As the nation marks the 160th birth anniversary of Gat. Andres Bonifacio on Thursday (30 November 2023), militant groups took to the streets in a march aimed at drawing the attention of the Marcos administration. Their unified call echoed demands for higher wages and freedom from poverty.

The protesters, led by organizations such as Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Alliance of Genuine Labor Organizations, National Confederation of Labor, All Workers Unity (AWU), Transport Groups, and youth-led movements, embarked on a spirited march from Kalaw St., near the US Embassy, to Mendiola.

Throughout their journey, they passionately chanted, “Kalayaan mula sa Kahirapan, Karahasan at Pangako” (Freedom from Poverty, Violence, and Broken Promises).

Captured images depict the fervent activists advancing near the US Embassy, while Manila Police District (MPD) riot personnel stand by, ensuring the maintenance of peace and order during the demonstration.

(Report & photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/AI/MNM)

By Benjamin Cuaresma

MANILA — Militant groups calling for the repeal of the controversial Rice Liberalization Law and removal from office of two key members of President Marcos’ economic team, got a surprise visit from an unlikely guest on the picket line in the person of Senator Imee Marcos.

And their special guest was generous too.

Sen. Imee, elder sister of President Bongbong Marcos, distributed food packs to the protesting farmers from various organizations who braved the scorching sun Tuesday in front of the Finance Department building to press for the repeal of the RLL.

They also called on the Marcos admin to terminate Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

According to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), the two officials are being accused of favoring importation by advocating for reduced tariffs on rice and other imported agricultural products.

SINAG Chair Rosendo So expressed concerns that while President Bongbong Marcos continuously emphasized the need to strengthen local palay production, his top economic team continued to promote importation.

So pointed out that the real beneficiaries of tariff cuts were individuals involved in smuggling and hoarding of rice, not the farmers, who would suffer, especially during harvest time. (ai/mnm)

Image Courtesy of: Benjie Cuaresma

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD) and the activist Sanlakas group organized a demonstration in front of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) building, situated along the Roxas Boulevard service road in Pasay City. Their aim was to urge the government to endorse the forthcoming UN Tax Convention.

During the demonstration, the protesters presented a substantial open letter containing signatures from various people’s movements and civil society organizations across Asia. Additionally, they displayed protest placards highlighting the concerns of civil society organizations and tax justice advocates in the Philippines.

The letter, titled “UN Tax Convention Now: A Call for Urgent Tax Justice,” was directed towards the Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator.

(ai/mnm)