Emergency Power without Sectoral Consultation and Cohesive Plan is Prone to Abuse

The declaration of a national state of energy emergency by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. raises serious questions among them, the lack of clear plan and democratic consultations with different sectors.

Extraordinary powers demand a clear plan. Yet the government has not presented a concrete strategy explaining how these emergency powers will actually address the crisis. Declaring a national emergency without a clear roadmap is the perfect recipe for abuse.

Executive Order No. 110 itself concedes that the measures to address the crisis are to be undertaken ‘under existing laws.’ In other words, the power was always there - the plan was not.

Instead of resorting to sweeping emergency measures without a clear program, the President should have convened a national summit bringing together workers, employers, farmers, transport groups, and civil society to unite the country around a common strategy to confront the crisis.

Workers and ordinary people are the ones suffering from rising prices and economic uncertainty. They deserve more than vague declarations and emergency powers.

If the government has no clear answers and ends up more confused than the vulnerable sectors, then it should have the humility to ask the people. Real solutions will not come from emergency proclamations but from a nation mobilized behind a clear, democratic plan to confront the crisis.

Workers do not need a state of emergency; they need a State with a plan. If government cannot present one, it should at least have the humility to listen by convening a forum for consultation —otherwise, all we have is sound and fury, signifying nothing.

PRESS STATEMENT

25 March 2006

Nagkaisa Labor Coalition

Statement of the NAGKAISA Labor Coalition for the Immediate and Unconditional Release of Lee Cheuk Yan

The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition stands in firm solidarity with our comrades in the global labour and civil society movement in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Lee Cheuk Yan.

Lee, a well-known labour leader and pro-democracy activist, has been targeted under the sweeping provisions of China’s National Security Law imposed on Hong Kong in 2020—accused of “inciting subversion of state power” for his involvement in the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China and the exercise of his most basic rights: freedom of assembly, association, expression and memory.

We affirm that:

• The criminalisation of Lee’s peaceful work is a direct assault on trade union freedoms, on democratic space, and on the dignity of workers everywhere.

• The fact that Lee and others have been held for over 1,500 days for acting in defence of rights reveals the scale of repression we are up against.

• When the right to remember past struggles is suppressed, the right to organise for the future is weakened. The Hong Kong Alliance’s decades-long work to commemorate the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen protests is at the heart of this challenge.

Therefore, NAGKAISA calls on:

1. The Hong Kong authorities and relevant governments to drop all charges against Lee Cheuk Yan and to release him immediately and unconditionally.

2. Labour organisations, human rights institutions and governments around the world to monitor the trial closely, to apply diplomatic and moral pressure, and to stand together in solidarity.

3. Filipino unions and the broad labour movement in the Philippines to raise Lee’s case, to recognise its significance for workers’ rights globally, and to reaffirm that we are interconnected—when union freedom is undermined in one place, it is weakened everywhere.

We in NAGKAISA pledge:

• We will elevate Lee’s case in our national forums and international engagements.

• We will continue to stand in solidarity with colleagues in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region who are under threat.

• We will continue to defend the principle that there can be no labour justice without human rights.

For the freedom of Lee Cheuk Yan. For the dignity of workers everywhere.

19th Congress and Malacañang Betrayed Workers

The 19th Congress has ended in treachery against the working class. The proposed ₱100-₱200 legislated wage hike, which was just two steps away from becoming law—requiring only bicameral approval and the President’s signature—was deliberately set aside and sacrificed in favor of capitalist interests.  

There is no one else to blame for this betrayal but Martin Romualdez and Chiz Escudero, the two leaders of the 19th Congress who were not just slow and indolent, but deceptive and fraudulent. However, workers must not forget that Martin and Chiz merely follow the orders of their master, Marcos Jr., whose stance on wage hikes is to leave it to the useless regional wage boards.  

There is no more fitting occasion for outrage against the three highest officials of the Philippines than this very Independence Day. These three should symbolize the lack of freedom of workers and the poor from poverty and hunger. They should represent the continuing oppression of the people, despite the so-called "progress" boasted by their economic managers.  

The 20th Congress will open with the same leadership —all traitors to workers, all captured by capital. There is no new hope under the institutions they lead.  

But we will not stop fighting for a just wage, the right to collective bargaining and organizing and the advancement of more reforms, including political reforms. Because if the working class gives up in the face of hopelessness, those in power will only further enjoy their wealth and power as a ruling class.   

We did not gain freedom just to be ruled by them forever.  True freedom and independece will one day be in the hands of the working class. 

INDIGNATION STATEMENT - NAGKAISA: Senate Majority Turns Impeachment into Monkey Business

We strongly denounce the Senate majority’s decision to return the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte without dismissing or trying the case. Instead of letting her face the music, they gave her a backstage pass — shielding her from facing the music of public accountability and justice.

Through procedural acrobatics and legal technicalities, they threw a monkey wrench into the process — reducing a solemn constitutional duty into nothing more than political theater.

