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[Statement] You miss the point, Mr. President, pork is essentially patronage, not only fund misuse -Kilusang #KonTRAPOrk

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

You miss the point, Mr. President, pork is essentially patronage, not only fund misuse

President Aquino’s televised address to the nation last night, October 30, 2013 on the issue of pork is a big disappointment.

P-Noy’s defense of the the Disbursement Acceleration Program ( DAP ) only shows that the President misses the essential point about the pork barrel issue – essential to transparent, accountable and honest governance. And that is – that pork, whether congressional or presidential- is a tool for patronage politics that breeds corruption and perpetuates elite dynasties in power.

We have no dispute with the need for the Executive to have a level of discretionary funds for contingencies, emergencies and disaster relief. However, there should be clear parameters in the amounts and how they are going to be spent. This should make the use and the auditing that follows less vulnerable to manipulation.

To attribute the many-sided and enlightening public discussion on DAPas the handiwork of those guilty of pocketing hundreds of millions, even billions of pesos of congressional pork , is as misleading as if not more than the attempts of congressional thieves to confuse the issues and muddle accountabilities.

The call to bring to justice all those who misused PDAF and other pork has always accompanied the demand to abolish all pork. That has been resounding from Luneta to Edsa to Makati to the increasing number of local assemblies and protest marches throughout the country. What concerns all is that justice may be thwarted in the labyrinth of the judicial system and the horse-trading between Malacanang and Congress.

What we expected from P-Noy last night was a list of needed reforms in the public finance system of the country, beginning with the elimination of all pork What we got was a shrouded defense of pork.
###

Press Statement of KILUSANG KONTRAPORK with FREEDOM FROM DEBT COALITION
In Response to Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III’s Address to Nation
(during the primetime telecast on October 30, 2013)

Follow and Like #KonTRAPOrk @https://www.facebook.com/KonTRAPOrk

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Various groups bash Aquino’s speech (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
BPO group to Aquino: We are not stupid (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
Pork barrel critics say Aquino missed the point in his television address (newsinfo.inquirer.net)

Statement

[In the news] Missing names, unassisted PWDs mar opening of barangay polls in Makati school -INQUIRER.net

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Missing names, unassisted PWDs mar opening of barangay polls in Makati school.
By Kristine Angeli Sabillo, INQUIRER.net
October 28, 2013

Barangay (village) polls at the Pio del Pilar Elementary School in Makati City started at 7 a.m. Monday but not without a hitch.

Voters said the process was orderly but some complained of missing names in the voters list and lack of assistance for persons with disabilities (PWD).

Pio Del Pilar has been tagged an election hotspot in the 2013 barangay polls.

Father Rene Lagaya said he did not have a problem voting in the school, host to 13000 registered voters, because of the systematic process and the smaller number of voters compared to the national elections.

However, Nenita Reyes, a senior citizen and PWD, said not only was she not assisted but she also could not find her name in the voters’ list.

Read full article @newsinfo.inquirer.net

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In the News

[Video] Lidy Nacpil’s Speech on Pork — Pork Barrel & Public Finance By Million People March

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Published on Oct 15, 2013 by Million People March
Lidy Nacpil’s Speech on Pork — Pork Barrel & Public Finance — at the October 4, 2012 Million People March @ Ayala organized by the #ScrapPork Network and its allies. You can view the PowerPoint Presentation accompanying her speech at http://www.scribd.com/doc/174071233/P… .

About the speaker:
Lidy Nacpil
Vice-President, Freedom From Debt Coalition

#ScrapPork Network Official Web Site: http://scrapporknetwork.com/
#ScrapPork Network Unity Statement: http://scrapporknetwork.com/scrappork…
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ScrapPork
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Scrap_Pork
Forum: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Milli…
E-mail: ScrapPork@gmail.com

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Video

[Press Release] Workers voice stand against pork barrel, patronage politics in Ayala rally -PM

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Workers voice stand against pork barrel, patronage politics in Ayala rally

The labor group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) said that the Million People March Part 2 in Ayala today will be an opportunity for workers to “register their voice against the pork barrel and patronage politics.” “Both the venue and protest date are significant to workers. The Ayala district is home to at least one million blue and white collar job workers. Beginning today workers in NCR are due to receive a P10 crumb from the new Wage Order,” stated PM Chair Renato Magtubo.

Insisting that “Through the system of withholding taxes on our salaries and wages, and VAT on the goods and services we buy, workers do not only pay the right amount of taxes on time, we also disproportionately provide a greater share of our income to the national treasury,” the group expected Makati employees and workers to participate actively in the protest.

Magtubo said workers are enraged at how billions of pesos of taxes that were paid out of workers’ productivity are appropriated by corrupt politicians among themselves. “The new economic formula called Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), since illegal, is nothing but contraband smuggled into the pockets of lawmakers for a special job well done,” said Magtubo, referring to the additional allocation to lawmakers on top of their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) after the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The labor leader and former party-list representative added that DAP, as explained by Malacanang, is a stimulant for ‘miscarriage’ and not for ‘growth’ since its implementation is worse than the PDAF. “The best thing it was able to achieve was boost the spending spree or personal savings of politicians not the purchasing power of ordinary workers,” Magtubo concluded.

PM is advocating the rechanneling of funds freed by the abolition of pork barrel to universal social protection such as universal healthcare, mass housing, public education, public employment, climate programs, and other services. Magtubo appealed to anti-pork protesters “Not to stop at abolition and push for an alternative fund distribution system in which social services will be as accessible as a right and not subject to the patronage of politicians. The anti-pork protest should develop into a movement for universal social protection and also converge with the anti-epal, anti-trapo and anti-dynasty advocacies of the last elections. Such is a roadmap towards lasting political change in our country.”

Upon its issuance last month, PM described the P10 wage order an insult and a classic case of bigay-bawi since its value eventually eroded by the impending MRT rate hike, increase in price of rice, and the looming power and water rates increases. Amidst the backdrop of protruding corruption scandals in the highest levels of government, Magtubo said, “the workers’ need to deliver its strongest condemnation of this system: Enough of this kind of rule!”

PRESS RELEASE
Partido ng Manggagawa
4 October 2013
Contact: Renato Magtubo @ 09178532905

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Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

Press Release

[Blog] Ang pagbabawal sa paggamit ng mga plastic bag ni Gregorio V. Bituin Jr.

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Ang pagbabawal sa paggamit ng mga plastic bag
ni Gregorio V. Bituin Jr.

Nang dumaan ang maraming bagyo sa bansa, tulad ng Roming, Milenyo, Ondoy, Pedring, Quiel, Sendong, Maring, at iba pa, naalarma ang marami sa malawakang pagbaha. Bata pa ako, ang kalsadang España sa Maynila ay binabaha na. Hanggang ngayon, binabaha pa rin. Kahit sa Lungsod ng Baguio, na naroon sa napakataas na bundok sa lalawigan ng Benguet, ay binaha noong Agosto 2012 ng bagyong Helen. Napakataas na lugar ngunit binaha. Bakit? Isa sa nakitang dahilan nito ang basurang plastik na siyang bumara sa mga kanal sa City Camp Lagoon sa Lungsod ng Baguio kaya hindi agad nawala ang tubig-baha.

