LOOK: Workers converge at Mendiola for Labor Day protests

Protesters march toward the NHA office in Quezon City to demand end of contractualization. INQUIRER.net / PATHRICIA ANN V. ROXAS

Militant and labor groups converged at the Mendiola Peace Arch in Manila on Labor Day to stage a protest action against the government and demand the end of contractualization.

Protesters, mostly clad in red and carrying red banners, started forming on C.M. Recto Avenue at around 9:00 a.m. The protesters later marched toward Mendiola.

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As labor groups were converging along Mendiola, a rallyist from the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (Spark) was seen spraying paint on walls along C.M. Recto

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As of this posting, more labor groups were still coming in from various locations across Metro Manila toward the staging area.

Thousands of protesters converge at Welcome Rotonda before marching towards Mendiola for the Labor Day rally. https://t.co/9x9ZEbNxJo

— Path Roxas (@PathRoxasINQ) May 1, 2018

Around 700 police personnel were deployed to ensure peace and order during the protests.

Ending contractualization was one of the campaign promises made by President Rodrido Duterte when he was running for president.

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“The moment I assume presidency, contractualization will stop. They have to stop it,” President Duterte declared during a presidential debate. “That is an injustice committed against the people of the Republic of the Philippines. I will not allow that as President.”

But Malacañang on April 19 announced that Duterte would not sign the executive order drafted and agreed upon by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and labor groups, and that he would just leave the matter to Congress.

READ: Duterte won’t issue EO to stop ‘endo’; it’s up to Congress, says Palace

However, the Palace suggested that President Duterte may still backtrack his earlier position, depending on the outcome of the President’s meeting with Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello on Monday night, April 30.

READ: Duterte may still issue EO on ‘endo,’ says Palace

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced on Monday night that “there might be an EO that may or may not be signed depending on their meeting.” /jpv