Workers mourn TUCP founder Democrito Mendoza

MANILA, Philippines - Labor leader Democrito Mendoza, founder of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), died Tuesday night. He was 92.

Mendoza was under intensive care for almost three months until he succumbed to cardiac arrest. He was chairman of the Associated Labor Union (ALU) at the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife, former Social Security System commissioner Marianita, and his 14 children.

His son, TUCP party-list Rep. Raymond Mendoza, is now acting president of TUCP, while Michael Mendoza serves as national president of the ALU.

Mendoza was one of the pillars of the trade union movement as he spent most of his professional life protecting workers. The TUCP is now the country’s largest labor group.

Mendoza started his career in the labor movement in the docks of Cebu in 1953 after he was discharged from military service. He served as a commissioner of the SSS and promoted technical and vocational training and labor education.  

As president of TUCP, Mendoza pushed for the reduction of decent work deficits as a key to improving work and life.

The US Army’s America Division conferred on Mendoza the Gold Cross for his conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy forces in Cebu during the Philippine liberation campaign from March 26 to April 19, 1945.

He also received other medals and decorations during World War II as an officer of the US Army Forces in the Far East and as a guerrilla fighter against the Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1946.

In June 2015, he received recognition from the House of Representatives for his lifelong and invaluable contribution to shaping and advancing the Philippine labor movement and for tirelessly working to uphold the interest of the working class.

Mendoza’s advocacy was to promote core labor standards such as the right to organize, the right of workers to bargain collectively and the right to strike and the prohibition of child labor.

The Blas F. Ople Policy Center also expressed deep sadness over the passing of Mendoza.

“As one of the pioneers in the trade union movement, Mendoza blazed a trail in union organizing and tripartite initiatives that would always be remembered. He leaves a giant void in the international and local trade union movements. The nation owes Mendoza a debt of gratitude for serving as labor’s voice throughout the years,” the policy center said in a statement.