protection benefits such as Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-ibig.
There is also a need for DOLE if the city or municipal engineer office inspected the project site for compliance on workplace safety standards before issuing the building permit and respond to reports the materials used are of poor quality, Seno said. - By Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com) |
Monday, January 19, 2015
Wall collapses in Bulacan; 11 dead
GUIGUINTO, Bulacan (Updated) – Eleven people were killed and four others were seriously injured when a wall of a warehouse building along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Ilang-Ilang collapsed.
Bulacan Police chief Ferdinand Divina identified the fatalities as Nestor Maiton, Jonathan Sagayap, Cinto Nayanga, Rodolfo Nayanga, Jerald Nayanga, Joseph Bellones, Arnel Cardaño, Agnes Tan-Santos and Arnold Humawan all workers on the site and two minors.
Television and radio reports said the incident took place around 3:30 p.m. when a wall of a warehouse owned by certain Dante Chua collapsed, pinning down the barracks of the workers.
The victims were immediately brought to the nearest hospital.
Guiguinto municipal administrator Edilberto Cruz said they were looking at three factors which may have caused the incident.
"First is mukhang substandard ang mga ginamit na materyales sa pagtayo nung building tapos we experienced earthquake here two weeks ago and during the past two days maulan so may tendency na lumambot ang lupa," the official said.
Reports have it that the steel bars used in the collapsed wall were substandard.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), for its part, sees negligence on the part of the owner and contractor.
“There must be some kind of negligence on the safety regulations and standards that led to the deaths,” TUCP executive vice president Gerard Seno.
He said government regulation requires project owners and contractors in all types of constructions work to have a construction safety and health program, ensure all workers have personal protective equipment, project safety personnel, emergency occupational health personnel and facilities, construction safety signages, construction safety and health committee and workers’ welfare facilities.
“This accident can be prevented, if not minimized, if these two are faithfully performing their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the occupational safety and health regulations and standards,” said Seno.
Cruz said the owner of the building identified as Dante Chua was "nowhere to be found."(with PNA/HDT/Sunnex- By Third Anne Peralta/ SunStar
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Labor group blames Cebu Pac job scheme
A labor group blamed job contracting for Cebu Pacific Air’s 20 flight cancellations and 288 delayed flights in Manila from Dec. 24 to 26 last year even as the company said legal options are being weighed following the decision of the Civil Aeronautics Board to impose a P52-million fine.
“We have received CAB Resolution No. 4 (BM 01-01-12-2015), and are currently in the process of reviewing the document, and its attendant legal ramifications,” the firm said in a statement on Wednesday. “We note that there may be some matters of fact requiring clarification, and are evaluating all our options.”
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Associated Labor Unions blamed outsourcing and hiring of contractual workers for the breakdown of Cebu Pacific’s service.
“The damage could have been greatly minimized--financially and reliability--if the situation was handled and managed by regular workers,” Gerard Seno, TUCP-ALU executive vice president, said in a statement.
“There is a big difference between the quality of work rendered by a regular worker than an outsourced and contractual one.”
The CAB made its ruling after Monday’s hearing attended by Cebu Pacific representatives, Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 manager Octavio Lina, and Manila International Airport assistant general manager Ricardo Medalla.
CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla was quoted as saying that the fine would to national treasury despite clamor from displaced passengers to be compensated.
He said the Passenger Bill of Rights stated as recourse only rebooking, reimbursement and endorsement to another carrier.
According to Arcilla, the airline firm has cited air traffic congestion and terminal infrastructure deficiencies as contributory factors.
“The board therefore issued a strong reprimand and imposed a fine against Cebu Pacific in the amount of P52.110 million,” he said.
The board also required Cebu Pacific to establish and maintain appropriate service standards for all employees, organic and outsourced, especially in manning the check-in counters.
“The fine is based on the finding by the board that Cebu Pacific’s operational lapses and passenger manhandling constitute a breach of the basic condition of its certificate of public convenience and necessity, i.e. to provide proper, suitable, convenient, safe, adequate and reliable air transportation services,” Arcilla said. - By Alena Mae S. Flores, Vito Barcelo - Manila Statndard Today
“We have received CAB Resolution No. 4 (BM 01-01-12-2015), and are currently in the process of reviewing the document, and its attendant legal ramifications,” the firm said in a statement on Wednesday. “We note that there may be some matters of fact requiring clarification, and are evaluating all our options.”
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Associated Labor Unions blamed outsourcing and hiring of contractual workers for the breakdown of Cebu Pacific’s service.
“The damage could have been greatly minimized--financially and reliability--if the situation was handled and managed by regular workers,” Gerard Seno, TUCP-ALU executive vice president, said in a statement.
“There is a big difference between the quality of work rendered by a regular worker than an outsourced and contractual one.”
