Carrying the same voice as they assert the democratic rights of Filipinos, various groups protested in time for Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s inauguration as the 17th president of the Philippines.
The people’s protest was held in Plaza Miranda on Thursday morning. Among the groups who participated were labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and national alliance of women Gabriela.
Apart from the legislation of the National Minimum Wage, scrapping of the oil deregulation law, and the removal of excise tax on major petroleum products, the groups likewise asserted several demands, reiterating that these may help FIlipinos amid challenging times.
“Makatwiran at makatarungan ang hangad ng mga manggagawa: pambansang minimum na sahod, pagwawakas sa kontraktuwalisasyon, pagbaba ng presyo ng langis at mga bilihan, at pagrespeto sa karapatan sa pag-uunyon at pag oorganisa (The workers’ aspirations are just and fair: a national minimum wage, an end to contractualization, reduction in the price of oil and commodities, as well as the respect for the public’s right to organize a union),” said KMU.
“Hanggang hindi ito naibibigay sa amin, patuloy kaming magpapalapad ng aming mga hanay, magpapalakas, at makikibaka (Until it is given to us, we will continue to expand, strengthen our group, and come together for change),” the group furthered.
Meanwhile, Gabriela reiterated that despite the change in administration, FIlipinos must not forget the past six years that the country experienced the “worst bankruptcy of the economy,” hunger, unemployment, lack of social services, and “relentless” spike in the prices of commodities.
“As citizens, we will welcome , carrying our challenge and call for democratic reforms that will bring relief to the people. The democratic rights that have been enslaved for the past six years must also be revoked,” said Gabriela.