The Senate could have conditionally proceeded while allowing the House, in a pre-trial conference, to:

1. Certify that there was no violation of the one-year impeachment bar under Article XI, Section 3(5) of the Constitution;

2. Clarify the timeline and sequence of earlier complaints; and

3. Assert that impeachment — like electoral protest cases — may rightfully cross over from one Congress to another, as supported by both Philippine precedent in the electoral tribunals and U.S. and British practice and jurisprudence.

But instead of action, they chose abdication. The legal giants are gone — and in their place, small minds now dominate with alacrity, dragging the Senate’s reputation down and turning it into a global laughingstock.

This is not how justice is done — it’s how truth is buried.

Senate Must Proceed with VP Duterte Impeachment Trial — Not Short-Circuit It

The Senate has been procrastinating far too long. It is time to forthwith proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, as the Constitution commands — not to toy with shortcuts.

Naimpeach na po si Sara ng House kaya dapat ang Senado ay agad-agad na lilitisin siya. Iyan po ang utos ng ating Saligang Batas — let her face the music na. Iyan po ang ibig sabihin ng “shall forthwith proceed to trial” sa Section 3(6), Article XI ng 1987 Constitution.

Hindi pwedeng sumayaw palayo sa public accountability. The public must now demand not whether to impeach — that step is done — but that the Senate proceed with the trial as mandated.

Yet Senator Tolentino now proposes to abbreviate the trial to just 19 days that ends on June 30. That is far too short.

NAGKAISA Labor Coalition disagrees with Tolentino’s proposal.

Past impeachments were never rushed. President Estrada’s trial took 22 trial days (cut short by a walkout and the EDSA 2 that followed). Chief Justice Corona’s trial took 44 trial days over several months. Rushing a trial today would deny due process to both the prosecution and defense, violate the Constitution, and undermine the Senate’s duty to conduct a fair and credible proceeding.

Moreover, NAGKAISA  emphasizes that an impeachment trial can and should continue even if it crosses into the 20th Congress. The Senate exercises institutional and continuing jurisdiction over such trials.

U.S. experience — the very model upon which the Philippine impeachment system was patterned — clearly shows this principle. The framers of our 1987 Constitution adopted much of the U.S. Senate’s role and procedures in impeachment trials. In U.S. history:

• President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial in 2021 was conducted by a new Congress after the impeachment by the House in a prior term.

• President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial likewise carried over into a new congressional session.

• Judge West Humphreys’ impeachment trial in 1862 proceeded after a change in Congress.

• In British parliamentary history — another reference for our drafters — House of Lords impeachment trials routinely continued across new parliaments.

Thus, there is no constitutional obstacle to continuing the VP Duterte impeachment trial into the next Congress. What is needed is political will to uphold the Constitution and the people’s demand for accountability.

The public demands justice — not short cut and cover up.

Nagkaisa Hails Deferment of UHC Amendments: A Victory for Health, A Win for Workers!

The Nagkaisa Labor Coalition warmly welcomes the deferment of the proposed amendments to the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act—a major win for healthcare justice and the millions of workers who depend on PhilHealth for life-saving services.

Under mounting pressure from healthcare professionals, workers, and civil society advocates, the Congressional bicameral conference committee backed down from advancing what would have been harmful and regressive changes to the UHC Law. In a stunning but welcome move, the committee decided to put the amendments on hold.

“This is a huge relief for everyone who believes in universal, accessible, and affordable healthcare,” said Nagkaisa Spokesperson Rene Magtubo.

“Workers contribute to PhilHealth, rely on it in times of need, and deserve to be heard before any law is rewritten. Congress must ensure that the UHC dream is not derailed by shortsighted proposals,” Magtubo added.

This groundswell of opposition follows massive protests over the blatant defunding of PhilHealth—when ₱60 billion was sequestered from its fund in 2024, and the agency was given zero budget in 2025. These attacks on public healthcare triggered outrage across sectors, deepening public mistrust and fueling calls to defend and strengthen—not sabotage—universal health care.

Nagkaisa emphasized that the deferment now gives the incoming 20th Congress a crucial opportunity to conduct broad, meaningful, and inclusive consultations—with healthcare workers, patients, civil society, and the working people who pay premiums and rely on PhilHealth to survive medical crises.

The decision came just in time: a massive rally organized by the UHC Collective and Nagkaisa was set to take place at the Senate tomorrow. The mobilization will continue—not in protest, but in vigilance and solidarity, to ensure that any future reforms strengthen, not gut, the vision of universal healthcare.

“This fight is not over. But today, we celebrate a crucial win. Congress heard the people. Now, we demand that they keep listening,” Magtubo concluded. 

NAGKAISA Labor Coalition Calls on Congress to Defer the Proposed Amendments to the Universal Healthcare Law

The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition calls on our Senators and Congressmen to defer the forthcoming bicameral conference committee meeting to reconcile Senate Bill 2620 and House Bill 11357, bills amending the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Act of 2019. The proposed amendments will have a grave effect on the financial sustainability of the country’s national health insurer, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and hinder PhilHealth from effectively carrying out its mandate of lowering out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures for all Filipinos.  

