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In 2024, the Marcos Jr administration implemented economic policies that favor big businesses and foreign investors while keeping wages at miserable levels.
"In the midst of the intensifying economic crisis and the worsening poverty and hunger faced by Filipinos, the old ways will no longer suffice. We need progressive politics to craft a progressive development program that a progressive national budget will support,"
"If this program is pushed through, the militarization of the schools could have dangerous consequences for the democratic aspects of our country. Given the current political climate, the state might use the militarization of young people for selfish purposes, which would inevitably lead to human rights violations."
Bulatlat gathered the wage orders issued by RTWPB Northern Mindanao in the past years and found out that the most recent wage hike is the lowest increase to be implemented since 2018, specifically in the non-agriculture sector.
Cardinal David also stressed that the prevalence of inequality in the country leads to struggle. He said he longs for the day that it is no longer necessary for people to take up arms to correct the inequities in society.
Let us end the year with a resolve to defeat the politics represented by Marcos and Duterte and to fight for a just future.
“Ayroso has long been the target [of management] because of his willingness to fight for their Collective Bargaining Agreement, Occupational Safety and Health inspections, and other workers’ rights,” Kilusang Mayo Uno said in its statement.
“Although Tatay Pepe was able to identify that the remains in Dimatulac Funeral Homes were his daughter’s, both the Roxas police and 4th IBPA are making things hard on him for no discernible reason,” human rights watchdog Karapatan Southern Tagalog said in a statement. “They are miring Tatay Pepe through documents and bureaucracy, despite the law clearly stating what considerations and rights should be given to indigenous people.”
Rolan Cagas, who also sits as president of the Claveria Federation of Rice Farmers Associations, shared that their top concern was the rising prices of farm inputs, especially fertilizers, as it would now cost over P1,800 per sack, higher than the less-than-P1,000 price in the past years.
In total, ten indigenous and non-indigenous residents of Sitio Mariahangin are currently facing a criminal complaint filed by Caesar M. Ortega, former NCIP director for the Ancestral Domain Office (ADO) and former officer-in-charge executive director, who identifies himself as the “authorized representative of the nine (9) land owners of the nine titled properties situated within Bowen Island (Sitio Mariahangin).”
Ronilo Villanueva is a coconut farmer who was found by elements of the 85th Infantry Battalion while out processing copra. Tanggol Quezon said Villanueva was shot on the knee and stomach before he was arrested on unknown charges. Another farmer named Genero was also arrested, according to eyewitness accounts.
“Earlier in 2023, I was still able to talk to him. He would call me and it seemed like nothing had changed with Kuya Chakoy. He's still the same, bubbly as ever, like a long-distance friend,” Manaog said.
We want to use this case as a potential defense mechanism for journalists who experienced the same kind of attacks and harassment,” said Atom Araullo in a press conference, Dec. 19 in Quezon City.
"Mary Jane Veloso is not a criminal but a victim of human trafficking. Her homecoming should not be treated as a prisoner transfer but as the return of a Filipino who has suffered enough." -- former Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate
“Instead of addressing the just and reasonable demands of the workers, their response is union busting,” NAFLU-KMU said in a statement. “Their goal is to force the workers to accept the very low offer of a P17-wage increase, which is not enough to support a decent living amid rising prices of goods and services.”
“Time and again, we’ve proven that the union is the strongest weapon and shield that we have against exploitation.”
He [Tomas Talledo] writes with a formidable urge to shape not only their perception but also the depths of their understanding of why people struggle, persevere, and prevail amidst despair, loss, and pain– it does not halt a movement grounded on more than what the fascist state tries to destroy.
"I will carry on Betchay's legacy by continuing the fight she started,” Nanay Enda vowed, her voice shaking with both sorrow and resolve, recounting the events of the infamous Bloody Sunday Massacre.
According to the IDP-led group Reclaiming Marawi Movement, approximately 5,000 displaced families are subject to eviction before the end of this year due to the expiring contract between the government and private landowners for the establishment of these shelters.
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