Sa nangyaring pagkabara ng mga daan ng tubig sa iba’t ibang lugar na binaha dulot ng malakas na ulan, nag-atas ang maraming lungsod at bayan na ipinagbabawal na ang itinuturing na dahilan ng pagbabara ng mga daanang tubig. Ito ang pagbabawal ng paggamit ng plastik sa kanilang mga lugar na nasasakupan. Nariyan ang Lungsod ng Makati at Quezon, ang bayan ng Calamba sa Laguna, sa Lungsod ng Cebu, at sa marami pang bahagi ng bansa. Gayunman, sa ulat ng GMA 7, may anim na lungsod ang hindi sang-ayon sa pagbabawal ng mga plastic bag, at ito’y ang mga lungsod ng Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, San Juan, Parañaque at Valenzuela. Sa anim na iyon, mapapayag man ang lima na ipagbawal ang plastik, hindi ito magagawa ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela dahil karamihan ng mga industriya ng plastik ay nasa lupaing nasasakop nila. Ayon sa mga datos ng City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) ng Valenzuela noong 2012, may 224 na kumpanya ng plastik at pagawaan ng goma sa lungsod. At ang mga kumpangyang ito ang mga malalaking nagbabayad ng buwis sa pamahalaang lungsod.

Gayunman, mas nakapokus ang kampanya laban sa mga bag na plastik, at hindi sa iba pang uri ng plastik. Ibig sabihin, ipinagbabawal na ang paggamit ng mga bag na plastik sa pamamalengke. Dapat mayroon nang dalang bayong o mga telang bag, kapalit ng plastic bag, ang mga mamimili.

Ayon sa grupong EcoWaste Coalition (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Hulyo 4, 2013), umaabot na sa siyamnapung (90) lungsod at bayan ang nagpasa ng ordinansa na nagbabawal o kaya’y nagsagawa na ng patakaran sa wastong paggamit ng mga bag na plastik. Madaragdagan pa ang bilang na ito bago matapos ang taon, ayon pa sa Ecowaste. Noong Hulyo 3, 2013, pinangunahan ng EcoWaste ang mahigit limangdaang (500) katao, na kinabibilangan ng mga estudyante, opisyal ng paaralan, mga opisyal ng samahan ng magulang at guro, mga beauty queens at mga makakalikasan upang gunitain ang ikaapat na “International Plastic Bag-Free Day” o “Pandaigdigang Araw na Walang Bag na Plastik”. Nanawagan din sila sa pambansang pamahalaan na magsagawa ng mga batas at patakarang nagbabawal sa mga bag na plastik sa buong bansa.

Nang magsimula ako sa kilusang makakalikasan, nakadaupang palad ko ang ilang mga taong naging bahagi ng pag-unlad ko sa gawaing makakalikasan. Isa ako sa naimbitahan noon sa bahay ni Odette Alcantara, noong nabubuhay pa siya, sa kanyang bahay sa Blue Ridge, kasama ang ilang dumadalo rin sa Kamayan Forum sa Edsa, at nakita ko kung paano ba pinagbubukod ang nabubulok sa hindi nabubulok. Ang mga nabubulok, tulad ng dahon, papel, at pagkain, ay ibinabaon nila sa lupa. Merong maliit na lote sa malapit sa kanila ang pinagbabaunan ng mga nabubulok. Iyon namang hindi nabubulok, tulad ng bote, lata, at plastik, ay ibinubukod at ibinebenta, ang lata ay pinipipi bago ibenta, at inihihiwalay ang plastik. Doon ko rin nalaman ang tungkol sa Linis Ganda, kung saan may mga kariton itong nangunguha ng mga hindi nabubulok upang magamit pang muli, o yaong tinatawag na resiklo.

Ngunit bakit nga ba sinisisi at itinuturong dahilan ang mga bag na plastik sa mga nangyayaring kalamidad, lalo na ang baha? Gayunman, pag nagbaha sa mga lungsod at bayan, hindi kaagad ang mga pagkakabara ng plastik ang sinisisi ng pamahalaan, kundi ang mga maralitang nakatira sa may tabing ilog, estero at ilalim ng tulay. Imbes na pagtuunan ang dahilan ng pagkabara ng mga daanang tubig na ito, agad sinisisi ang mga dukha at pinagbibintangang siyang nagtatapon ng mga basura, lalo na ng plastik, sa tubig. Kailangan nilang umalis sa lugar, kung hindi’y sapilitan silang idedemolis. Patunay dito ang planong paglilikas sa mga maralitang nakatira sa tabing-ilog, mula sa apat na malalaking ilog at apat na estero, ito ay ang mga ilog ng San Juan, Pasig, Tullahan, Manggahan floodway at mga esterong Maricaban, Tripa de Galina, Maypajo at Sunog Apog. Kung hindi kaya nakakababara ang plastik, sisisihin kaya ang maralita sa pagbaha? Sa bandang huli, plastik na ang sinisisi ng marami dahil sa baradong mga daluyan ng tubig, at binabarahan ito ng mga basurang plastik.

Bakit plastik? Dahil hindi ito nabubulok. Kaya pag nagbara sa kanal, sasaluhin nito ang mga tubig at pipigilan. Hindi tulad ng mga nabubulok tulad ng papel, karton, at dahon, na sa pagdaan ng panahon ay mabubulok na pag humalo sa lupa, ang plastik ay hindi nagbabago. Maaaring ito’y masira ngunit hindi ito nabubulok. Ngunit hindi lang simpleng plastik ang napapag-initan dito, kundi ang bag na plastik. Ito’y dahil ito ang pang-araw-araw na gamit ng tao na madaling itapon pag nagamit na. Ayon nga sa pahayag ni Gng. Sonia Mendoza, na namumuno sa Task Force on Plastics ng EcoWaste Coalition: “Plastic bags are the embodiment of an antiquated, throw-away mentality that we need to urgently address.” (Ang mga bag na plastik ang pinakadiwa ng isang pag-iisip na makaluma at ugaling tapon ng taon na kinakailangan nating tugunan agad.)

Throw-away mentality. Ugaling tapon ng tapon kahit saan. Ito ang dapat unawain at solusyunan. Tulad na lang ng simpleng pagtatapon ng balat ng kendi. Kukunin ang kendi, tatanggalin ang nakabalot na plastik sa kendi, isusubo, at itatapon na ang balat ng kendi kung saan-saan. Dahil marumi na raw iyon at basura na. Ngunit basura lang iyon pag naitapon, gayong pwede naman itong ibulsa muna. Bakit ibulsa? May dalawang bahagi ang biniling kendi. Ang laman at ang balat o ang balot na plastik. Hindi ito basura at hindi ito marumi. Bakit nang pinaghiwalay ang dalawa, isinubo ang laman, ay itinuring nang marumi ang balat kaya itinatapon na agad gayong nang may laman pa itong kendi ay hindi naman itinuturing na marumi? Dahil sa throw-away mentality. Yung wala nang pakinabang o wala nang silbi ay dapat nang itapon. Ang balat ng kendi, imbes na ibulsa muna dahil walang basurahang mapagtapunan, ay tinatapon na lang kung saan-saan dahil pinandidirihan na itong ibulsa. Pero ito’y sa usapin ng balat ng kendi pa lamang, at hindi pa sa plastic bag.