The CAB made its ruling after Monday’s hearing attended by Cebu Pacific representatives, Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 manager Octavio Lina, and Manila International Airport assistant general manager Ricardo Medalla.
CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla was quoted as saying that the fine would to national treasury despite clamor from displaced passengers to be compensated.
He said the Passenger Bill of Rights stated as recourse only rebooking, reimbursement and endorsement to another carrier.
According to Arcilla, the airline firm has cited air traffic congestion and terminal infrastructure deficiencies as contributory factors.
“The board therefore issued a strong reprimand and imposed a fine against Cebu Pacific in the amount of P52.110 million,” he said.
The board also required Cebu Pacific to establish and maintain appropriate service standards for all employees, organic and outsourced, especially in manning the check-in counters.
“The fine is based on the finding by the board that Cebu Pacific’s operational lapses and passenger manhandling constitute a breach of the basic condition of its certificate of public convenience and necessity, i.e. to provide proper, suitable, convenient, safe, adequate and reliable air transportation services,” Arcilla said. - By Alena Mae S. Flores, Vito Barcelo - Manila Statndard Today
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Guide Philippine leaders to govern responsibly, Pope urged
MANILA, Philippines - Labor group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Wednesday appealed to Pope Francis to inspire government leaders to act responsibly in distributing the nation's wealth to all Filipinos.
TUCP- Associated Labor Unions Executive Vice President Gerard Seno said the Pope's visit to the Philippines will be a rare opportunity to reinvigorate the lives of the of the millions of Filipino workers.
"They are very eager to hear his voice and be renewed and empowered by the message of God. They need validation, meaning and purpose in the scheme of things," Seno said.
Seno also said workers expect Pope Francis to provide wisdom and guidance to Filipino politicians and government executives to govern effectively.
"Working people want to tell the Pope to share words of wisdom and guidance to elected and appointed government officials to give their highest best in carrying out their mandate to serve the public. They see Pope Francis as the right, the highest and the holiest person to inspire our leaders to lead in front in realizing the equitable sharing of the wealth of the nation," he said.
Pope Francis is set to arrive tomorrow, Jan. 15., for a five-day visit to the country. One of the main purpose of his trip is to see the condition of supertyphoon Yolanda survivors in Eastern Visayas. - By Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com)
LTFRB 7 - Central Visayas: Report fare violators
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) urged the public to report any jeepney driver who refuses to honor the new P7 minimum fare that took effect yesterday so they can be investigated and penalized.
LTFRB 7 Acting Director Rey Elnar made the appeal after receiving reports that some jeepney drivers still collect not only P7.50, which was the previous official rate, but P8 because they would not give the P0.50 change.
Elnar said that once a passenger will file a complaint and submit the jeepney plate number, they will immediately summon the driver as well as the operator who will be both penalized under the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-001.
The order was jointly issued by the LTFRB, represented by Chairman Winston Gines; Land Transportation Office (LTO), represented by Assistant Secretary Alfonso Tan Jr.; and Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), represented by Secretary Antonio Abaya last year.
It provides the penalties for overcharging at P5,000 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense and P15,000 plus suspension of the certificate of public convenience (franchise) for the third offense.
Gines said the operators should make sure that their drivers have followed the new fare rate, as they will also be made answerable for the offense of their drivers.
On the other hand, Arthur Barrit of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said the labor group will file a new petition seeking for a P5 or P6 minimum fare rate because the price of diesel, as of yesterday, was already sold at P25 per liter.
Petition
Barrit said that when former Cebu City councilor Augustus Pe Jr. filed the petition seeking for a P7 minimum jeepney fare, the price of diesel was still P37 per liter.
Barrit said it is but proper for LTFRB to further cut the minimum fare to P5, which was the rate when diesel was at P29 per liter several years ago. The reduction of minimum fare will benefit the workers in Central Visayas, particularly in Cebu.
“If that is the case, then I will have to withdraw my petition. What is important is for the common good,” Pe told Sun.Star Cebu when asked for his comment.
Meanwhile, LTO 7 Director Arnel Tancinco said the refusal of the jeepney drivers to give 20 percent discounts to senior citizens, students and person with disabilities (PWDs) is a crime.
Tancinco said the fine as provided for under JAO 2014-001 is P1,000 for the erring driver and a bigger amount of P5,000 for the jeepney operator. - By Elias O. Baquero / SunStar
LTFRB 7 Acting Director Rey Elnar made the appeal after receiving reports that some jeepney drivers still collect not only P7.50, which was the previous official rate, but P8 because they would not give the P0.50 change.
Elnar said that once a passenger will file a complaint and submit the jeepney plate number, they will immediately summon the driver as well as the operator who will be both penalized under the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-001.
The order was jointly issued by the LTFRB, represented by Chairman Winston Gines; Land Transportation Office (LTO), represented by Assistant Secretary Alfonso Tan Jr.; and Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), represented by Secretary Antonio Abaya last year.