 

Both HB 11357 and SB 2620 lower the premium contributions of PhilHealth direct contributors – from 5% to 3.25% for the Senate version and 3.5% for the House version. This will lead to PhilHealth’s deficit ballooning to P90 billion in 2025.

 

We acknowledge the intent of some legislators to give workers a reprieve from paying high premiums, but we cannot turn a blind eye to the long term impact of the reduction of premiums, which will ultimately affect the workers’ right to accessible and affordable health care.

 

Lowering PhilHealth’s premiums at this time is ill-advised, given the controversial defunding of PhilHealth in the 2025 National Budget. The Supreme Court decision on the petitions questioning the constitutionality of the transfer of P60 billion of PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury, for which NAGKAISA is a petitioner-intervenor, has yet to be released. This will likely have an impact on the implementation of Universal Healthcare; thus, it is prudent to wait for the Court’s decision before amending existing legislation.

 

NAGKAISA Labor Coalition calls on the House of Representatives and the Senate to give the Universal Healthcare Act a chance to be fully implemented and to do a thorough assessment of UHC rather than hastily passing a bill which puts the continued roll out and expansion of benefits for the Filipino people in peril. We call on our legislators to hold a multi-sectoral consultation including workers, who pay their premium contributions, rely on PhilHealth to fund life-saving healthcare, and are fervent in their hope that the dream of affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all will be realized.

PH labor group seeks release of Hong Kong TU leaders and activists

The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition condemns the mass sentencing of pro-democracy trade unionists and activists in Hong Kong.

Accordingly, the group calls for the immediate release of the 45 detainees after Hong Kong's national security-designated judges handed down their sentences last week for the crime of conspiracy to commit subversion under the National Security Law (NSL). 

Among the convicted are trade unionists Carol Ng Man-yee, former chairperson of the now-defunct Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), and Winnie Yu Wai-ming, the founder and chairperson of the now-defunct Hospital Authority Employees Alliance (HAEA). 

The two, together with other union leaders and activists, aimed at bringing workers’ voices into the Legislative Council by exercising their legitimate rights to political participation and freedom of expression in their fight for democracy and freedom. Defending these democratic rights, we maintain, should never be considered a criminal offense. 

However, despite appeals from the international community, Carol has been sentenced to 4 years and 5 months, while Winnie will have to spend 6 years and 9 months in prison. Carol Ng and Winnie Yu had already spent 1,361 and 1,141 days in custody prior their sentence as their detention while on trial lasted roughly three years.

The UN Human Rights Committee has previously called on the Hong Kong government to repeal the NSL, citing its “overly broad interpretation and arbitrary application” undermined judicial independence and the right to a fair trial. This is further aggravated by the Hong Kong government’s strategy of silencing dissent highlighted by the prolonged pretrial detention and drawn-out trial. 

Finally, NAGKAISA calls on the Hong Kong government to respect the freedom of association and expression enshrined in the International Human Rights and Labour Conventions, and stop using the National Security Law to stifle dissent, dismantle trade unions, and persecute activists. 

Laban ng Manggagawa sa Harap ng Pambansang Kalamidad

Mula sa nakaraang SONA hanggang sa Araw ni Gat Andres Bonifacio, o hanggang sa Kapaskuhan ay makikita kung nasaan ang buong atensyon ng pamahalaan. Wala sa mga hinaing ng manggagawa at mamamayan kundi nasa layuning panghalalan. 

Natagpuan at nabusisi na ng Quadcom and P125-M confidential fund ni Sara Duterte, pero ang P150 wage hike sa LaborCom nasaan na? Araw-araw ay halos may public hearing ang QuadCom na binuo lamang noong Agosto. Ang huling hearing ng Labor Committee para sa legislated wage hike ay noon pang nakaraang Mayo. Habang sa Senado ay noong Pebrero pa naipasa ang P100 wage hike. Masaya na silang nakikitang ang manggagawa ay binabarat ng mga regional wage board.

Hindi na rin nagpatawag ang LaborCom ng Kamara ng iba pang pagdinig sa iba pang labor issues katulad ng anti-endo na security of tenure (SOT) bills. Nasaan ang Palasyo at Kongreso sa mga usaping ito? Nasaan si BBM at si Martin? Kung itutulak lamang ng dalawang lider na ito ang pagsasabatas ng wage hike at pagpapatigil sa endo, matutugunan ang mga kahilingan ng manggagawa habang hinabol ang pananagutan ng mga Duterte sa mga krimen at katiwaliang nagawa.

Kaya sa Araw ni Gat Andres Bonifacio ay magmamartsa ang mga kasapi ng Nagkaisa Labor Coalition mula Espana patungong Mendiola upang isigaw na harapin ng gobyerno ang mga kahilingan para sa pagsasabatas ng dagdag sahod na P150 pataas; pagpapatigil sa endo o kontraktwalisasyon sa pribado at pampublikong sektor; at pagwawakas sa karahasan sa kababaihan.