Sa mga malalaking tapunan ng basura, halimbawa, sa Payatas, kitang-kita ang napakaraming tambak ng basurang plastik. Sakali mang itapon ng wasto ang mga plastik, napakaraming taon ang bibilangin bago ito mabulok, kung mabubulok ito. Kung hindi naman ito maitatapon ng wasto, babara ang mga plastik na ito sa imburnal, kanal, at magpaparumi sa ilog, dagat, at iba pang daanan ng tubig, at nakakaapekto rin ng malaki sa tahanan ng mga hayop. Maaari ding akalaing pagkain ito ng mga hayop at isda sa dagat, na siyang ikamamatay ng mga ito. Ang matindi pa rito ay kung nagtatapon ng basurang nakabalot sa plastik, lalo na ng itim na garbage bags, sa dagat mula sa mga barko. Tiyak na apektado rito ang mga nabubuhay na mga isda’t iba pang hayop sa karagatan.
May mga balitang namatay ang isang balyena nang makakain ito ng isang plastik bag na puno ng basura. Dagdag pa rito, ang mga plastic bag ay nagmumukhang dikya o jelly fish na maaaring makain ng mga gutom na pagong at iba pang nabubuhay sa karagatan.

Ang mismong pagkakadeklara sa Hulyo 3 bilang “International Plastic Bag-Free Day” ay nagpapakitang matindi talaga ang negatibong epekto ng mga plastic bag sa ating kapaligiran. Kinakailangan pa ng deklaradong araw para lang sa kampanyang ito. Bakit pinag-initan ang bag na plastik at hindi ang iba pang klase ng plastik?

Alamin muna natin ang iba’t ibang klase ng plastik. Batay sa pananaliksik, may pitong klase ng plastik. Noong 1988, nagsagawa ng sistema ng pagklasikipa ng plastik ang Society of Plastic Industries (SPI) upang malaman ng mga bibili at ng mga magreresiklo nito ang iba’t ibang klase ng plastik. Ang mga kumpanyang gumagawa ng produktong plastik ay naglalagay ng kodang SPI, o numero, sa bawat produktong plastik, na karaniwang nakaukit sa ilalim ng produkto. Ito’y ang mga sumusunod:

1. Polyethylene terephtalate, o PETE. Ito ang uri ng plastik na ginagamit sa mga inuming nakalalasing, lalagyan ng medisina, lubid, hibla ng karpet at pananamit. Karaniwang nareresiklo ang mga bagay na yari sa ganitong uri ng plastik.

2. High-density polyethylene, o HDPE. Ito naman ang uri ng plastik na ginagamit na lalagyan ng langis sa makina, shampoo at kondisyuner, bote ng sabon, detergent at bleach. Karaniwan ding nareresiklo ang mga bagay na yari sa plastik na ito. Gayunman, hindi ito ligtas na gamiting muli ang mga boteng yari sa HDPE na lalagyan ng pagkain o inuman kung sa orihinal ay hindi ito ang gamit noon.

3. Polyvinyl chloride, o PVC (V). Ito ang ginagamit sa plastik na tubo, plastik na credit cards, frame ng bintana at pinto, gutter, mga produktong synthetic leather. Paminsan-minsan ay nareresiklo ito, ngunit ang ganitong uri ng plastik ay hindi ginagamit sa pagkain, dahil maaaring makasama sa katawan.

4. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Ito ang ginagamit sa mga plastik bag na pang-groseri, o yaong pambalot ng mga karne, isda, at gulay sa palengke, at plastik na pambalot ng tinapay sa panaderya. Paminsan-minsan ay nareresiklo ang mga ganitong plastik.

5. Polypropylene (PP). Matibay ang ganitong uri ng plastik at kayang tumagal sa mas mataas na temperatura. Ginagamit ito sa paggawa ng baunan ng pagkain (lunch box), lalagyan ng margarina, bote ng medisina at syrup, boteng pandede ng bata, istro, at mga plastik na tansan. Kadalasang nreresiklo rin ito.

6. Polystyrene, o iyong styrofoam (PS). Ito naman yung ginagamit sa pagkain, tulad ng plato, kutsara’t tinidor, at baso, plastik na lagayan ng itlog, mga tray sa fast foods. Karaniwan din itong nareresiklo, bagamat napakahirap.

7. At iba pang plastik (Other). Sa kategoryang ito pumapasok ang mga uri ng plastik na hindi nakapaloob sa naunang anim, at ito ang mga bagay na napapalamnan ng plastik na naimbento makaraan ang 1987. Sa kategoryang ito nakapaloob ang polycarbonate at polylactide. Kasama sa mga produkto nito ang mga sports equipment, mga gamit pang-medikal at dental, CD, DVD, at kahit na yaong mga iPods.

Sa mga klaseng ito, bagamat lahat ay maaaring makabara sa kanal, ang karaniwang itinatapon bilang basurang nakakabara sa kanal ay yaong plastik bag at mga pambalot ng bigas, karne, isda’t gulay sa palengke. Ang plastik na ito ang pinakapopular sa halos lahat ng uri ng tao, bata’t matanda, dukha’y mayaman, babae’t lalaki. Nakita ko mismo ang dami ng plastik na ito na nagkalat mismo sa gitna ng dagat. Grabe.

Noong Agosto 16, 2006 ay nakasama ako sa isang aktibidad ng SALIKA (Saniblakas ng Inang Kalikasan) at EcoWaste Coalition sa Roxas Blvd. sa Maynila, kung saan nagtanggal kami ng mga plastik na basura sa dagat, at pinaghiwa-hiwalay ang mga ito batay sa uri ng plastik. Pawang nakuha namin dito ay mga plastik na kabilang sa ikaapat na klase, o iyung LDPE (Low-density polyethylene). Pawang mga gamit sa pang-araw-araw ng tao. Bandang hapon ng araw ding iyon, sumakay kami sa nakahimpil na barko ng Greenpeace, ang MV Esperanza, sa daungan ng Maynila. Mula sa barko, nakita namin ang napakaraming basurang plastik na naglulutangan sa dagat. Naisip ko tuloy, napakaliit na bagay lang ang ginawa namin, ngunit kung laging gagawin araw-araw ay malaki na ang mababawas. Ngunit ang problema, patuloy namang nagtatapon ng basura at dumarami pa sa dagat, kaya paano ito mauubos. Habang nagbabawas ka ng paunti-unti, malaki naman ang nadaragdag na basurang plastik sa dagat.