It provides the penalties for overcharging at P5,000 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense and P15,000 plus suspension of the certificate of public convenience (franchise) for the third offense.
Gines said the operators should make sure that their drivers have followed the new fare rate, as they will also be made answerable for the offense of their drivers.
On the other hand, Arthur Barrit of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said the labor group will file a new petition seeking for a P5 or P6 minimum fare rate because the price of diesel, as of yesterday, was already sold at P25 per liter.
Petition
Barrit said that when former Cebu City councilor Augustus Pe Jr. filed the petition seeking for a P7 minimum jeepney fare, the price of diesel was still P37 per liter.
Barrit said it is but proper for LTFRB to further cut the minimum fare to P5, which was the rate when diesel was at P29 per liter several years ago. The reduction of minimum fare will benefit the workers in Central Visayas, particularly in Cebu.
“If that is the case, then I will have to withdraw my petition. What is important is for the common good,” Pe told Sun.Star Cebu when asked for his comment.
Meanwhile, LTO 7 Director Arnel Tancinco said the refusal of the jeepney drivers to give 20 percent discounts to senior citizens, students and person with disabilities (PWDs) is a crime.
Tancinco said the fine as provided for under JAO 2014-001 is P1,000 for the erring driver and a bigger amount of P5,000 for the jeepney operator. - By Elias O. Baquero / SunStar
Sunday, January 11, 2015
LTFRB - Central Visayas approves 50-cent fare cut
CEBU -- Minimum jeepney fares in Central Visayas will go down to P7 after a new order from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Central Visayas is published.
But two business leaders urged transport operators and LTFRB to consider bringing the minimum fare down to P6, to reflect the continuing drop in fuel prices.
LTFRB Board Member Antonio Enrile Inton Jr. informed Sun.Star Cebu on Sunday that a copy of the order resetting the fare rates will be presented today, January 12.
He urged the LTFRB-Central Visayas and law enforcement agencies, including the Land Transportation Office (LTO), to implement strictly the discounts for senior citizens and students.
In recent years when the P7.50 provisional minimum fare was implemented, some drivers overcharged by collecting P8 and refusing to grant the mandatory discounts. (The minimum fare covers the first five kilometers.)
Businesswoman Teresa Chan, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), said that the minimum fare must be P6.50 -- or P6, if possible -- because the price of diesel is now P28.75 per liter and may further decrease in the next few days.
“We are concerned about this matter because this can help our employees a lot. While P5 may not be feasible, considering the operational costs, we hope our jeepney operators and drivers will help the riding public, the majority of our population who are wage earners, by offering P6,” Chan said.
In a separate interview, spokesperson Art Barrit of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said he doesn’t “see the logic of the LTFRB in granting a reduction of only P0.50. It’s an agency that is faster to increase but slower to decrease fares.”
Annabelle dela Serna, regional coordinator of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition, said any fare rollback will be much appreciated and help the riding public.
“Considering the continuous rollback in diesel prices, it is but proper to lower also the fare,” Dela Serna said.
Businessman Robert Go, chairman of the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council (EDC-RDC), said jeepney fares must be lowered to P5 since the price of diesel has gone down to P28.45 and may keep dropping.
The minimum fare was P5 when the price of diesel was P29 per liter several years ago.
“Our inflation was lowest last quarter in years and the prices of basic goods are expected to go down. Seven pesos as minimum fare is still too high and should further go down to at least P6, as a compromise if jeepney operators argue about the prices of spare parts, tires, among others,” Go said.
He said that P6 would be a good compromise. (EOB/Sun.Star Cebu)
But two business leaders urged transport operators and LTFRB to consider bringing the minimum fare down to P6, to reflect the continuing drop in fuel prices.
LTFRB Board Member Antonio Enrile Inton Jr. informed Sun.Star Cebu on Sunday that a copy of the order resetting the fare rates will be presented today, January 12.
He urged the LTFRB-Central Visayas and law enforcement agencies, including the Land Transportation Office (LTO), to implement strictly the discounts for senior citizens and students.
In recent years when the P7.50 provisional minimum fare was implemented, some drivers overcharged by collecting P8 and refusing to grant the mandatory discounts. (The minimum fare covers the first five kilometers.)
Businesswoman Teresa Chan, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), said that the minimum fare must be P6.50 -- or P6, if possible -- because the price of diesel is now P28.75 per liter and may further decrease in the next few days.
“We are concerned about this matter because this can help our employees a lot. While P5 may not be feasible, considering the operational costs, we hope our jeepney operators and drivers will help the riding public, the majority of our population who are wage earners, by offering P6,” Chan said.
In a separate interview, spokesperson Art Barrit of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said he doesn’t “see the logic of the LTFRB in granting a reduction of only P0.50. It’s an agency that is faster to increase but slower to decrease fares.”
