May 1 is an occasion to advance the struggle of the toiling workers, that as we celebrate the 2020 Day of Workers during a global pandemic of COVID-19, we also remember the hard situation of our workers disenfranchised by this current crisis resulting from lockdown. All of our workers have no work, many companies are closing business, majority of our Filipino workers do not have health and social securities – workers have all the rights to be protected.

In solidarity with our workers, Pope Francis tweeted this message: “Today is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker and also International Labour Day. Let us #PrayTogether for all workers, so that no one might be without work and all might be paid a just wage. May all benefit from the dignity of work and the beauty of rest.” Echoing the long-standing christian position of protecting the dignity and rights of workers.

During this International Labor Day, we condemn the killing of our fellow patriot, Jory Porquia, murdered upon instigation by Rodrigo Duterte, a blood-tainted president of the President.

In 30 April 2020, a day before our International Labor Day, assassins suspected to be military men executed our fellow patriot, Jory Porquia, dedicated activist and current Bayan Muna Iloilo coordinator. This is the result from the instigation of the despotic Rodrigo Duterte, issuing a clear warning against organizations and leaders. Aware that even before and during this COVID-19 crisis, his state forces had been executing activists, organizers, leaders and ordinary citizens in cold blood. We shout for a united call of Justice for Jory!

We consistently cry for the End of the Killings! and End of the Duterte reign!
Let these killings and the attacks on the farmers, especially in Western Visayas be stopped.

We also condemn the arrests of activists and protesters all throughout the country doing protest actions for the Labor Day celebration and doing relief efforts.

Lest we forget, this administration must answer to the acts of injustice on our people.

(sgd.)
Fr. Mando Caldea
Sister Melchora Selang
Fr. Dominador Luna
Fr. Boy Marismo