Imprimir
Labor-led protest to push through despite No Permit, No Rally policy
Martial Law victims must unite against Gloria
The militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today said that victims of the Marcos dictatorship must unite against the growing political repression unleashed by the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo government.
“Thirty one years after Martial Law, the present administration is at the helm of reviving the dark days of martial rule by imposing wide-ranging repressive measures against the people. Even without the formal declaration of Martial Law, Malacanang is bent on quelling all forms of legitimate protests and silencing all criticisms from every sector,” said KMU Chairman Elmer Labog.
“This rising tide of suppression is alarming. We must safeguard our civil and political rights against Arroyo’s unmistakable resurrection of Martial Law. All freedom and democracy loving Filipinos must unite and fight the Marcos wannabe in Malacanang. Workers say never again to martial rule and all forms of political and trade union repression.”
KMU, together with ANAKPAWIS, COURAGE, GABRIELA, ANAKBAYAN, KADAMAY and other basic sectors will hold a protest action at Mendiola on Monday, September 22 to denounce the government’s recreation of martial rule by virtually making Mendiola a restricted area for legitimate protest activities and anti-Arroyo rallies.
Labog said they will make sure that the government will fail in its attempt to turn Mendiola into a protest-free zone. “We will reclaim Mendiola. It is an important landmark of the people’s resistance against Martial Law. It has been a symbol of the Filipino people’s life and death struggle against repressive governments, poverty and social injustice.”
The labor leader stressed that workers will not seek a permit for the rally on Monday. “It is the lawful right of every citizen to speak out and join peaceful assemblies. We have justified reasons to protest and demand for the urgent resignation of Mrs. Arroyo. Her sheer incapacity to bring forth significant economic relief for the people is a worthwhile reason for workers to boot her out of Malacanang. She never served the genuine interests of the public, especially the poor.”
During the protest, KMU will also highlight the worsening attacks on the labor front particularly the joint efforts of the capitalist-employers and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to quash and restrain legitimate workers actions including collective actions, union organizing activities and assertion of economic and political rights inside the factories and industrial zones.