Ipinagbawal din ang pagsusunog ng basura, dahil masama sa katawan ng tao ang amoy ng nasusunog na plastik. Sa mga bakuran o tarangkahan ng mga bahay-bahay, lalo na sa mga lalawigan, ay mahilig magsunog ng basura. Iipunin ang mga dahon-dahon at sisigaan tabi ng isang puno upang maalis umano ang mga peste at gumanda, lumago at mamunga ang puno. Ang problema ay kung may nasasamang plastik sa nasusunog na basura. Karamihan ng basura sa mga bahay-bahay ngayon ay napakaraming plastik at may mga papel na dumaan sa kemikal. Pag sinunog ito, nagiging polusyon ito sa hangin at madaling masinghot. Ang mga abo naman nito ay maaaring hanginin o kaya’y mahalo sa tubig sa ilalim ng lupa. May ibinubugang lason ang pagsusunog ng basura, lalo na’t may plastik. Nariyan ang dioxin na nagdudulot ng kanser, at nagpapahina ng immune system, dahil na rin sa pagkasunog ng mga basurang may halong PVC. Nariyan din ang nitrogen oxides at sulfur oxides na nagdudulot ng sakit sa baga, sa respirasyon, at sa central nervous system. Nilalason din nito ang mga lupa at tubig na dulot ng asidong ulan. Imbes magsunog ng basura, paghiwalayin ang nabubulok sa hindi nabubulok. Ibaon sa lupa ang mga nabubulok, at iresiklo ang mga hindi nabubulok.

Matagal na nating kasama ang plastic bag, ngunit paano ba ang dapat nating gawin? Bukod sa pagbabawal sa paggamit ng mga bag na plastik sa iba’t ibang lungsod at bayan, ano pa ang ginagawang inisyatiba ng pamahalaan at ng ating mga kababayan?

Marami nang nangangampanya laban sa plastic bag sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo. Nariyan din ang “Ban the Bag! – A campaign to end single use plastic bags in Portland” sa facebook. Nariyan din ang Ban the Bag Alliance sa Australia, http://www.banthebag.com.au. Ayon sa pahayagang Jordan Times, “UNESCO launches campaign against plastic bags”, ibig sabihin, kahit ang isang sangay ng United Nations, ay nangangampanya na rin laban sa paggamit ng mga plastik bag. Anupa’t sadyang pandaigdigan ang kampanyang ito. Sa Jakarta Post naman, ibinalita nitong may 150 boluntaryo sa Aceh ang nangangampanya sa mga Indones na bawasan na ang paggamit ng mga plastic bag upang mabawasan ang mga basurang plastik, at isa sa kanilang mga aksyon ay ang pagpapalit ng sampung plastic bag kapalit ng isang telang grocery bag. Sa ating bansa naman ay nariyan ang EcoWaste Coalition, Green Convergence, at iba pang grupo na ayaw sa plastik. Kailangan nating magpakatotoo sa kampanyang ito, dahil kung hindi, matuturing lang tayong plastik.

May iba’t ibang bansa na ang nagpasa ng batas sa kanilang bansa na nagbabawal sa mga plastic bag. Nariyan ang The Punjab Plastic Bags Control Act sa bansang India. Sa bansang Tasmania ay nariyan ang “Plastic Shopping Bags Ban Bill 2013. Sa ating bansa, nariyan ang panukalang batas sa Senado, ang Senate Bill 2759, na pinamagatang “Total Plastic Bag Ban Act of 2011” o AN ACT PROHIBITING THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS IN GROCERIES, RESTAURANTS, AND OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.

Mabubuod sa Seksyon 3 ang pangunahing nilalaman ng panukalang batas na ito: “Sec. 3. Prohibition. – Groceries, supermarkets, public markets, restaurants, fast food chains, department stores, retail stores and other similar establishments are hereby prohibited from.using non-biodegradable plastic bags. All aforementioned establishments shall only provide recyclable paper bags and/ or biodegradable plastic bags to its customers.”

Sa Mababang Kapulungan naman ng Kongreso, inaprubahan ng mga mambabatas ang House Bill 4840 o The Plastic Bag Regulation Act of 2011. Pinapatakaran ng nasabing panukalang batas ang wastong paggamit ng mga plastic bag, at paglikha ng isang “plastic bag recovery system”. Ayon kay Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro), isa sa may-akda ng panukalang batas, “The State must ensure that contaminants to the environment, such as plastic and plastic bags, be prevented from being introduced into the ecosystem.” Inirerekomenda sa HB 4840 ang pag-alis (phase out) sa mga di-nabubulok na plastic bag sa loob ng tatlong taon matapos itong maisabatas.

Sabi naman ni Rep. Aurelio Gonzales (3rd District, Pampanga), na isa rin sa may-akda ng panukala, “The phase-out of plastic bags is a practical contribution to the collective efforts of solving the country’s environmental problems.” (Ang pag-alis sa mga bag na plastik ay isang praktikal na ambag sa kolektibong pagsisikap na maresolba ang mga problemang pangkapaligiran ng bansa.) Ayon naman sa prinsipal na may-akda ng panukala na si Rep. Oscar Malapitan (1st District, Caloocan City), “the recovery system will lead citizens to exert effort and give their due share in protecting the environment by bringing used plastic bags to stores and commercial establishments which in turn shall provide the logistics for recovery of these plastic shopping bags.”

Hindi pa mga ganap na batas ang mga ito. Kaya bilang simpleng mamamayan, paano tayo tutulong sa kampanyang ito? Unang-una na, sa pamamagitan ng leadership by example, dapat makita mismo sa atin na hindi na tayo gumagamit ng plastic bag, sanayin natin ang ating sarili at pamilya na sa araw at gabi ay walang mga plastic bag sa ating tahanan at pinagtatrabahuhan, at pawang mga biodegradable bag na lang ang ating gagamitin. Ibig sabihin, may mga bag na tela na maaari nating dalhin. Hindi ito kagaya ng mga plastic bag na hindi naman natin nakasanayang iresiklo. Ikalawa, ikampanyang maisabatas ang mga batas na nagbabawal ng plastik. Ikatlo, libutin natin ang mga eskwelahan at mga pagawaan upang magbigay ng edukasyon laban sa paggamit ng mga plastic bags. Ikaapat, nasasa inyo ang desisyon, mga kaibigan, upang makapag-ambag sa pagresolba ng isang malawakang problema.

Marami pa tayong magagawa upang mabawasan ang paggamit ng mga plastic bag, at sa kalaunan ay tuluyan nang mawala ang mga ito. Mangyayari lang ito kung seryoso tayong kikilos upang maisakatuparan ang lahat ng mga adhikaing ito para sa kinabukasan natin at ng mga susunod pang henerasyon.

