PROGRESSIVE groups Kilusang Mayo Uno-Southern Mindanao Region (KMU-SMR) and Bayan Muna gathered at Freedom Park, Roxas Avenue, Davao City, to highlight pressing issues on wages, jobs, education, social justice, and government accountability under the current administration.
Despite the sweltering heat, members marched along Roxas Avenue to voice their concerns about economic and social issues under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s leadership.
The groups criticized the recent minimum wage increase in the region to P481, calling it “loose change” compared to the P1,200 family living wage recommended by studies.
Anakbayan emphasized the need to continue fighting for a living wage that provides dignity for Filipino families.
Rauf Sissay, Southern Mindanao coordinator of Bayan Muna and Human Rights Desk Officer for KMU-SMR, said the protest also marked the 161st anniversary of Andres Bonifacio. He reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for the right to life, work, land, and democracy.
Sissay also condemned the recent demolition of street vendors by the Davao City LGU, describing it as a violation of livelihood rights.
Additionally, he criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential and intelligence funds under Sara Duterte’s leadership.
“Ang panawagan sa mga Pilipino ang pagpanubag sa tanan mga opisyales sa gobyerno partiukularmente ang kabahin sa confidential and intelligence fund sa Office of the Vice President ilalom ni Sara Duterte (Filipinos are demanding accountability from government officials, particularly on the OVP’s confidential and intelligence funds),” he said.
Anakbayan highlighted that ongoing political tensions between the Marcos and Duterte factions have left Filipinos in a precarious position. Instead of resolving poverty and food insecurity, the groups claim that these political camps prioritize infighting.
"Sa pakibag-bangi sa duha ka passion wala tay dapat dapigan kitang mga mamayan sa Pilipinas dapat mag dapig sa usat-usa sa krisis sa politika ang kataw-han mudapig dili sa US, dili kina Marcos ug dili pod sa mga Duterte ug dili sa China mudapig ta sa nag-kusog ug nag-daghan nga hanay sa massang Pilipino (In this political crisis, we, the Filipino people, must stand together. We should not side with the US, Marcos, Duterte, or China. We must support the growing strength of the Filipino masses),” they said. RGP