Annabelle dela Serna, regional coordinator of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition, said any fare rollback will be much appreciated and help the riding public.
“Considering the continuous rollback in diesel prices, it is but proper to lower also the fare,” Dela Serna said.
Businessman Robert Go, chairman of the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council (EDC-RDC), said jeepney fares must be lowered to P5 since the price of diesel has gone down to P28.45 and may keep dropping.
The minimum fare was P5 when the price of diesel was P29 per liter several years ago.
“Our inflation was lowest last quarter in years and the prices of basic goods are expected to go down. Seven pesos as minimum fare is still too high and should further go down to at least P6, as a compromise if jeepney operators argue about the prices of spare parts, tires, among others,” Go said.
He said that P6 would be a good compromise. (EOB/Sun.Star Cebu)
Monday, January 5, 2015
Palace digs in for court battle over train fares
THE Aquino administration said it is ready to defend its decision to increase the fares for Metro Manila’s elevated train systems (LRT Lines 1 and 2 and MRT-3) before the Supreme Court.
This was the Palace reaction after the leftist Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Riles Laan sa Sambayanan (RILES) Network and the Train Riders Network (Tren) said they would file a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court today to seek a temporary restraining order against the fare increase.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma also appealed to those who will join the anti-fare hike protests to avoid obstructing commuters.
“We appeal to those who plan to join the protest action to take into consideration the over-all welfare of our citizens and not to obstruct traffic flow and be a nuisance to our commuters,” he said.
“The government respects the right of citizens to express their sentiments on the issue of fare hike in the LRT and MRT, including their reported plan to file a petition before the Supreme Court,” Coloma added.
The Palace official noted that lawmakers have supported the fare adjustment, saying it was an “exercise in political will.”
“Because of the delay in implementing the fare adjustment, previous administrations were not able to buy new coaches and upgrade the facilities of our mass transport systems,” Coloma said.
Members of the leftist youth group Anakbayan led a sit-down protest at the MRT North Avenue station yesterday as the fare hike took effect.
“No sane president will want to unjustly burden his people like this,” Anakbayan national chairperson Vencer Crisostomo said.
“The Aquino administration should be held accountable for approving these fare hikes despite the deteriorating state of our train lines and despite the fact that Filipinos cannot cope with these new and higher fares given the current economic situation,” he added.
MRT-3 fares increased from P15 to P28 for the 17-kilometer stretch from North Avenue Station in Quezon City to Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City.
For LRT-1 from Baclaran Station in Paranaque to Roosevelt Station in Quezon City, the maximum single journey fare increased to P30 while the fare for LRT-2 from Rizal Avenue Station in Manila to Santolan Staion in Pasig rose to P25.
“Not only is this fare hike a bad way to start the year, it is truly detestable, given that the current state of our train systems is far from being agreeable. President Aquino and his Cabinet are out of their minds if they think that the riding public will take these fare hikes lightly,” Crisostomo said.
In a radio interview Sunday, Senator Grace Poe attacked the LRT and MRT management for imposing a fare hike amid the deteriorating services to commuters.
She also slammed the authorities for imposing the hike on a weekend when there were no courts that could stop them.
“They have not been forthcoming about this,” Poe said.
Poe, a member of the Senate public services committee investigating the woes of train riders, said they would summon Abaya and officials of the Budget Department to answer questions about the fare hike.
The hearings would begin after the visit of Pope Francis, she added.
Also on Sunday, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said it would join a big labor coalition to support the RILES Network today to protest the fare hikes.
Alan Tanjusay, TUCP spokesperson, said the Nagkaisa Coalition, composed of 49 labor groups and workers’ organizations, is calling on Abaya to consider the welfare of the workers and to stop the rate increase.
The working poor will become poorer with the fare hike, he added. – By Joyce Pangco Panares With Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja
This was the Palace reaction after the leftist Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Riles Laan sa Sambayanan (RILES) Network and the Train Riders Network (Tren) said they would file a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court today to seek a temporary restraining order against the fare increase.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma also appealed to those who will join the anti-fare hike protests to avoid obstructing commuters.
“We appeal to those who plan to join the protest action to take into consideration the over-all welfare of our citizens and not to obstruct traffic flow and be a nuisance to our commuters,” he said.
“The government respects the right of citizens to express their sentiments on the issue of fare hike in the LRT and MRT, including their reported plan to file a petition before the Supreme Court,” Coloma added.
The Palace official noted that lawmakers have supported the fare adjustment, saying it was an “exercise in political will.”
“Because of the delay in implementing the fare adjustment, previous administrations were not able to buy new coaches and upgrade the facilities of our mass transport systems,” Coloma said.
Members of the leftist youth group Anakbayan led a sit-down protest at the MRT North Avenue station yesterday as the fare hike took effect.
“No sane president will want to unjustly burden his people like this,” Anakbayan national chairperson Vencer Crisostomo said.