Mga pinaghalawan:

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/318144/news/specialreports/as-ban-on-plastic-bags-spreads-valenzuela-stubbornly-says-no

’Plastic ban Saturday’ ordinance takes effect this week

Environmentalists seek nationwide plastic ban

http://plasticbagbanreport.com/phillipines-legarda-files-total-plastic-bag-ban-act/
http://plasticbagbanreport.com/philippines-house-of-representatives-vote-to-regulate-plastic-bags/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic

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Blog

[Statement] Labor group urges Napoles to bare all in open court -PM

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Labor group urges Napoles to bare all in open court

Perhaps everyone at this point in time, including politicians in Malacanang, want a share of a limelight from Janet Lim Napoles. So whether she is a real VIP or someone who finds Malacanang as the safest place to surrender had become the subject of wild speculations.

We heard the explanations of Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on the circumstances behind the graceful end of the August hunt for Napoles. We would leave the Palace do the explaining on this matter.

What is important now is we finally have Napoles. But the people are really not after her body, despite her VIP treatment last night. What we are more interested is how she is going to tell her story about the whole pork barrel racket. Will she bare all? Or will she be just another Jocjoc Bolante, Garci or Lentang Bedol in the making?

Our challenge is for her to bare all and for Malacanang to ensure that she is not coached or censored under custody. People were already suspicious about her VIP surrender. Malacanang cannot afford another blunder if Napoles comes out in tight lips.

One way to erase this suspicion is to hold the Napoles trial in an open court, similar to how the impeachment trial of Renato Corona was conducted.

PRESS STATEMENT
Partido ng Manggagawa
29 August 2013
Contact Renato Magtubo @ 09178532905

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Statement

[From the web] DEU Braves: Letter of Thanks

Posted on August 3, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

DEU Braves: Letter of Thanks.

WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOU, THANK YOU!

August 2, 2013

To All Our Sympathizers, Supporters and Well-wishers,

We, members of Digitel Employees Union, would like to extend our heartfelt and cordial appreciation for the help and support you provided us during the time of our struggle.

Thank you for the moral support, financial assistance, principled backing, sound guidance, motivation, encouragement and most of all, for your love and fervent prayers.

Through your aid, we were able to sustain almost four (4) months of our picket activities and protest programs at two (2) different locations, PLDT Main Office at Ayala, Makati and DOLE Office at Intramuros, Manila. You were with us as when we braved the heat, rain and cold nights in the picket line.

You shared our hopes and lifted our morale when we felt weak and unsure. Even if you did not know us, you welcomed us and we are overwhelmed by your generosity and selflessness.

In the end, we won because we were united, all of us, in pushing for union recognition, in fighting contractualization and in righting what is wrong.

We are pleased to tell you that last July 30, 2013; the Office of DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz issued and ordered the ACTUAL REINSTATEMENT of the remaining members of DEU.

Be one with us; let us remain VIGILANT and WATCHFUL in the progress, development and full realization of our RIGHT and FIGHT.

Again, THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU and GOD BLESS US MORE A HUNDREDFOLD.

Sincerely,

DEU Braves

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From the web

[Press Release] DOLE and PLDT play Dodgeball; DEU vigilant while waiting on the sidelines

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

DOLE and PLDT play Dodgeball;
DEU vigilant while waiting on the sidelines
Reclaim Workers Dignity: Justice for DEU Workers

The Digitel Employees Union now have two Protest Centers: the first one was erected in front of PLDT Main Office at Ayala, Makati City last April 10, 2013; and the second one was built in front of DOLE Office at Intramuros, Manila last July 4, 2013.

These regular employees were illegally terminated from DIGITEL, first quarter of 2013, and were immediately replaced by contractual workers. The finalization of PLDT-DIGITEL sales/share-swap was October of 2012. But the Corporation Code (sec. 80) states that … The surviving or consolidated entity must, therefore, recognize the security of tenure and length of service of the workers of the merging or consolidating corporations….

Members of DEU are seeking full implementation and complete realization of the Writ-of-Execution order signed and issued by the Honorable DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz last March 19, 2013, bolstered by the January 21, 2013 Supreme Court decision with Finality that was in favor of DEU, wherein it directs DIGITEL to commence Collective Bargaining Agreement with DEU and to reinstate affected employees.

This decision capped the nine (9) years of struggle of DEU, winning all 25 legal battles against DIGITEL-PLDT. But then, PLDT Management keeps on ignoring the decision and order of the Supreme Court and the Office of Department of Labor and Employment. Meanwhile, the Office of DOLE Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz cannot enforce and carry out its own directive and order.

PLDT management is not only playing tricks on the humble workers and the Filipino people; but also, they are playing around the justice system of the Philippines, making a mockery of the rule of law.

Take note of the facts and figures, and you be the judge.

Court Cases LOST WON

DIGITEL-PLDT 25 0 (ZERO)

Digitel Employees Union 0 25 + Writ-of-Execution

Press Release
July 5, 2013

FOR REFERENCE:
Alan Licardo – President – 09225375689
Fritz Alzuelo – Vice President – 09225342986
Blogsite: digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com/
Email: digitel.employees.union@gmail.com
Twitter: @DEUbraves
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/digitelemployeesunion/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/DEUBraves
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/deubraves

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Press Release

[From the web] PLDT suko na! -DEU

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

PLDT suko na! / Published : Saturday, June 08, 2013 / Written by : People’s Tonight.

NAPIPINTO na umanong matapos ang pag-aaklas ng mga miyembro ng Digitel Employees’ Union (DEU) na magtatatlong buwan nang naka-hunger strike dahil sa iligal na pagsibak ng Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) sa mga kawani ng Digitel makaraang mabili ang nasabing telco noong 2011. Batay sa report, pagbibigyan na ng pamunuan ng PLDT ang mga kahilingan ng DEU, kabilang ang pagbabalik sa trabaho ng kanilang mga kasamahan at ang gawing regular na empleyado ng PLDT ang mga ito.

Sa kabila ng magandang balitang ito ay hindi pa rin lubusang natutuwa ang DEU dahil sa agam-agam na walang pakialam ang PLDT sa kapakanan ng mga empleyado nito.

Sa panayam sa ilang miyembro ng DEU na tumangging ipabanggit ang kanilang pangalan, ginagamit umano ng naturang telco ang Beneficial Trust Fund (BTF) na nakalaan sa pensiyon ng mga magreretirong empleyado sa ibang pagkakagastusan.

Read full article @digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com

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From the web

[Press Release] PLDT Opens Door for Digitel Workers, Protest Center Continues -DEU

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

PLDT Opens Door for Digitel Workers, Protest Center Continues

The labor dispute between the management and the affected workers has reached preliminary settlement purposes. This was the result of the latest round of tripartite dialogue between the PLDT Management, DOLE and Digitel Employees Union (DEU) last May 27.

The remaining 88 employees based on the list submitted by the DEU will be subject to PLDT’s medical and interview screening for employment purposes. A coordination committee will be created to oversee the smooth and organized implementation of the activity.

As a sign of trust and confidence to the intention of PLDT management, the Union removed placards, signage and streamers at the picket line.

PLDT estimates that the process of screening will take about three (3) weeks, thereafter, a conciliation proceeding under the auspices of CMO-OSEC will be temporarily suspended until the next meeting on June 28, 2013 at 10:00 AM.