Nahaharap ang bansa sa pambansang kalamidad. Sunod-sunod na mga bagyo na pumipinsala sa buhay at kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan. Dagdag-pabigat ito sa kahirapang nararanasan ng mga mangggagawa na kapos ang kita at sweldo at kung gayon, ay walang kakayahang paghandaan ang pinsalang dulot ng mga kalamidad.

Bunga ito ng ilang dekadang kapabayaan ng gobyerno na i-angat ang buhay ng mamamayan. Bunga ito ng pamamayapag ng dinastiya sa pulitika, at kawalang kalayaan ng mga Pilipino sa maraming bagay. Ang mga ito ay patuloy na sumasalamin sa paniniwala noon ni Bonifacio na walang kaginhawahan kung walang kalayaan.

Lahat ngayon ay halos dinadaan na lamang sa ayuda na ang mas pakay ay pampabida, kaysa pagsasabatas ng mga hakbang na pampagaan sa buhay ng manggagawa. Hindi agenda ang pagbabagong pangmatagalan ang pakinabang. Ito ay dahil lahat ng atensyon mga mga dinastiya ay para sa pansariling kapakanan. Ang kahirapan sa buhay ng manggagawa at mamamayan ay kabiguan ng ganitong uri ng panunungkulan.

Ang mga dinastiyang pulitikal, samakatwid, ay matuturing din na kalamidad. Ang dinastiya, samakatwid, ang dapat i-endo hindi ang manggagawang Pilipino! 

State of the Nation’s Minimum Wages: A National Week of Action Calling for Across-the-Board Wage Increase

With the average minimum wage across the regions equating to a mere fraction of the living wages, the National Wage Coalition (NWC), representing workers across various industries and sectors, has demanded and fought time and time again for a wage increase of at least ₱150. We have proposed House Bills with provisions for an across-the-board wage increase that shall benefit all workers. What has the government done? President Bongbong Marcos instructed the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB) to conduct a wage review. The NWC attended hearings to argue for the necessity of a significant increase, yet the RTWPB for the National Capital Region provided only a meager additional ₱35.00 for workers in the region. The Regional Wage Boards have once again proven their unreliability and irrelevance. 

The National Wage Coalition demands President Bongbong Marcos to certify as urgent the proposed legislative House Bills for across-the-board wage increases, which will enable workers to beat the ever-turbulent nature of inflation and provide them with livable wages. Once certified, the House of Representatives must act with utmost urgency. His order addressed to the RTWPB to conduct a wage review has proven a failure. The only way forward is through the legislated bills languishing in the House of Representatives.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Labor and Employment has failed to address the workers demand for wage increase with urgency and genuine concern. You need not wait for the President’s directive. You have a say in determining the economic futures of our workers. It is high time that you heed and address the calls of the united Filipino workers for livable wages: prioritize and expedite the passing of the proposed House Bills 7871, 514, and 7568.   

The National Wage Coalition will keep ramping up the pressure as the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) approaches. Throughout this week, the Coalition’s constituent organizations and their respective locals and affiliates shall hold actions to call for the long-awaited across-the-board wage increase. The Coalition will push forward with our demands until all of our workers receive a much-needed and livable wage.

Labor groups press P150 wage hike

Nagkaisa chairman and Federation of Free Workers president Sonny Matula

ORGANIZED labor groups will march today, Labor Day, to Morayta Street in Manila to dramatize their call for a P150 legislated wage increase and a dialogue with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The labor groups, composed of trade union centers, labor federations and workers' organizations in both the private and public sectors, will march under the National Wage Coalition (NWC) banner.

Leading them are the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) and Nagkaisa Labor Coalition (Nagkaisa).

"Passing the P150 wage recovery increase is only the first yet pivotal step that the Philippines should take to actualize living wages embodied in proposed legislation for a P750 daily wage increase for private sector workers and a new Salary Standardization Law (SSL) anchored on the P33,000 monthly minimum wage for public sector workers," the NWC said in a statement.

Officials from the Department of Labor and Employment will be at a meeting with the labor representatives in Malacañang, but there is no guarantee that the President will join them.

The Palace program will be from 8 a.m. to noon. The NWC said they will also hold a program in Morayta early in the morning of May 1.

The NWC stressed the need for a dialogue with the President, which is traditionally done every Labor Day celebration.

Aside from the wage hike, the labor groups want to discuss challenges regarding job security due to rampant contracting practices and the need for enhanced freedom of association.

"The lack of dialogue with the President has been a concerning pattern that can no longer be overlooked," said Sonny Matula, Nagkaisa chairman and Federation of Free Workers president. "As we observe Labor Day, it is paramount that these significant concerns are addressed directly with President Marcos to ensure the effective representation and advancement of workers' rights and welfare."

The NWC also called on Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma to facilitate a meeting with the President. - By William B. Depasupil

NAGKAISA Labor Coalition Welcomes the Surfacing of Two Activists

In an inspiring turn of events on Holy Thursday, the NAGKAISA Labor Coalition expresses profound relief and joy over the release of labor and environmental activists Francisco "Eco" Dangla and Axielle "Jak" Tiong.