“The Aquino administration should be held accountable for approving these fare hikes despite the deteriorating state of our train lines and despite the fact that Filipinos cannot cope with these new and higher fares given the current economic situation,” he added.
MRT-3 fares increased from P15 to P28 for the 17-kilometer stretch from North Avenue Station in Quezon City to Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City.
For LRT-1 from Baclaran Station in Paranaque to Roosevelt Station in Quezon City, the maximum single journey fare increased to P30 while the fare for LRT-2 from Rizal Avenue Station in Manila to Santolan Staion in Pasig rose to P25.
“Not only is this fare hike a bad way to start the year, it is truly detestable, given that the current state of our train systems is far from being agreeable. President Aquino and his Cabinet are out of their minds if they think that the riding public will take these fare hikes lightly,” Crisostomo said.
In a radio interview Sunday, Senator Grace Poe attacked the LRT and MRT management for imposing a fare hike amid the deteriorating services to commuters.
She also slammed the authorities for imposing the hike on a weekend when there were no courts that could stop them.
“They have not been forthcoming about this,” Poe said.
Poe, a member of the Senate public services committee investigating the woes of train riders, said they would summon Abaya and officials of the Budget Department to answer questions about the fare hike.
The hearings would begin after the visit of Pope Francis, she added.
Also on Sunday, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said it would join a big labor coalition to support the RILES Network today to protest the fare hikes.
Alan Tanjusay, TUCP spokesperson, said the Nagkaisa Coalition, composed of 49 labor groups and workers’ organizations, is calling on Abaya to consider the welfare of the workers and to stop the rate increase.
The working poor will become poorer with the fare hike, he added. – By Joyce Pangco Panares With Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja
#MRTprotest - Protesters vs MRT-LRT fare hike go full blast, to file TRO at Supreme Court today
MANILA - Protesters against the fare hike at the Metro Rail Transit and the Light Rail Transit train lines on Monday went full blast in their protest actions, including going to the Supreme Court to file a petition against the fare hike.
“Today we fight back,” said Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), which is spearheading the protests, in a statement.
Protest actions are planned at various MRT stations. Partido Manggagawa (PM), Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) and Federation of Free Workers (FFW) will lead the protest at Pasay-Taft station, while Sentro and other members of the labor coalition Nagkaisa! will take the North Avenue (Trinoma) Station, and the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) will have its protest action at the Cubao Station.
Tagging the fare hike as “Aquino’s Great Train Robbery,” Bayan called on commuters and taxpayers to “resolutely oppose” the fare increases for the MRT3, and the LRT 1 and 2 train lines.
“These added burdens, treacherously announced and implemented during the holidays, are without legal basis and are patently anti-commuter. These increases merely serve the profit interests of the private stakeholders in the train system while justifying government’s abandonment of its responsibility to provide affordable and efficient mass transportation for the people,” Bayan said.
The multisectoral group said the 50% to 87% fare hike will take P2.1 billion from at least 1.3 million commuters who use the three train lines every day.
“Today and in the coming days, we will stage mass protest actions to air the people’s outrage over the unjust fare increases. Today, we file a petition for certiorari and prohibition before the Supreme Court seeking a stop to the fare hike,” it said.
A broad array of groups and individuals united to challenge the fare hike before the High Court and seek a temporary restraining order.
Petitioners include Bayan, represented by its secretary general Renato Reyes Jr., activist and former lawmaker Teodoro Casiño, former LRT Administration chief Melquiades A. Robles, Kilusang Mayo Uno chair Elmer C. Labog,
RILES Network spokesman Sammy T. Malunes, Courage chairman Ferdinand R. Gaite, Anakbayan chair Vencer Crisostomo, Alliance of Health Workers president Jossel I. Ebesate, Kadamay chair Gloria G. Arellano, businessman Herman Tiu Laurel, Myrleon E.Peralta,
SSS union president Amorsolo L. Competente, commuter advocate Elvira Y. Medina, commuters Maria Donna Grey Miranda and Angelo Villanueva Suarez of Tren, labor leaders Atty. Jose Sonny G. Matula of the FFW and David L. Diwa of National Labor Union, journalist James Bernard E. Relativo of TREN and Giovanni A. Tapang of Agham.
“The fare hike is without legal basis. The DOTC and its secretary cannot be the fare hike proponent, approving body, and implementor all at the same time. The fare hike cannot be valid without a proper public hearing where the proponents present all the bases for the fare hike and the public is given the opportunity to oppose it,” the group said.
The protesters said the fare hike only seeks to benefit the private stakeholders of the train system.
“It has nothing to do the improving the services of the trains. Congress already appropriated some P9.3 billion for the improvement and rehabilitation of the train system. Why increase fares when Congress has already allocated increased budget?” it said, quoting Senator Francis Escudero, head of the Senate finance committee.
