MANILA, Philippines – Travel restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have forced activists to be more creative in airing their sentiments on Labor Day, Friday.
Labor groups like Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) used an online method to push for reforms in the labor sector, in accordance with physical distancing measures placed in areas under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the coronavirus outbreak.
In a livestream on KMU’s Facebook page, leaders of progressive groups were seen taking part in programs and speeches that aim to improve the labor conditions in the country. During that Facebook live, the groups also led the burning of an effigy.
As of now, the video has 57,000 views and over 2,600 reactions.
Earlier, the groups denounced various arrests that occurred on Labor Day alone, as the police alleged that several activists were conducting protests while doing relief operations in Quezon City and Marikina.
While leftist groups insisted that the activists did not commit any wrongdoing, Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya clarified that the arrests were not an affront on the political beliefs of the people but were based on violations of the quarantine regulations.