The unexpected surfacing of Eco and Jak, who had been previously reported as abducted under alarming circumstances, serves not only as a beacon of hope for the advocacy community but also as a poignant reminder of the state's indispensable obligation to protect the life and liberty of every citizen, as guaranteed by our Constitution.

Although details regarding their return to safety remain limited, the circulation of an image showing the two activists conversing with Archbishop Socrates Villegas symbolizes their current safety under the aegis of the Church. This positive outcome, however, leaves many unanswered questions, thereby underscoring the urgency for a transparent and exhaustive inquiry into their abduction and the broader spectrum of assaults on activists.

The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to all individuals, the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, and organizations that have stood in solidarity for the cause of Eco and Jak's freedom and safety. 

This incident starkly illuminates the formidable challenges that labor and environmental activists continue to confront, frequently risking their personal safety. It propels us towards a renewed commitment to upholding trade union and human rights and safeguarding those who courageously advocate for truth and justice.

Senate’s chacha dance unnecessary, out of step – Nagkaisa!

Leading the charter change (chacha) dance this time is totally unnecessary and out of step for the Senate, the Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition declared in a statement, a week after Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri himself led the Senate majority in the filing of Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH 6) which aims to amend the economic provision of the 1987 Constitution through a Constituent Assembly (ConAss).

Protesting outside the Senate gates on Tuesday, Nagkaisa! members called on Zubiri to redirect his focus to the pressing demands of workers, including a wage hike, an end to labor contractualization (endo), and employment guarantees to address the chronic jobs crisis in the country. Their rallying cry: "Sahod itaas, Chacha i-atras!"

Josua Mata, Convenor of Nakakaisa! and Secretary-General of Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO), expressed disappointment, stating, "SP Zubiri made significant promises to workers last year, vowing to enact a P150 across-the-board wage hike. Now, it seems he's shifting focus to cha-cha, an agenda unrelated to labor concerns."

Mata cautioned against a dubiously assembled ConAss, suggesting it could veer off course, impacting not only the economic provisions but also the political structures, catering to trapos’ (traditional politician) perpetual lust for power.

Addressing the diversionary tactics, Judy Miranda, Nagkaisa Women Committee Head and Partido Manggagawa (PM) Secretary-General, accused cha-cha proponents of diverting attention, energy, and resources from issues directly affecting 99% of Filipinos. She emphasized the urgency of prioritizing the P150 wage hike bill and creating more jobs, especially for women, over alien bids to acquire 100% land ownership and control of Philippine businesses.

Citing survey results from Pulse Asia and OCTA, Miranda underscored that over two-thirds of Filipinos are more concerned about inflation, wage hikes, and job creation than constitutional changes. She also criticized politicians for denying their complicity in maintaining poverty under a capitalist system that concentrates 90% of national wealth in the hands of the 0.1%.

Nagkaisa Chair and Federation of Free Workers (FFW) President Sonny Matula reiterated the call he made earlier that the government rather address workers' core concerns: higher wages, job security, and the freedom to organize for collective bargaining. He criticized the Charter change initiative for diverting attention and resources away from these pressing issues.

Nagkaisa! pledged to actively oppose moves to revise the Constitution, announcing plans to collaborate with broader sectors to build an anti-cha-cha movement. The group aims to present workers' agendas as a compelling counter-narrative against pro-alien and pro-dynasty arguments. 

Strong Endorsement from the Big Labor Coalition for CHR Budget Increase, P10M for Compensation for fallen TU leaders

The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition, a united alliance championing workers' rights and well-being, passionately supports the initiative to bolster the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) budget for 2024.

Our backing also extends to ensuring fair compensation for the 69 trade union leaders and organizers who tragically lost their lives, as reported during the last ILO-High Level Mission in January 2023. In a conversation with Senator Risa Hontiveros, NAGKAISA is proposing at least P10M for victims of TU killings to be given to their heirs and primary beneficiaries.

In 2022, CHR allocated P16 million in financial assistance, aiding a substantial 805 victims. As of the first half of 2023, P3.36 million has already been disbursed to assist 232 victims. Senators Risa Hontiveros and Raffy Tulfo in the upper chamber and Muntinlupa City Representative Jaime Fresnedi and Minority Floor Leader Edcel Lagman Sr of Albay in the House of Representatives lend their unwavering support to restoring CHR's original proposed budget for financial assistance.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution primarily gave CHR the mandate to protect and promote the rights and dignity of every human being in the country. Compensation for victims is an integral part of its broad task. Throughout the last ILO-HLTM and numerous engagements with DOLE, the NAGKAISA Labor Coalition did not only call for respect for TU and human rights but also has persistently called for investigations and accountability for those responsible for the killings of TU leaders/organizers, as well as other violations of freedom of association, including compensation for victims or their beneficiaries.

We earnestly call upon legislators and all concerned parties in the Marcos administration to heed the call for increased funding for the CHR and the rightful compensation for labor union leaders and organizers who are victims of violence.

