MANILA, Philippines — In observance of the Labor Day on Friday, the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) will lead online protests to call for further government actions for the welfare of workers under the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.
The protests will be conducted through a virtual mobile application and Facebook Live in separate activities.
“Gugunitain po natin ang pandaigdigang Araw ng Paggawa sa pamamagitan ng paglalahad ng ating mga kahilingan at karaingan sa ating mga kababayan partikular sa pamamahayag sa kalagayang kalusugan, kabuhayan, at pagrespeto sa karapatang pantao at karapatan ng mga manggagawa,” KMU chairperson Elmer ‘Ka Bong’ Labog said in a virtual press conference ahead of the online protests.
(We will commemorate the Labor Day by expressing our requests on behalf of our countrymen particularly by airing concerns on their health condition, livelihood, and respect for human rights and rights of workers.)
This could be the first in history that protests will go online, as quarantine protocols set up to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease ban mass gatherings.
The following will be the activities of the KMU, according to its advisory:
9:00 a.m. – Zoomama sa Mayo Uno: Red Labor Day Program; Virtual Rally for Workers and People’s Solidarity Via Kilusang Mayo Uno Facebook Page
6:00 p.m. Lockdown Sessions: Red Labor Day Special; Concerned Artists of the Philippines Facebook Page
9:00 p.m. – Global Day of Action: International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines
Protesters are advised to wear red face masks, red shirts, and red armbands during these online movements, said Labog.
Meanwhile, Labog also called on the government for the release of political prisoners, especially amid the COVID-19 crisis.
“Amin din pinaglalaban na sa lalong madaling panahon ay dapat palayain ‘yung mga detinidong politikal lalo na po yung mga may sakit lalo na sa kalagayan na masyadong siksikan na po ang mga piitan sa kasalukuyan,” he said.
(We are also calling for the immediate release of political prisoners especially those who are sick considering the current congestion in jails.)
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