It’s been 49 days now, since the Digitel employees started a picket in front of the PLDT main office at Ayala, Makati last April 10, 2013, because they were illegally terminated from their regular jobs. Armed with the Supreme Court decision, G.R.No. 184903-04 issued with finality last January 21, 2013 and the Department of Labor and Employment order, the Writ of Execution issued last March 19, 2013, these Digitel employees are looking for justice, urging PLDT/DIGITEL management to respect the law.

The preliminary settlement between PLDT and DEU would be a big relief to their struggle; it came at a time where children of the affected employees are waiting and unsure if they would be back to school this June. DEU President Alan Licardo said,” We want to ensure that our kids will have a good future, but we will only be able to do that if we will have our jobs back.”

the DEU workers are still vigilant on the initial settlement offered by the management. They are expecting a speedy resolution to their cause; they are hopeful that PLDT management under the leadership of Manny Pangilinan, PLDT Chairman, and Butch Jimenez, PLDT Human Resources SVP, will abide by the Supreme Court decision and the DOLE order.

FOR REFERENCE:
Alan Licardo – President – 09225375689 Fritz Alzuelo – Vice President – 09225342986

Blogsite: digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com/ Email: digitel.employees.union@gmail.com

Twitter: @DEUbraves or twitter.com/DEUbraves Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/DEUBraves

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/digitelemployesunion/
Petition Site: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/405/755/620/digitel-employees-union-fights-for-its-labor-rights/

Press Release

May 29, 2013

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Press Release

[Statement] Reclaim Workers Dignity: Justice to DEU Workers

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Reclaim Workers Dignity: Justice to DEU Workers
Vigilance at Latest Tripartite Hearing Stressed

Members of Digitel Employees Union (DEU) are currently engaged in a labor dispute against the telecommunication giant PLDT/DIGITEL, the outcome of which may redefine the enjoyment of labor rights of workers everywhere.

It has been forty two (42) days since April 10 that ninety three (93) members of DEU launched a peaceful protest in front of PLDT Main Office at Ayala, Makati City against the closure/redundancy by DIGITEL-PLDT implemented last February 7, 2013. Thirty six (36) days back, last April 16, some members led by DEU president Alan Licardo started a Hunger Strike to highlight their protest and plight at the hands of the PLDT/DIGITEL management.

According to PLDT, the closure was because of ‘end of life’ facilities of the latter, DIGITEL, and has earned telecommunication giant PLDT, P1.5 Billion in savings. Even former owner John Gokongwei got Php 1 Billion dividend in the last quarter of 2012, while PLDT earned Php 37 Billion net profit as a result of this business coup.

Indeed, the redundancy was merely a blind to render moot the earlier Supreme Court decision issued last January 21, 2013 that would have been a fitting end to almost twenty years of struggle with management to exercise the right of DEU to collectively bargain.

It also violates the Corporation Code (sec. 80) states that: The surviving or consolidated entity must, therefore, recognize the security of tenure and length of service of the workers of the merging or consolidating corporations.

DIGITEL is not losing money and their jobs still exist. But rather than retain as regulars, workers were offered Early Retirement and Voluntary Resignation Programs (ERP/VRP) and were promised to be re-hired. Unfortunately, most of those who took a chance in availing ERP/VRP-Rehire program gave up their job security and benefits: some ended up working as contractuals under PLDT’s outsourcing companies like PeopleServe and ServeFlex; others “failed” to pass probationary employment; and, there are those who did not pass their medical tests. Only a handful got to actually work for PLDT.

These affected employees are engineers and multi-skilled technicians that come from various DIGITEL offices across Luzon, they are held hostage by this unlawful act of the management that jeopardized not only their means of livelihood but also the dreams of their children and the future of labor.

Last March 19, 2013, a WRIT OF EXECUTION was issued by Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. The DOLE orders the commencement of Collective Bargaining Agreement and reinstatement of affected employees. In the meantime, PLDT-DIGITEL has continued to defy the order of the the Highest Court of the Philippines, making a mockery of the rule of law and the concept of justice.

Now there is an on-going tripartite hearing between PLDT-DIGITEL, DEU and mediated by DOLE, the workers will keep watch and be vigilant that justice for their fight be theirs and in so doing reclaim the dignity of labor, often sacrificed for profit. Their demand: give them back their regular jobs. Restore the pride and dignity of labor.

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Statement

[Statement] Reclaim Dignity of Workers.. Justice for the Braves! -DEU

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Reclaim Dignity of Workers.. Justice for the Braves!

Members of Digitel Employees Union (DEU) are currently engaged in a labor dispute against the telecommunication giant PLDT/DIGITEL, the outcome of which may redefine the satisfaction of labor rights to workers everywhere.

Forty two (42) days ago, last April 10, 93 members of DEU launched a peaceful protest in front of PLDT Main Office at Ayala, Makati City. They launched picket activities because after PLDT acquired DIGITEL, closure due to end-of-life facilities and redundancy greeted the workers last February 7, 2013. They were illegally terminated from their regular jobs, a stumbling block to the favorable Supreme Court decision issued with finality dated January 21, 2013 that would have been a fitting end to almost twenty years of struggle with management to exercise the right of DEU to collectively bargain.

Thirty six (36) days back, last April 16, some members led by DEU president Alan Licardo started a Hunger Strike to highlight their protest and plight at the hands of the PLDT/DIGITEL management. The PLDT/DIGITEL closure and integration to justify redundancy violates corporate law wherein the Corporation Code (sec. 80) states that: The surviving or consolidated entity must, therefore, recognize the security of tenure and length of service of the workers of the merging or consolidating corporations.

DIGITEL is not losing money, why were the employees given the boot? When in fact, former owner John Gokongwei got Php 1 Billion dividend in the last quarter of 2012, while PLDT earned Php 37 Billion net profit as a result of this business coup. Instead, regular employees were offered Early Retirement and Voluntary Resignation Programs (ERP/VRP) and were promised to be re-hired. Unfortunately, most of those who took a chance in availing ERP/VRP-Rehire program gave up their job security and benefits: some ended up working as contractuals under PLDT’s outsourcing companies like PeopleServe and ServeFlex; others “failed” to pass probationary employment; and, there are those who did not pass their medical tests. Only a handful got to actually work for PLDT.

Last March 19, 2013, a WRIT OF EXECUTION was issued by Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. The DOLE orders the commencement of Collective Bargaining Agreement and reinstatement of affected employees. These affected employees are engineers and multi-skilled technicians that come from various DIGITEL offices across Luzon, they are held hostage by this unlawful act of the management that jeopardized not only their means of livelihood but also the dreams of their children and the future of labor

The brave men and women of DEU are against the mass termination, union busting and contractualization implemented by the PLDT/DIGITEL management which aims to frustrate the implementation of the SC decision and DOLE order. Their continuous defiance on the directive makes the Highest Court of the Philippines appear stupid and powerless, a mockery on the idea of rule of law and justice.

In the face of these challenges, the DEU members are determined and committed in continuing the struggle that has earned them 25 favorable court decisions in a span of nine (9) years. Sadly, all these legal wins seem to have no bearing on an influential and rich company like PLDT.