The group explained that the fare increase is due to the privatization scheme being upheld and implemented by the Aquino government.
“The MRT 3’s Build-Lease-Transfer Agreement entered into under the Ramos government had guaranteed the private stakeholders of MRTC a 15% return on investment. This is where the bulk of government subsidy goes, to ensuring the profits of private companies,” the group said.
“It is the same case with LRT 1 whose operations have been privatized in favor of the Ayala Corporation and Metro Pacific. They are now entitled to collect and utilize the fares as a part of a P65 billion privatization deal. The LRT2 is also up for privatization and the same will apply,” it added.
The Aquino government has so far guaranteed the profits of a few while guaranteeing the misery of millions of low and middle-income commuters who depend on the train, it said. Aquino invokes the neo-liberal notion of “users-pay” where the public is forced to spend more while government cuts back on subsidy.
“It is time to stop this unjust fare hike dead on its tracks. It is time to put the brakes on the privatization of the train lines. We will not be run over by a callous and anti-commuter regime,” the group said. - - InterAksyon.com
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Workers up against ‘assault on labor’ on first working day of 2015
Labor groups under the coalition Nagkaisa! are set to welcome the first working day of 2015 with a protest against what they consider as government’s assault on workers’ living condition – the implementation of fare hikes in the MRT and LRT system.
The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) proceeded with the implementation of the rate hike yesterday, amid oppositions from labor, commuter groups and legislators.
Based on surveys, lowly-paid workers and students make up the bulk of regular train riders.
Members of Partido Manggagawa (PM), Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) and The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) will be leading the protest at the MRT Pasay-Taft station while the Sentro ng Nagkakaisang Manggagawa (SENTRO), Public Sevices Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK), PM and other members of Nagkaisa are taking the MRT North Avenue station. The Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) is taking the Cubao station.
Aside from the mass action, Nagkaisa! will be distributing leaflets explaining why commuters should reject the fire hike and how they can express their protest.
In opposing the fare hike Nagkaisa! contends that:
· Fare hike is not meant for service upgrade but for debt payments to a private concessionaire;
· Most of train riders belong to lowly-paid workers;
· Government cutting MRT/LRT subsidy but hiking travel budget of public officials;
· Fare hike is a move towards privatization
The group said commuters can express their opposition in various forms including:
· Making selfies or group pics holding mini posters and posting it on their social media accounts accompanied by #MRTprotest hashtag;
· Joining online petitions addressed to the DOTC, Malacanang and Congress;
· Seeking remedy from the courts; and
· Joining scheduled mass actions
“The fare hike is the first oppressive policy of the year, the first assault by government on workers’ living condition. Workers were first to pay their taxes but they were also the first to carry the burden of budget cuts and other unjust policies by government,” said PM spokesman Wilson Fortaleza.
He added: “Sa daang matuwid, manggagawa ang tinitipid.”
On his part PALEA President Gerry Rivera, lamented that while fares in other modes of transportation, including airlines, are dropping significantly because of the sharp drop in oil prices, but fares in the MRT and LRT are rising by as much as 87%.
SENTRO Secretary General and Nagkaisa! convenor Josua Mata said, “The true logic of removing the MRT subsidy is the government shifting to the role of shameless facilitator to the transfer of public money to private hands. In this particular a case, the commuters subsidizing the guaranteed returns of private investors.”
The Nagkaisa in a series of dialogues with the President has called for a cost-effective and efficient mass transport system since the heavy traffic has been eating up a lot of productive hours of workers.
“The PNoy administration has not only failed to address the traffic mess, it is shamelessly adding a three-fold burden to workers who will have to shell out more for their own train fare and that of their children who go to school,” said Julius Cainglet of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW).
The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) proceeded with the implementation of the rate hike yesterday, amid oppositions from labor, commuter groups and legislators.
Based on surveys, lowly-paid workers and students make up the bulk of regular train riders.
Members of Partido Manggagawa (PM), Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) and The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) will be leading the protest at the MRT Pasay-Taft station while the Sentro ng Nagkakaisang Manggagawa (SENTRO), Public Sevices Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK), PM and other members of Nagkaisa are taking the MRT North Avenue station. The Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) is taking the Cubao station.
Aside from the mass action, Nagkaisa! will be distributing leaflets explaining why commuters should reject the fire hike and how they can express their protest.
In opposing the fare hike Nagkaisa! contends that:
· Fare hike is not meant for service upgrade but for debt payments to a private concessionaire;
· Most of train riders belong to lowly-paid workers;
· Government cutting MRT/LRT subsidy but hiking travel budget of public officials;
· Fare hike is a move towards privatization
The group said commuters can express their opposition in various forms including:
· Making selfies or group pics holding mini posters and posting it on their social media accounts accompanied by #MRTprotest hashtag;
· Joining online petitions addressed to the DOTC, Malacanang and Congress;
· Seeking remedy from the courts; and
· Joining scheduled mass actions
“The fare hike is the first oppressive policy of the year, the first assault by government on workers’ living condition. Workers were first to pay their taxes but they were also the first to carry the burden of budget cuts and other unjust policies by government,” said PM spokesman Wilson Fortaleza.
