Groups decry inaction to workers' demands

CEBU, Philippines -Labor groups yesterday held a rally in Colon St. to show the outrage of Filipino workers at the Aquino administration for its alleged lack of action towards workers’ demands.

The group composed of the Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo (AMASugbo)-Kilusang Mayo Uno, Anak Pawis Party-list, Bayan Muna, Gabriela and the League of Philippine students converged outside Gaisano Metro.

“Ang Aquino administration way programa nga nakaayo sa labor, padayon man gihapon ang contractualization ug wa siya’y pamahayag kabahin sa pag-uminto sa sweldo sa mamumuo,” said AMASugbo chairman Wennie Badayos.

Badayos expected over 500 people to attend the picket that includes farmers, fishermen, drivers and vendors.

Anak Pawis coordinator and spokesman Nic Igot condemned the oil deregulation law.The group wants the government to come up with sustainable solutions amid price hikes.

The group also called on the government to junk the 12 percent Expanded Value Added Tax on oil products.

“Matud ni Aquino ang katawhang kabus mao ang iyang boss… dapat unta niyang dunggon ang mga demanda sa matag sector sa katawhan,” Igot said.

Meanwhile, more than 3,000 members of the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines marched from the Department of Labor and Employment grounds to the Vitcom Welfare Center in Pier 1 to commemorate Labor Day.

Josephine Tahadlangit of ALU-TUCP said there were 80 labor unions who took part in the event.She said the walk was successful because of the active participation of the members.

After the parade, the participants were entertained by Max Surban, known as the King of Visayan Songs.The King also entertained the crowd with his jokes.

A Mass was also celebrated by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma at the Vitcom Welfare Center Chapel.The event was followed by a meal.—(FREEMAN)