KMU to voters: Reject Duterte candidates

Members of KMU demonstrate in Manila in this file photo. INQUIRER FILE / FAYE ORELLANA

MANILA, Philippines — Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) called on the public on Wednesday to vote against President Rodrigo Duterte’s candidates as they would only push for his “anti-poor” legislative agenda.

This was the call of KMU chair Elmer Labog on Wednesday as the country marked Labor Day.

Labog said that as long as Duterte refuses to act on the demands of the workers, protests would continue.

READ: 500,000 workers regularized since Duterte signed EO – DOLE

“We are fighting corruption, impunity, and attacks against our country’s sovereignty head-on by denouncing the candidates in Duterte’s slate and voting against them on May 13,” Labog said in a statement.

“Workers will resist and oppose the worsening attacks against the poor and working people, and one of the ways is to vote against the candidates Duterte supports and endorses, because if they win, they will push for Duterte’s anti-poor legislative agenda,” he added.

Labog then urged other senatorial bets to support their demand for P750 in daily earning, as they pushed to revive the minimum wage system.

READ: Workers push minimum pay of P750 in Metro Manila

“Even as we battle against Duterte’s anti-poor, war-mongering, misogynist administration, we will continue to encourage the greatest number of Filipinos to assert their rights and demand genuine reforms, including raising wages and social welfare benefits, as well as improving living standards,” he said.

Labog said that KMU would support and endorse candidates who carry out their agenda. /cbb