Digitel workers deserve respect, their labor and human rights must never be sacrificed for the need of profit. Give them back their regular jobs. Restore the pride and dignity of labor.##

FOR REFERENCE:

Alan Licardo – President – 09225375689
Fritz Alzuelo – Vice President – 09225342986

Blogsite: digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com/
Email: digitel.employees.union@gmail.com
Twitter: @DEUbraves or twitter.com/DEUbraves
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/DEUBraves
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/digitelemployeesunion/
Petition Site: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/405/755/620/digitel-employees-union-fights-for-its-labor-rights/

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Statement

[Update/Campaign] Makati Commercial Estate Association Pinababaklas ang DEU Piketlayn -DEU

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Makati Commercial Estate Association Pinababaklas ang DEU Piketlayn

Photo by DEU

Makati— Tuloy-tuloy ang harassment sa mapayapang picketlayn ng mga Digitel Employees Union (DEU) sa PLDT Main Office sa Makati, kung dati mula sa mga security guards ng kumpanya, ngayon nama’y mula sa MAPSA at Makati Commercial Estate Association (MACEA).

Bandang alas-diyes y medya ng umaga ng April 27, dumating si Major Castor kasama ang 2 eskort na pulis ay inispeksyon ang piketlayn ng mga manggagawa ng DEU, kung saan ilan sa kanila ay nagsasagawa ng hunger strike. May pumaradang isang police mobile sa dulo ng piketlayn, at isa pang police mobile ay pumarada naman sa kalsadang katapat ng picketline.

Alas diyes singko ng umaga, dumating ang MAPSA at hinanap ang mga DEU officers, pagkaraan ng ilang minuto ay sila rin ay umalis.

Pagkaraan ng 20 minuto, dumating sa piketlayn ang Infra Security na may dalang order mula sa MACEA Ayala kung saan pinatatanggal ang mga streamers at placards sa mga perimeter railings, sa kadahilang ito’y “ private property “. Kasama din nila si Eduardo Balagot, tumatayong OIC ng naturang asosasyon at limang security personnel: Agapito J. Z, Avina R.R., Novaza, J.G., Lambayong R. G. at isa pang hindi nakikilalang guard.

Mula 10:50 n.u. – 11:20 n.u. ay nakipag-negasyon ang naturang mga manggagawa na huwag nang tanggalin ang mga naturang placards at streamers na nuo’y nakasabit sa naturang lugar.

Ayon sa mga saksi, bago baklasin ang mga streamer at placards naringgan si Balagot na animo’y nagbabanta ng sabihin nitong “Gusto ngo pa pwersahan ha?”

Nagsilibi namang mga “look-out” ang mga pulis na kasama nila na nakapwesto sa magkabilang dulo ng Piketlayn habang isinasagawa ang pagbabaklas. Ang MACEA ang nakakasakop sa mga “perimeter grills” o bakod ng sidewalk sa paikot ng Legaspi at Salcedo Village.

Ang nakakapagtaka nito, sinabihan ang mga manggagawa ng DIGITEL na iyon daw ay “private property” kaya bawal paglagyan ng mga panawagan at kung gusto nila na mabasa ang mga ito ay hawakan na lamang.

Hindi ito ang unang beses na hinarass ang mga manggagawang nanawagan na ipatupad ng PLDT-DEU ang naayon sa desisyon na korte suprema na harapin sila sa negasyon at humakbang upang tiyakin ang kanilang seguridad sa trabaho. Matatandaang nuong Abril 21, alas tres ng umaga ay itinaboy ng mahigit na isandaang gwardiya ng PLDT ang mga empleyado ng Digitel mula sa harapan ng gusali nito patungo sa naturang sidewalk.

Photo by DEU

DIGITEL EMPLOYEES UNION [DEU]
NEWS ALERT
April 27, 2013

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[Statement] PLDT/DIGITEL Management… Untouchable? -DEU

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

PLDT/DIGITEL Management… Untouchable?

After continuously defying and snubbing the Supreme Court’s decision (G.R.No. 184903-04, January 21, 2013) and Department of Labor and Employment’s order (Writ of Execution, March 19, 2013) to commence Collective Bargaining Agreement and Back to Work in favor of Digitel Employees Union (DEU), the PLDT/DIGITEL Management filed a case versus DEU, last April 16, for illegal occupancy and trespassing, summons were served the following day, and last Friday, the 19th, a hearing was set at Makati RTC branch 65.

But before any decision or order was issued by Makati Court 65, the management has decided on its own to take action against the DEU’s Picket and Hunger Strike area according to Ramon Alphonsus Morato, Asset Protection Specialist of PLDT.

April 21, Sunday, at around 3AM, more than a hundred (100+) security guards, fully-armed with shields and truncheons, coming from the left side and right side of the RC building, while making a noise by thumping and pounding their shields, ran and rushed toward the DEU Protest Center cordoning the area.

The DIGITEL employees, including the three (3) hunger strikers, namely: Alan Licardo, Arly Montecastro and Jesse Furaque, were driven out of the area toward the streets of Ayala. Morato, who headed the dispersal team, gave the DEU members two (2) minutes to call anyone who could help them regarding the demolition and after which he ordered his security guards to dismantle and demolish the make-shift tent of the hunger strikers. Behind the shoulder-to-shoulder formation of the dispersal team, banners and flags were brought down, some tarpaulins and placards were torn, some belongings of the picketers were scattered, and a perimeter fence was put up in front of the PLDT office occupying part of the sidewalk.

Is the PLDT/DIGITEL management has its OWN LAW outside of the Philippines’ Law? The peaceful protest staged by the DEU started April 10 and the hunger strikes started April 16, it has been two weeks now and counting, but still the management keeps on defying the SC decision and DOLE order. And add to that the case they filed versus DEU at Makati RTC, why did they acted on their own ahead of Makati Court branch 65’s decision came out?

What makes them untouchable? Where is the proper enforcement and implementation of the decisions and orders of our Government Offices?

Respect the law; don’t make a mockery of our law. Or else, SHAME ON YOU!!!

REFERENCES: Allan Licardo – Union President – 09225375689
Fritz Alzuelo – Union Vice President – 09228958758
Picket Direct Landline – 345 5991

PRESS STATEMENT
April 24, 2013

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Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

Press Release

[Press Release] Stand firm, repel the workers bully!!! -DEU

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Stand firm, repel the workers bully!!!

Behold, in front of you are the gallant men and women of Digitel Employees Union (DEU). In its fight against PLDT’s Corporate GREED. Their scheme of Closure via REDUNDANCY is a clear union busting and to promote CONTRACTUALIZATION. They are pushing their scheme even if it’s against the LAW.

Last March 15, 2013, more than four hundred (400) regular employees of DIGITEL have been terminated via the Redundancy Program of PLDT/DIGITEL Management. Almost 80% regular employees availed the program where they are paid 190% of their number of years in service. Almost all of these redundant employees were offered jobs as contractual under SERVEFLEX and PEOPLESERVE, with the same salary, same position, same job description and same work location. HOW CAN THIS BE REDUNDANCY?!!! A clear violation and act of Illegal Dismissal.

