Nagkaisa! condemns violence against workers across the country

Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition is deeply concerned over the spate of violence that befell workers in separate incidents across the country.

“We condemn in the strongest terms possible, the attempted murder of a trade union leader in Cebu City and the violent dispersal of striking workers of food giant NutriAsia and their supporters, in Marilao, Bulacan," Atty. Sonny Matula, chairperson of Nagkaisa! said.

The display of violence happened a few hours apart yesterday.

“There was an apparent attempt on the life of Jessielou Cadungog, labor leader of ALU-TUCP, vice chairman of the Oriental Port and Allied Services Corporation (OPASCOR) and it involved the police," Matula said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Cebu are owning up to the incident as a legitimate police operation.

Meanwhile, in Marilao, Bulacan, the picket of protesting workers and their supporters was violently dispersed by operatives of PNP Bulacan and security personnel of giant food manufacturer NutriAsia.

“A peaceful concerted action demanding the recognition of rights of workers such as what was being done by workers of NutriAsia, should never ever merit any and all kinds of violence, especially those perpetrated by the police and private security personnel," Matula said.

Based on workers' accounts, some 100 security forces, including 30 police officers violently dispersed the picket line as protesters were holding a religious ecumenical service.

At least 19 were arrested and scores arrested as many of the protesters scrambled for safety amid the chaos.

Back in Cebu, the gunman who was killed in the encounter by Cadungog's aide was identified as PO2 Eugene Alcain Calumba. The accomplice who was taken into custody by the PNP was Michael Banua.

“Now, the PNP is trying to portray the assassination attempt on Mr. Cadungog as a legitimate police operation identifying him as a 'person-of-interest' involved in shabu," Michael Mendoza, president of ALU-TUCP, a Nagkaisa member said.

“We stand by Mr. Cadungog and condemn this sordid attempt to justify and cover-up for what is clear police involvement," said Mendoza.

Meanwhile, police in Bulacan are claiming that some of the arrested protesters had guns and drugs with them.

“It is becoming a sad refrain. The campaign against drugs is being used by the police as a flimsy excuse to either justify the use of violence or use it as an escape goat, when harassing workers and citizens who are exercising their legitimate trade union and human rights," Matula said.

“We are calling on the authorities to conduct a thorough and objective investigation of the twin incidents of violence against workers that occurred yesterday. The police officers and their superiors who will be proven to have done wrongdoing should be made accountable. The culture of impunity must stop," Matula said.

Police ambush of Cebu labor leader chills labor movement

Statement of Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) on the attempted ambush of Jessielou Cadungog

The Statement of Mr. Michael C. Mendoza, National President of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines on the attempted assassination of Labor Leader Jessielou Cadungog.

This morning in the vicinity of Barangay Tejero and the Oriental Port and Allied Services Corporation (OPASCOR), there was an ambush engineered apparently against the life of Mr. Jessielou Cadungog. There is an information that the Philippine National Police in Cebu are owning up to the incident as a legitimate police operation.

The gunman who was killed in the cnounter was identified as PO2 Eugene Alcain Calumba. The accomplice who was taken into custody by the PNP was Michael Banua. Now, the PNP is trying to portray the assassination attempt on Mr. Cadungog as a legitimate police operation identifying him as a “person-in-interest” involved in shabu. “We stand by Mr. Cadungog and condemn this sordid attempt to justify and cover-up for what is clear police involvement.

This is something that we should not allow. Mr. Cadungog is a respected Labor Leader. He is also the Vice-Chairman of OPASCOR, one of the largest workers’ enterprises in the country. He recently won in the election as a Councilor of Barangay Tejero of which he was formerly the Barangay Captain.

We ask the national Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to assume jurisdiction of the case as we fear the PNP in Cebu o9r Elements thereof may have had a hand in the event. We ask for all of our Law Enforcement Authorities to respect due process and the rule of law.

“We cannot keep our silence in the face of the impunity that so-called police operations create for labor and all decent society. Particularly when they act as Judge, Jury and Executioner,” Mendoza said.

This will have a chilling effect on our democracy and create a climate of fear. Let us join hands to go to the bottom of this sad and tragic affair. - Cebu Daily News

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Related News - Failed assassination: Gunman is antidrug cop

Labor group expects “good” SONA

Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, the largest coalition of worker’s organization in the country expects a “good” SONA from President Duterte.

“It should be a SONA that would squarely address economic woes and political issues besetting the country today”, said Nagkaisa spokesperson Ka Rene Magtubo.

