MANILA, Philippines — The labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) on Monday slammed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos for leaving for the United States instead of sitting down with workers on Labor Day.
“May 1 should have been an opportune time for BBM to finally sit down with workers and discuss, face-to-face and without any liaisons, ways to move forward,” said KMU chairman Elmer Labog in a statement on Monday.
“Yet again, he has chosen to get on a plane and leave us behind,” Labog added.
Labog also criticized the government for its “band-aid” solutions for workers such as the “Kadiwa” stores and aid distribution, unlike the “concrete labor program and roadmap we have been presenting.”
“We will continue to demand BBM’s response to our urgent and just demands, not only in the Philippines but around the world,” he said.
In light of Marcos’ meeting with US President Joe Biden, KMU, along with other workers confederation and groups trooped to the US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard, culminating the Labor Day protest which began in España Boulevard then at Mendiola Street.