He added: “Sa daang matuwid, manggagawa ang tinitipid.”
On his part PALEA President Gerry Rivera, lamented that while fares in other modes of transportation, including airlines, are dropping significantly because of the sharp drop in oil prices, but fares in the MRT and LRT are rising by as much as 87%.
SENTRO Secretary General and Nagkaisa! convenor Josua Mata said, “The true logic of removing the MRT subsidy is the government shifting to the role of shameless facilitator to the transfer of public money to private hands. In this particular a case, the commuters subsidizing the guaranteed returns of private investors.”
The Nagkaisa in a series of dialogues with the President has called for a cost-effective and efficient mass transport system since the heavy traffic has been eating up a lot of productive hours of workers.
“The PNoy administration has not only failed to address the traffic mess, it is shamelessly adding a three-fold burden to workers who will have to shell out more for their own train fare and that of their children who go to school,” said Julius Cainglet of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW).
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Several labour forums to protest against train fare hike
 |
| The North Avenue Station platform area |
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)-Nagkaisa will join other groups in holding mass action against the impending fare hike in the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) and Light Rail Transit to pressure the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to defer the fare adjustment, which it described as “anti-people and oppressive.”
Alan Tanjusay, TUCP-Nagkaisa spokesperson, said they are set to join a big labour group coalition in holding protest actions in MRT and LRT stations until Monday.
Last month, the DOTC said it will increase rates for the two rail lines effective January 4, 2015. With the new fare scheme, rates for end-to-end trips on the MRT-3 will increase to P28 from P15 (from North Avenue to Taft Avenue and vice versa); P30 from P20 for LRT-1 (from Baclaran to Roosevelt and vice versa); and P25 from P15 on LRT-2 (from Recto to Santolan and vice versa).
Tanjusay said minimum wage earners will be the hardest hit by the fare increase.
He explained that the P466 daily wage rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) is already affected by inflation and by the mandatory salary deductions, thus, workers’ take home pay is only P362.
“With no wage hike in sight and no immediate measure for the government to cushion the impact, minimum wage earners will be hit hard by the fare adjustment,” Tanjusay noted.
He lamented that the government failed to consider the plight of minimum wage earners when it decided to increase rail rates.
With the MRT 3 and LRT fare increase, Tanjusay said “the working poor (will) remain poor.”
“In fact, not a soul from labour groups such as the TUCP-Nagkaisa and other large workers’ representative organisations were invited for a public consultation for the planned increase if there were any. But a big chunk of their take home pay will be taken away from them by Secretary Abaya without their consent and approval. So this fare increase is an open robbery of workers, anti-people and very oppressive,” he added.
Citing the Government Family Income and Expenditures Survey in 2009, the TUCP official said data showed that a family of six needs at least P1,200 a day in order to survive. - By Robertzon F Ramirez/Manila Times
Labor group: MRT, LRT fare hike to erode poor workers’ take home pay further
The implementation of fare hike for the Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit systems would further erode minimum-wage workers' daily take home pay, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said Saturday.
In a press statement, TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said the daily wage rate of a minimum-wage earner in the National Capital Region is at P466, but due to inflation and mandatory salary deductions, their net take home pay is at P362.
"With the new round of fare hike in both the MRT and the LRT systems, they approximate the take home pay of hundreds of thousands of riding minimum-wage workers to be roughly close to around P322," he said.
"The consequences of the fare adjustment will make the working poor remain poor. This very important piece of information was not [considered as a factor] in the government decision-making process," he added.
Also, he said that based on the Government Family Income and Expenditure Survey in 2009, a family of six would need at least P1,200 a day to "normally survive."
On the other hand, Tanjusay said they are set to join a protest against the LRT-MRT fare hike on Sunday and Monday to pressure Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose Emilio Abaya to postpone the implementation of the fare adjustment.
Earlier on Friday, Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares said the Department of Transportation and Communication's decision to start the implementation of the fare hike on a Sunday may be intentional.
"Mukhang tinayming nila na Sunday mag-take-effect. Walang korte, walang Kongreso, lahat may hangover pa from New Year. Siguro protesta na lang ng taumbayan ang makahaharang nito sa Sunday," he said.
"Magsara man ang korte, masara man nila ang Kongreso, hindi naman nila masasara ang kalsada. So far, sa tatlong attempt nila sa pag-increase ng fare, nahaharangan ng protesta ng mga tao," he added.
Earlier in December, the DOTC announced that it would implement an increased base fare of P11 for both the MRT and the LRT systems, with P1.00 charged per additional kilometer on Jan. 4.
