Labor leaders joining forces vs reelectionists, political dynasties

MANILA, Philippines — Five labor leaders eyeing Senate seats are joining forces for a stronger challenge against reelectionists and those belonging to political dynasties in next year’s elections.

Federation of Free Workers president Sonny Matula yesterday reported that he is in talks with other labor leaders – Jerome Adonis of Kilusang Mayo Uno, lawyer Ernesto Arellano of National Confederation of Labor, Leody de Guzman and lawyer Luke Espiritu of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino.

Matula said they are discussing the possibility of mounting a united and pro-worker platform in their Senate run.

“This election is a pivotal moment for labor representation in the Senate as well as in the House of Representatives, and it is essential that while we investigate past abuses, we also advance legislation that will safeguard workers’ rights and improve their lives,” he added.

Matula said they are challenging political dynasties in Congress and would like to offer better alternatives to the electorate.

He added that their platforms focus on national wage increases, job security, ending end-of-contract schemes and strengthening freedom of association and protection of workers who organize unions.

They are also pushing for accountability in connection with the 72 labor leaders and organizers killed since 2016 – 68 of which occurred during the Duterte administration and four under the current Marcos administration.

Also yesterday, Matula gave his support for the Senate investigation into drug-related killings during the Duterte and Marcos administrations.

“Senators (Bato) Dela Rosa and (Bong) Go should be given the opportunity to defend themselves in a Senate investigation, but they should waive their rights to interpellate and question other witnesses on the matter, out of delicadeza and to avoid conflict of interest that would undermine the Senate as an institution,” Matula pointed out.

‘Check party-list nominees’

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is encouraging the public to check the nominees of various organizations and political groups running in the party-list elections next year.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said voters must assess the qualifications of the party-list nominees and file a complaint if necessary.

“Let us know them, analyze them and be critical (of their qualifications),” Garcia said while noting that the Comelec is set to publish on their website the list of party-list groups, as well as their nominees for public scrutiny.

“This is so they will know who the nominees are and be able to check if they really belong to the sectors they claim to be part of. This can then be used to file (disqualification) cases against them,” he added.

The Comelec has given the approval for the inclusion of 156 party-list organizations in the official ballots for the May 2025 polls.

It initially required all party-lists to name 10 nominees from which the party-list representatives shall be chosen in case it obtains the required number of votes.

Qualified to become party-list nominees are natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, a resident of the Philippines for a period of not less than one year immediately preceding election day, able to read and write, a bona fide member of the party he or seeks to represent for at least 90 days preceding election day and at least 25 years of age. — Ghio Ong