Groups to stage separate rallies on 130th Labor Day

CEBU, Philippines – In observance of the 130th anniversary of the Labor Day, various labor groups are planning to stage separate protest rallies in downtown Cebu City today.

Motorists should be bracing for possible traffic disruption in some major thoroughfares in the city where three separate rallies will be held.

As early as 7 a.m., members of transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) in Cebu City plans to converge along Colon Street to demonstrate their opposition to the proposal to phase out old jeepneys.

PISTON will be joined by other militant groups – Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Kilusang Mayo Uno, Anakbayan-Central Visayas, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and the Panaghugpong Kadamay – who are set to march from Fuente Osmeña Circle heading to Colon Street at 9 a.m.

The busy intersection will serve as their venue for a multi-sectoral program.

Other labor groups are also expected to hold a rally from P. del Rosario Street to Colon at 8 a.m.

The second group is composed of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Partido ng Manggagawa-Cebu, Alliance of Progressive Labor, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Kilusan-Makabayan, Alliance of Genuine Labor Organization, PS-Link, and Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa.

ALU-TUCP spokesperson Jun Tagalog said that before they will proceed with the rally, their members will gather in front of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 office at 6:30 a.m., where one of their leaders will deliver a speech.

DOLE-7 is also set to conduct a caravan passing through the cities of Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay. —/GAN (FREEMAN)