NAGKAISA Extends Condolences to Fire Victims, Urges DOLE and DILG to Strengthen OSH and Labor Standard Enforcement

The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition, the biggest labor formation in the country today,  expresses its deep condolences on Friday for the 15 lives lost in the tragic fire incident at a sweatshop t-shirt factory in Quezon City. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the regulatory shortcomings exhibited by concerned agencies in upholding occupational health and safety standards (OSHS). This neglect persists despite the painful lessons learned from the tragic Kentex fire, which claimed the lives of 74 workers back in 2015.

"We stand in solidarity with the families affected by this recent workplace catastrophe. The victims not only deserve justice, but they are also entitled to rightful compensation. Accountability rests not just on the DOLE, DILG, and the relevant LGU, but on their collective responsibility to prevent such tragedies through effective regulatory and enforcement measures pertaining to safety and labor standards," remarked NAGKAISA Chair Sonny Matula.

NAGKAISA recalled that the aftermath of the Kentex incident prompted DOLE to initiate OSHS training and the deputation of trade union leaders as labor inspectors. This initiative extended beyond OSHS, encompassing a comprehensive inspection checklist targeting wage violations, benefit infringements, and the contentious practice of contractualization.

"The temporary setback due to budget constraints should not have obstructed DOLE's mission. Even without the deputation program, they have the means to collaborate closely with DILG and LGUs, which possess personnel capable of conducting regular inspections and ensuring adherence to pertinent laws on the ground," asserted Matula. He further emphasized that the resolution for sweatshops goes beyond relocating them; it necessitates a fundamental shift in their operational paradigm, aligning them unequivocally with labor statutes.

NAGKAISA underlines the imperative for further Congressional action in response to this tragic event. The objective is twofold: holding the responsible parties accountable and devising innovative strategies to bolster OSH enforcement and labor standards at the grassroots level, even down to the barangay level.

Furthermore, NAGKAISA calls on the DOLE to intensify its inspection initiatives under its visitorial power to workplaces. It points to the provisions of RA 11058, wherein the Secretary of DOLE is empowered and duty-bound to conduct inspections and even has the authority to halt work or suspend operations of any establishment with violations posing grave danger to workers.

Non-compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards can lead to administrative fines up to P100,000 per day until the violation is rectified.

NAGKAISA calls on a thorough investigation on this incident. 

The biggest  labor coalition expresses deep concern over the newsreport indicating that the local government unit permitted the hazardous business to continue operations and granted an extension until April 2024 for relocation. 

If these reports are accurate, the officials responsible for granting such an extension may be held accountable for multiple counts of violation of Sections 3(e) and 3(j) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as Reckless Imprudence resulting in multiple homicides and multiple physical injuries stemming from this incident. The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition, the biggest labor formation in the country today,  expresses its deep condolences on Friday for the 15 lives lost in the tragic fire incident at a sweatshop t-shirt factory in Quezon City. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the regulatory shortcomings exhibited by concerned agencies in upholding occupational health and safety standards (OSHS). This neglect persists despite the painful lessons learned from the tragic Kentex fire, which claimed the lives of 74 workers back in 2015.

"We stand in solidarity with the families affected by this recent workplace catastrophe. The victims not only deserve justice, but they are also entitled to rightful compensation. Accountability rests not just on the DOLE, DILG, and the relevant LGU, but on their collective responsibility to prevent such tragedies through effective regulatory and enforcement measures pertaining to safety and labor standards," remarked NAGKAISA Chair Sonny Matula.

NAGKAISA recalled that the aftermath of the Kentex incident prompted DOLE to initiate OSHS training and the deputation of trade union leaders as labor inspectors. This initiative extended beyond OSHS, encompassing a comprehensive inspection checklist targeting wage violations, benefit infringements, and the contentious practice of contractualization.

"The temporary setback due to budget constraints should not have obstructed DOLE's mission. Even without the deputation program, they have the means to collaborate closely with DILG and LGUs, which possess personnel capable of conducting regular inspections and ensuring adherence to pertinent laws on the ground," asserted Matula. He further emphasized that the resolution for sweatshops goes beyond relocating them; it necessitates a fundamental shift in their operational paradigm, aligning them unequivocally with labor statutes.

NAGKAISA underlines the imperative for further Congressional action in response to this tragic event. The objective is twofold: holding the responsible parties accountable and devising innovative strategies to bolster OSH enforcement and labor standards at the grassroots level, even down to the barangay level.

Furthermore, NAGKAISA calls on the DOLE to intensify its inspection initiatives under its visitorial power to workplaces. It points to the provisions of RA 11058, wherein the Secretary of DOLE is empowered and duty-bound to conduct inspections and even has the authority to halt work or suspend operations of any establishment with violations posing grave danger to workers.

Non-compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards can lead to administrative fines up to P100,000 per day until the violation is rectified.

NAGKAISA calls on a thorough investigation on this incident. 

The biggest  labor coalition expresses deep concern over the newsreport indicating that the local government unit permitted the hazardous business to continue operations and granted an extension until April 2024 for relocation. 

If these reports are accurate, the officials responsible for granting such an extension may be held accountable for multiple counts of violation of Sections 3(e) and 3(j) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as Reckless Imprudence resulting in multiple homicides and multiple physical injuries stemming from this incident. 

