Farmers’ and women’s groups protested in Mendiola in Manila on February 14 to call for the repeal of the Rice Liberalization Law (RLL), which was enacted on the same day in 2018. They denounced the liberalization of rice imports that further increased the price of rice, contrary to its promise to lower the price. The […]

Capitalists, their congressional defenders and state agencies, once again sang in chorus about the “detrimental effects” of wage increases on the economy and the workers themselves. “Small businesses will close!” “Fees and prices will increase!” and worst, “It will burden workers!” These excuses have long been repeatedly debunked. Ibon Foundation’s study of the country’s history […]

Always anxious, always stressed. Of course, that’s our sole means of livelihood,” shared Aling Myrna, wife of a jeepney driver who is also a bus conductor, when asked about the Marcos regime’s Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) phaseout program. This is the general sentiment of drivers and operators, their wives and families, even as the deadline […]

Cases of arrests, surveillance and harassment by military elements against progressives and activists in the Negros, Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions were recorded in recent weeks. In Negros Occidental, police arrested Pertinisa Jereula Charita, 55, while visiting her husband at the San Carlos City jail on February 13. According to Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN), […]