Nagkaisa expects the President’s SONA should contain the following:

– Addressing the proliferation of illegal and abusive contracting arrangements that DO 174 and EO 51 failed to do, by way of certifying as urgent the Security of Tenure Bill pending in the Senate

– Addressing the “gap” in workers wages and the cost of living brought about by the TRAIN law, rising inflation, peso devaluation, profiteering and the spike in global prices of petroleum products by way of certifying as urgent wage bills pending in the House of Representatives;

– Providing more assistance to women workers by enacting into law the Expanded Maternity Leave Bill pending in the House of Representatives;

– Addressing the prevalence of poverty despite positive economic growth in terms of programs and services that would directly benefit the poor people by way of increasing budget in affordable housing, universal healthcare and pension for the elderly among others;

– Addressing the continuing problem of unemployment and underemployment by way of policies and programs that would provide more local employment opportunities to the labor force by way of a clear industrialization policy, continuing land reform, and development of agriculture; and

– Clear government policy of defending the country’s sovereignty and patrimony on its rightful claims in the West Philippine Sea.

“These are the real issues that matter most to the working people that government should prioritize and not charter change. Absent these issues, the speech will be “business as usual” as in the previous SONAs”, Magtubo added.

Majority of the members of the coalition will be joining the United Peoples’ SONA to voice out workers issues and concerns.

– Nagkaisa Labor Coalition
Press Release

Lockdown at Batasan for SONA

Presidential guards started manning the gates and patrolling the complex yesterday.
Michael Varcas

MANILA, Philippines — The Batasan complex in Quezon City, home of the House of Representatives, is on lockdown for President Duterte’s third State of the Nation Adress (SONA) on Monday.

Presidential guards started manning the gates and patrolling the complex yesterday.

No person is allowed to enter the Batasan compound without a SONA identification card issued by the House legislative security bureau. Even if one has an ID card, presidential guards have to verify it.

Journalists covering the House and the SONA have to coordinate with the House media staff in entering the Batasan.

Security is extra tight this year apparently because of the collapse of peace talks between the government and communist rebels.

Europe-based communist leaders have said they would work for President Duterte’s ouster.

House officials said they have prepared “for the best but we are ready for the worst.”

While there is no monitored threat, the Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday went on red alert.

More than 6,000 soldiers and policemen will be deployed around the compound and in nearby areas.

Navy commandos were seen this week doing a mock assault on the Batasan complex.

House officials also advised Duterte yesterday not to meet with protesters outside the Batasan, as he did last year after his SONA because communist rebels intending to harm him might infiltrate the ranks of protesters.

“For the good of the President and the country, we are advising him to refrain from going there,” House sergeant-at-arms Roland Detabali said.
He suggested that if the Chief Executive wants a dialogue with protest leaders, he could just invite them inside the Batasan.

Protests to greet Duterte

Duterte will be greeted by protests outside and inside Batasan.

While their supporters are holding protest rallies outside the Batasan complex, leftist lawmakers will show their opposition to administration policies inside the House session hall where the President will deliver his third SONA.

The lawmakers said they would wear barong depicting their protest against Duterte’s policies, including his cancellation of peace talks with communist rebels and his administration’s pursuit of Charter change and imposition of fuel taxes under the controversial Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said he would don a simple barong depicting “Filipinos from all walks of life calling for the resumption of the peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to resolve the root causes of the almost five-decade rebellion in the country.”

Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao said his attire would portray the call of farmers and employees for genuine land reform and a P750 national minimum daily wage. Representatives of women’s group Gabriela are expected to protest Duterte’s “masochism and misogyny.”

Outside the Batasan, leftist and other militant groups have vowed to organize the largest protest rallies since Duterte assumed office.

They said the TRAIN law has made life harder for most Filipinos.

Zarate and his colleagues have filed a bill that would effectively repeal the TRAIN law. However, the administration’s economic managers are opposed to its repeal or suspension.

Labor issues

The Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) hopes that Duterte will tackle in his SONA how he intends to address the rising inflation rate, demand for wage hike, soaring prices of commodities and services, and his unfulfilled campaign promise to stop contractualization.

“As the head of this country, there is a need for President Duterte to say something on these issues so he could provide hope, direction and inspiration for all workers who are now suffering,” ALU-TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay said.

Tanjusay also pointed out that the middle and lower income workers are the ones who carry the brunt of crisis yet they also play a big role in economic growth.

“(Duterte) has to unite and rally the people towards a certain course of action out of this misery” and he could do this through his upcoming SONA,” Tanjusay said.

The labor sector yesterday came up with their own SONA, which highlighted the continued failure of the Duterte administration to improve the lives of workers.

In its SONA, the Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) presented the “real state of Filipino workers.”

Amnesty International also criticized Duterte’s policies on human rights.

Malacañang disputed the report of Amnesty International that the country has become a more dangerous place under Duterte.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said Duterte’s tough stance against illegal drugs may have left many drug personalities killed, but the President has not condoned the killings.

Leni doesn’t mind insults

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo said yesterday she will attend the SONA even at the risk of being insulted again in public.