Labor coalition counters employers' arguments against P150 wage hike proposal

The objections raised by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) and other business groups against the P150 legislated wage hike proposal stand on hollow ground. 

The Nagkaisa Labor Coalition maintains that correlations between wage hikes and job losses are largely speculative as there is neither substantial nor empirical evidence linking wage growth to massive unemployment. This is besides the fact that small firms, under RA 6727 and the Barangay Micro-Enterprise Business (BMBE) law, are allowed to avail exemptions from wage hikes.

On the contrary, we believe wage hikes reward the economy as increases in workers’ take-home pay spur growth in aggregate demand which in turn makes creation of new jobs more possible. Furthermore, wage growth enhances productivity by making inefficient and anti-labor firms more compliant with general labor standards.

Nagkaisa cites as a good example the P25 wage increase nationwide enacted in 1989. Despite such substantial wage hike nationwide and the coup attempts that followed, contrary to employers' logic, it did not lead to substantial job losses. GDP growth, in fact, reached a high of 5.8% between that period until we got hit by the Asian financial crisis in 1997. 

The P150 wage proposal is 24.59% of the P610 daily wage in NCR compared with the P25 which is 39.1% increase in 1989. The increase would be higher in BARMM, 43.99% of P341, but which is also necessary because of higher poverty rate in the region. 

On the topic of employers suggesting wage adjustments through Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and wage boards, Nagkaisa appreciates wage enhancements via CBAs. However, we urge employers to refrain from adopting a hostile stance towards union formation in workplaces. In reality, a significant number of employers view freedom of association with hostility and skepticism. They perceive unions as adversarial forces. To make matters worse, the government, through the NTF-ELCAC, largely consider trade unions as one of the enemies in their on-going anti-insurgency campaign.

It is also crucial to note that union representation among workers stands at less than 2 million. Additionally, 5 to 10 million of workers are contractually tied to manpower agencies or cooperatives, a strategy often leveraged by major corporations to bypass more substantial wage commitments.

To add, the wage boards have, over the past 34 years, consistently sanctioned only marginal or inconsequential wage increments.

In conclusion, Nagkaisa remains unwavering in its dedication to the rights and welfare of Filipino workers. We are confident that with open conversation and a well-informed approach, a harmonious resolution beneficial for both employees and employers can be achieved. 

Bigong Pilipinas is the true State of the Nation

It’s been proclaimed before the global stage by no less than President Marcos, Jr. himself during the numerous foreign trips he made in the span of one year that the Philippine economy is doing good if not the best in the world in terms of performance.

But the state of Filipino workers disproves this claim. The President’s “Bagong Pilipinas” narrative is fake news. “Bigong Pilipinas” remains the appropriate representation of the true state of the nation today as far as the working class is concerned.

The post-pandemic Philippine economy may have recovered and businesses regained their profits, but the token P40 wage increase in NCR failed to recover even half of the wage value lost to inflation this year. And having no intention of pursuing a new anti-endo policy in the private and public sector, the Marcos administration is clearly on the path of keeping the status quo by affirming contractualization to be the best deal for local business and foreign investment to keep wages low and labor rights suppressed.

Moreover, the administration’s unsympathetic treatment of the ILO-High Level Tripartite Mission recommendations to address killings and red-tagging in the labor movement and to strengthen the mechanisms to protect freedom of association explains why DOLE slacks to undisturbed mode despite the continuing labor rights violations. The fact is without or with weaker unions, workers in their millions cannot negotiate with their bosses for improvements in their living standards.

Poverty, violence, and harassments continue to oppress women inside and outside their workplaces, yet the government works very slow in enacting measures to enhance protection for women. Convention 190 (elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work) has been waiting for Senate ratification since the last Congress but no move to that effect has been initiated by the Palace the way it did strongly for the Maharlika Investment Fund.

The state of COVID-19 public health emergency was lifted two days before the SONA, yet the state of the country’s healthcare system remains saddled with age-old problems. The brain-drain in the health sector continues while the local workforce suffers neglect and deteriorating working conditions due to low wages and irregular work arrangements.

Many administrations have failed workers in many aspects, thus, to be promised another “Bagong Pilipinas” under the same conditions of low wages, endo, and trade union repression surely won’t get accolades from the working class.

- Nagkaisa Labor Coalition

NAGKAISA is Not Suprised, Welcomes Acquital of Sen De Lima

The Nagkaisa Labor Coalition is elated with former Sen. Leila De Lima's victory for justice in the Philippines.

Anim na taon, subalit hindi tayo sumusuko! We are happy and delighted to know that Senator Leila de Lima, who has long been an advocate for social justice and human rights, has been acquitted in two of the three drug-related cases lodged against her. This outcome, while long overdue, brings us much closer to the justice we have always sought.

Her acquittal was long overdue. Thus, we are not surprised by her acquittal, as we are aware from the start that the charges against her were fabricated by those in power

The saying goes, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." These recent verdicts affirm this belief, proving that justice, although delayed, can eventually prevail.

