20,000 join Labor Day protests | ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) - Around 20,000 people joined various protests around Metro Manila on Tuesday to call for higher wages and better working conditions in the country, labor groups said.

Labor groups kicked off their Labor Day protests early today, gathering at various parts in Metro Manila before marching to Mendiola near Malacañang, where President Aquino was scheduled to meet with representatives from various labor groups.

Most of the protesters came from some 40 labor groups under the newly-formed umbrella organization Nagkaisa.

At least 10,000 policemen from the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon were deployed in critical points in Metro Manila to ensure security during the protests.

The Philippine National Police said maximum tolerance was observed in dealing with the protesters, most of whom were calling for significant wage increase and the abolition of the practice of massive contractualization of employees.

To ensure order around the Palace, police placed barricades in areas in Mendiola leading to Malacañang.

Manila Police District Director Alejandro Gutierrez said placing barricades in front of the Palace gates is a standard procedure during massive rallies.

The protesters were also met by Budget Secretary Butch Abad, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, and Presidential Political Adviser Ronaldo Llamas to accept their demand letter on behalf of the president.

In Quezon City, thousands of protesters trooped to Welcome Rotonda. Many of them came from an overnight vigil at the nearby Trinity University of Asia. The group called for better housing and jobs for Filipinos.

Authorities also closed España Boulevard and nearby roads in Manila to accommodate protesters gathered at the Ramon Magsaysay High School.

Youth groups and fresh graduates also joined today’s protests to call for a solution to underemployment and tuition hikes, among others.

Over at Aquino’s residence at 25 Times Street in Quezon City, members of urban poor group Kadamay brought a coffin to represent the lone fatality in the latest incident demolition violence in Parañaque.

The group called for a stop to the series of demolitions in Metro Manila, most of which ended in violence.

No P125 wage hike

Meanwhile, President Aquino dismissed calls for a P125 increase in wages for workers in private companies, saying this will bring down the struggling economy.

In his Labor Day speech, he said he is laying down real solutions to the labor market’s woes, instead of promises that can only be described later as politicking.

“The real solutions are described in four points. One, to retain the already available jobs here. Two, create more jobs. Three, add to the knowledge of our workers so that the value chain will be increased. Four, ensure the implementation of laws,” he said in Filipino. – with reports from Jeff Canoy, Doland Castro, Atom Araullo, ABS-CBN News; Noel Alamar, dzMM; ANC

20,000 join Labor Day protests | ABS-CBN News

Subscribe to Biztalk and Jobs via Email
Become a fan Biztalk and Jobs in Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Blog Links:
Health and Wellness
The Leader
ACTRESS @ CELEBRITIES PHOTOS
Young and Adult Sexual Reprouctive Health
Organic Farming