Labor Day turns into political rallies

Piston partylist members flash their campaign flags and banners during the Labor Day rallies in Manila. MATIKAS SANTOS

MANILA, Philippines – Partylists and senatorial candidates on Wednesday took the opportunity to show their campaign posters and slogans during the Labor Day rallies in Manila.

During the rally at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila, supporters of Anakpawis partylist carried placards calling for a P125 wage hike while at the same time wore a shirt that read “Iboto (Vote) #137 Anakpawis partylist.”

Piston partylist supporters carried a streamer that read “Wakasan ang dayuhang monopolyong kontrol sa langis, Isulong ang pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya,” and at the same time also wore shirts with “Iboto #37 Piston partylist.”

Campaign materials of senatorial candidate Teddy Casino steal show at the Labor Day rallies in Manila. MATIKAS SANTOS

Piston president George San Mateo, who spoke during the rally at the Liwasang Bonifacio, called on the government to uphold the rights of workers and, at the end of his speech, urged the protesters to vote for Piston partylist.

Campaign posters and banners of senatorial candidate Teddy Casino were seen on Jeepneys and other vehicles.

Partylist groups Gabriela, Bayan Muna, Migrante, and Act Teachers also brought their respective campaign materials to the rallies that went up to Mendiola Bridge.

Act teachers partylist played their campaign jingle ahead of the arrival of the main group of protesters.