Senator de Lima's plight has been a microcosm of the challenges faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo and fight for justice, equality, and freedom. Her courage and resilience amid these trials are truly commendable and serve as a beacon of hope for all those who value democracy and the rule of law.

However, the journey is not yet over. As the third case against Senator de Lima is still under trial, we strongly call on the judiciary to grant her the right to post bail. We believe in her innocence and that she must be accorded due process.

We stand in solidarity with Senator de Lima, as well as all individuals who have been unjustly accused and whose freedoms have been unfairly curtailed. We will continue to fight for justice, fairness, and the protection of our democratic principles.

Nagkaisa Labor Coalition Urges Gov't to Take Bold Steps to Address Workers' Issues, as Philippines Among 24 Shortlisted Countries for Examination in the ILO Geneva Conference in June

The lagest labor coalition in the country is calling on the Marcos administration to take concrete actions to address the issues and concerns of workers, as the country is among the 24 shortlisted countries for examination during the upcoming International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva in June. This comes as the Philippines marks its 75th year of membership in the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The Nagkaisa Labor Coalition highlights that the Philippines is included in the long list of ILO Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) due to 69 reported killings of trade union leaders and organizers, and about 400 other violations of Convention 87. 

Nagkaisa holds that  the lack of representation from workers and employers in the current Executive Order 23 (EO23) signed by President Bongbong Marcos also contributed to the Philippines' inclusion in the list.

While it is a positive step forward, the current EO23 fails to address the significant problem that workers face in exercising their freedom to form unions or associations. To address this issue, the coalition proposes its amendments to transform it into a tripartite commission, consisting of representatives from the government and representatives from workers and employers groups in accordance with the principle of "tripartism and social dialogue" of ILO Convention 144 and the principles  of "shared responsibility" and "participation in decision-making' under the Constitution and the Labor Code . This body would serve as the primary mechanism for addressing worker issues and seeking justice for the countless victims of violations of Freedom of Association (FOA) and Trade Union (TU) rights.

Trade unions  heard Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma  on his call to proposed solutions or positive actions. Thus, Nagkaisa urgges him to schedule a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for trade union leaders to present personally the proposed amendments to the EO and other suggestions in order to improve the situation of workers and hold those accountable for violations of FOA and TU rights.

The coalition emphasizes that unless the government takes substantial steps to demonstrate its intention to heed the recommendations of the ILO High-Level Tripartite Mission (HLTM) beyond the issuance of  EO23, the country will undoubtedly face scrutiny by the ILO.

It is time for the government to act and demonstrate its dedication to upholding the principles of decent work and social justice for all.

Labor coalition tells union allies to encourage Biden to remind BBM of need to respect workers’ rights in the Philippines

Because President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has opted to visit US President Joe Biden rather than meet Philippine labor groups on Labor Day to discuss mounting economic and labor rights concerns, the Nagkaisa labor coalition sent appeals instead to its trade union allies in the US to encourage Biden to remind Marcos of the need to restore the free exercise of labor rights in the Philippines amid widespread violations during the Duterte administration as confirmed by the recent ILO High Level Tripartite Mission in its report.

Official advisory of the Marcos-Biden meeting on Labor Day stated security as well as trade and investment as main subjects of the bilateral talk. 

The Biden administration, as explained by embassy officials during a meeting with Philippine trade unions early this month, is pushing for a “worker-centered” trade policy. 

“But how can PH workers benefit from any trade talks with the US when all the coercive instruments instituted by the Duterte regime is kept intact by Marcos Jr.? For us, for trade to be worker-centered, it has to redound to the benefit of workers,” said Nagkaisa Chair Atty. Sonny Matula. 

But anticipating a rather security-focused Marcos-Biden meeting, labor groups in Nagkaisa has requested their counterparts in the USA, the same groups that led the filing of a GSP complaint in December 2022, to urge Biden in their trade talks to encourage Marcos Jr to demonstrate seriousness in addressing the long-standing concerns of the labor movement, starting with taking concrete steps to realize the recommendations of the ILO HLTM. 

“All it takes for President Marcos Jr. to show its seriousness on trade and labor is for him to issue an Executive Order establishing the Presidential Commission on Freedom of Association,” insisted Matula. 

According to Matula, trade union leaders and organizers have faced lethal violence, with 68, or 69 now with the most recent case in Negros, who were killed since 2016. 

“The situation seems to hark back to the 18th or 19th century, as if unionizing is still considered a crime. But with President Marcos opting to visit US President Biden rather than meet with Philippine unions to talk about this issue this coming Labor Day, we hope he learns from Biden’s Presidential Task Force on union organizing that supports union revitalization in the US, and hopes that upon his return a decision is made to establish a Presidential Commission on Freedom of Association in the Philippines, as recommended in the ILO-HTLM report.”

Aside from labor rights and the creation of a Presidential Commission on Freedom of Association, the Nagkaisa and the unified Labor Day action by All Philippine Trade Unions on Monday would also raise demands for immediate wage hike, an end to ‘endo’ or contractualization and creation of decent jobs, as well as provisions of quality public services, including those for women and the youth. ###