“Yes I will attend even if others don’t want me to attend. Some are afraid that I might only be insulted or humiliated, but to me it’s my obligation (as vice president) to be there,” Robredo said in a press conference in Naga City.

“I’m used to being insulted. I think it would not make me a lesser person,” she said in Filipino. “If I would be insulted, I think it’s no longer my fault. I’m ready to face anything.”

Duterte on July 10 criticized Robredo’s ability to lead the country after the Vice President announced she would lead a “united opposition” against the President.

“I don’t think she can ever be ready to govern a country. Reason? Incompetence. She’s not capable of running a country like this, Philippines,” Duterte said in a speech in Clark, Pampanga.

Robredo made a short response on the President’s remarks, saying Duterte should focus on addressing the country’s economic woes rather than insulting her or God.

Robredo said she is looking forward to hearing Duterte’s plan to stop the rising prices of goods.

Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio will not attend the SONA. House Secretary General Cesar Pareja said Carpio’s office sent the senior associate justice’s regrets. – With Helen Flores, Sheila Crisostomo, Jaime Laude, Rhodina Villanueva, Christina Mendez, Ghio Ong, Artemio Dumlao - Jess Diaz (The Philippine Star)

Labor groups uncertain subsidy for minimum-wage earners to get OK

In Photo: Workers are seen in file photo on one of the many construction projects in Metro Manila. Most construction workers are minimum-wage earners, and are among those being eyed to receive a subsidy endorsed by Department of Labor and Employment officials.

WILL he or won’t he?

Labor groups are divided on the possibility of President Duterte approving the proposal of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to provide government subsidy to minimum-wage earners.

Despite demanding the subsidy, the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) said the proposal is unlikely to be approved by Duterte due to opposition from economic managers.

“I caution minimum-wage workers not to expect they will benefit from the proposed subsidy. We expect the economic managers to recommend to President Duterte to turn it down,” ALU-TUCP Spokesman Alan Tanjusay said in a statement.

Tanjusay was referring to the previous statement of the National Economic Development Authority that the government will thumb down ALU’s proposal for a P500 subsidy for minimum-wage earners, as it will be too costly for the government.

Nonetheless, Tanjusay remained hopeful that Duterte will still consider approving the subsidy to allow workers to cope with the rising cost of living.

TUCP Vice President Luis Corral sees a strong chance Duterte will implement the program.

“Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III would not have made the pronouncement without prior consultations from other Cabinet members,” Corral told the Business Mirror in a phone interview.

He said the P200 subsidy is much lower compared to what was initially proposed by ALU-TUCP.

He, however, expressed concern on how the subsidy will be distributed once it is approved.

“How will they determine its target beneficiaries? Will it be through the use of the database of the BIR [Bureau of Internal Revenue] or that of the SSS [Social Security System]? This needs to be clarified,” Corral said.

TUCP is proposing to have the distribution of the subsidy accompanied by a seminar, with minimum-wage earners oriented about their basic labor rights.

Last week the DOLE announced it is eyeing to provide a P200 monthly cash subsidy for 4.1 million minimum-wage earners this year. It will be raised to P300 per month in 2019 and P400 in 2020. - By Samuel P. Medenilla

Image Credits: Nonoy Lacza

Calida security firm hit for alleged nonpayment of SSS premiums

Owned by Solicitor General Jose Calida's family, Vigilant Investigative and Security Agency 'is no sacred cow,' says the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines

ALLEGED NONPAYMENT. Labor group Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said Vigilant Investigative and Security Agency has allegedly not been paying its employees' Social Security System remittances for years.

MANILA, Philippines – The Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) on Sunday, July 1, said Vigilant Investigative and Security Agency Inc allegedly failed to remit required payments to the Social Security System (SSS) "for years."

Vigilant Security is owned by Solicitor General Jose Calida's family. The company provides security personnel in several government offices such as the House of Representatives, the Department of Justice, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, among others.

In a statement on Sunday, ALU-TUCP said Vigilant Security has been operating in "blatant violation" of labor standards.

"It is the moral and legal obligation of the Vigilant Security Agency (VSA) as principal employer to ensure that all its employees' monthly SSS deductions are remitted to the system in time," said ALU-TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay.

"The timely and faithful payments of SSS are also a crucial safety net protection when their employees reached retirement age," he added.

Rappler has sought Vigilant Security and Calida for comment, but has not received a response as of posting time.

ALU-TUCP urged the SSS to investigate Vigilant Security's alleged nonpayment of SSS premiums and to retroactively issue payments for the period of noncompliance.

The labor group also called on the Department of Labor and Employment to look into the practices of Vigilant Security to ensure it complies with general labor, occupational safety, and health standards for its employees.

"The VSA is no sacred cow. The rule of law must be applied to all establishments including VSA to ensure that all its employees are protected," Tanjusay said. – Sofia Tomacruz / Rappler.com