Based on the new fare matrices issued by the DOTC, rates for end-to-end trips on the MRT-3 will increase to P28 from P15 (from North Avenue to Taft Avenue and vice versa); P30 from P20 on LRT-1 (from Baclaran to Roosevelt and vice versa); and P25 from P15 on LRT-2 (from Recto to Santolan and vice versa). — Amanda Fernandez/LBG, GMA News
In a press statement, TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said the daily wage rate of a minimum-wage earner in the National Capital Region is at P466, but due to inflation and mandatory salary deductions, their net take home pay is at P362.
"With the new round of fare hike in both the MRT and the LRT systems, they approximate the take home pay of hundreds of thousands of riding minimum-wage workers to be roughly close to around P322," he said.
"The consequences of the fare adjustment will make the working poor remain poor. This very important piece of information was not [considered as a factor] in the government decision-making process," he added.
Also, he said that based on the Government Family Income and Expenditure Survey in 2009, a family of six would need at least P1,200 a day to "normally survive."
On the other hand, Tanjusay said they are set to join a protest against the LRT-MRT fare hike on Sunday and Monday to pressure Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose Emilio Abaya to postpone the implementation of the fare adjustment.
Earlier on Friday, Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares said the Department of Transportation and Communication's decision to start the implementation of the fare hike on a Sunday may be intentional.
"Mukhang tinayming nila na Sunday mag-take-effect. Walang korte, walang Kongreso, lahat may hangover pa from New Year. Siguro protesta na lang ng taumbayan ang makahaharang nito sa Sunday," he said.
"Magsara man ang korte, masara man nila ang Kongreso, hindi naman nila masasara ang kalsada. So far, sa tatlong attempt nila sa pag-increase ng fare, nahaharangan ng protesta ng mga tao," he added.
Earlier in December, the DOTC announced that it would implement an increased base fare of P11 for both the MRT and the LRT systems, with P1.00 charged per additional kilometer on Jan. 4.
Based on the new fare matrices issued by the DOTC, rates for end-to-end trips on the MRT-3 will increase to P28 from P15 (from North Avenue to Taft Avenue and vice versa); P30 from P20 on LRT-1 (from Baclaran to Roosevelt and vice versa); and P25 from P15 on LRT-2 (from Recto to Santolan and vice versa). — Amanda Fernandez/LBG, GMA News
Friday, January 2, 2015
ALU-TUCP: Additional tax relief long overdue
CEBU, Philippines – The Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines welcomed the additional tax break granted by the national government to minimum wage earners.
ALU-TUCP spokesperson Art Barrit said the P10,000 additional tax relief has been long overdue.
“It’s a long overdue tax relief demanded by the ordinary workers. It’s a welcome development that the government gave respite to the ordinary workers. We have been clamoring for this tax exemption,” Barrit said.
The P10,000 tax break for minimum wage earners took effect yesterday after President Benigno Aquino III approved the new guidelines set by the Department of Finance and the Department of Labor and Employment.
Minimum wage earners can now enjoy a maximum tax exemption of up to P104, 225 from P94,225.
Barrit said that the “de minimis” tax benefits granted by the Aquino administration will surely increase the take-home pay of the workers.
Barrit said that the vaunted economic growth rate in the country does not trickle down to the ordinary workers.
“The promise made by the administration that the best is yet to come is still a dream for the workers,” he said.
Barrit explained that the amount is negligible compared to the billions of pesos lost to corrupt government officials, tax evasion, and smuggling.
“We urged the government to run after the tax evaders and smugglers in order to give justice to the taxes paid by the ordinary workers be it in private or public sector,” Barrit stressed. — By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/FPL (The Freeman)
ALU-TUCP spokesperson Art Barrit said the P10,000 additional tax relief has been long overdue.
“It’s a long overdue tax relief demanded by the ordinary workers. It’s a welcome development that the government gave respite to the ordinary workers. We have been clamoring for this tax exemption,” Barrit said.
The P10,000 tax break for minimum wage earners took effect yesterday after President Benigno Aquino III approved the new guidelines set by the Department of Finance and the Department of Labor and Employment.
Minimum wage earners can now enjoy a maximum tax exemption of up to P104, 225 from P94,225.
Barrit said that the “de minimis” tax benefits granted by the Aquino administration will surely increase the take-home pay of the workers.
Barrit said that the vaunted economic growth rate in the country does not trickle down to the ordinary workers.
“The promise made by the administration that the best is yet to come is still a dream for the workers,” he said.
Barrit explained that the amount is negligible compared to the billions of pesos lost to corrupt government officials, tax evasion, and smuggling.
“We urged the government to run after the tax evaders and smugglers in order to give justice to the taxes paid by the ordinary workers be it in private or public sector,” Barrit stressed. — By Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/FPL (The Freeman)
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