For nine (9) years of DEU struggles, we abide by all the rules of LAW. DEU WON ALL THE LEGAL BATTLES!!!
Major CASES PLDT/DIGITEL DEU
NCMB-NCR-NS-11-307-04 (National Conciliation & Mediation Board) LOST WON
NCMB-NCR-05-09605 LOST WON
NLRC-NCR-CC #000302-05(Nat’l Labor Relations Comm.) LOST WON
GRSP # 91719/94825 ( Court of Appeals) LOST WON
GR # 184903-04 (Supreme Court-With Finality 01/21/13) LOST WON
WRIT OF EXECUTION ( DOLE – March 19, 2013 ) LOST WON

With all these LEGAL matters in place, why is it that JUSTICE is still not enforced? Why is it that JUSTICE is still out of reach? IS PLDT/DIGITEL ABOVE THE LAW? Why is it that this company continue to defy all the Decisions of the Philippines’ Government Offices?

Last March 22, 2013 a manifestation was issued by PLDT/DIGITEL Management in answer to the WRIT OF EXECUTION issued by DOLE, stating that DIGITEL is no longer in a position to commence Collective Bargaining Negotiations with the DEU because the Company has been integrated with PLDT and all of its employees have already been terminated via Redundancy Program.

Last April 10, 2013 because of continuous defiance of PLDT/DIGITEL Management to the Rule of LAW, DEU started a Peaceful Protest Rally in front of PLDT Main Office at RC Building, Ayala, Makati, and a HUNGER STRIKE followed last April 16 until now. But our presence caused them “IRRITATION” and “SHAME”. They even covered the Picket Line with a shuttle bus and tall security guards and desperately made a move to drive us out of PLDT premises.

Last April 16, 2013 a case was filed at Makati RTC by PLDT/DIGITEL Management to DEU for allegedly violated Illegal Occupancy and Trespassing at the property of PLDT in a premise that PLDT and DIGITEL is a separate entity a clear conflict to what they said earlier that PLDT-DIGITEL has been integrated.

Last April 19, 2013 at 3:00 AM the PLDT Management with the help of more than 100 PLDT Security guards dismantled our Protest Center and acting by itself without the Order and result of the Makati RTC decision. A CLEAR DISRESPECT OF THE LAW!!! Where are we going to seek JUSTICE if these Powerful and Rich Company does not abide by our Laws? Let’s bring HOPE to our Society, for the sake of our children’s career and future. Join the fight, join the cause!!!

Press Release
April 24, 2013
References: Allan Licardo – DEU President (09223756892)
Fritz Marie Alzuelo – DEU Vice President (09225375689)
Picket Direct Landline – 345 5991

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[Press Release] Support Snowball for Digitel Employees -DEU

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Support Snowball for Digitel Employees

Support snowball for beleaguered digital employees union (DEU), currently picketing the PLDT Main Office in Makati.

Labor organizations MAKABAYAN and Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) troop to the DEU picket line that was set up early morning of April 9. Sixty (60) security guards and four (4) patrol cars of the Makati City Police were deployed to the area. There were reports yesterday that PLDT plans to break the picket line.

Workers demand that their labor dispute with PLDT, which has acquired DIGITEL last year, be immediately resolved.

According to DEU, closure and redundancy was PLDT’s answer to the union demand of collective bargaining and secure jobs.

DIGITEL closed last March 15.

Management has yet to talk to the picketing workers.

Yesterday, DEU received news that Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has set a conference meeting on April 16 between the union and PLDT management.

“Wag sanang pagpasa-pasahan ng DOLE at PLDT kaming mga manggagawa.” said Fritz Alzuelo, DEU Vice President.

“Hindi kami aalis dito hanggang hindi ito nareresulosyunan.” ended Alzuelo.

———————————————–

DIGITEL Employees – shifted their protest to PLDT main Office at Makati from different business offices

As early as 5:30 in the morning today, members of Digitel Employees Union (DEU) coming from different provinces of Luzon met together and put up a protest center in front of PLDT Main Office at Makati Ave corner De la Rosa St, Makati City. They are protesting the “closure and integration of Digitel operation” as an outcome of 2011 “sale” – shareholding swapping between the two communication giants.

Closure has now become an obstacle in implementing the Supreme Court Order to negotiate with the union for their collective bargaining agreement. The closure also resulted to the dismissal and Redundancy of Digitel employees.

DEU has won every case (12 cases in all) in every step of the way against Digitel, which was formally owned by John Gokongwei, from the Office of The DOLE Secretary and National Labor Relation Commission (NLRC).

CLOSURE is a clear “IWAS PUSOY” maneuver by Digitel, the latest addition to PLDT group of companies, which was acquired by PLDT last 201.

Digitel allegedly “closed down” last March 15, 2013 but the truth is the operation continues, the Digitel operation now is manned by contractual employees mostly from former Digitel employees who avail Voluntary Resignation Program (VRP) and Early Retirement Program (ERP).

Last April 2, 2013 DEU pitched five Regional Offices of Digitel (Naga, Dagupan, Rizal, Bulacan and Pampanga).

Member of Manggagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan (MAKABAYAN)
22-A Domingo Guevara Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
Telefax: (632) 717 3262 Blogsite: http://digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com

DIGITEL EMPLOYEES UNION [DEU]
PRESS RELEASE
April 10, 2013
Reference: Fritz Alzuelo – Union Vice President, 09228958758
Allan Licardo – Union President, 09225375689
Picket Direct Landline – 345 5991

Iboto ang iyong #HRPinduterosChoice para sa HR NETWORKS POST.

Ang botohan ay magsisimula ngayon hanggang sa 11:59 ng Nov 15, 2013.

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pinduteros-choice-awards/

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DEU Briefing Paper (digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com)

[Off the shelf] Human Face, a Journalist’s encounter and awakening by Ma. Ceres P. Doyo

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

From INQUIRER BOOKS and ANVIL PUBLISHING
Size: 6”x 9” Pages: 336 Bookstore price: P795
Available at National Bookstores, Powerbooks, BestSellers and Anvil, tel. 5709993,www.anvilpublishing.com
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Chino Roces Ave., Makati City, Metro Manila, Tel. 8978808 local 352
eBook soon available on the Inquirer Digital Newsstand: http://www.inquirer.net/store

humanfacebyceres.blogspot.com

MA. CERES P. DOYO, a journalist for more than 25 years, is a staff writer and columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. She covers a variety of issues and writes special reports, feature stories and a weekly column, “Human Face.”

Ceres’ written works have earned various awards and citations. She has contributed to several major book projects. Many of her stories are in her book “Journalist in Her Country.”

Ceres traces her roots to Iloilo and Albay and speaks several Philippine languages. She finished college in St. Scholastica’s College in Manila and has a master’s degree in psychology from the Ateneo de Manila University. Ceres was a Jefferson journalism fellow at the East-West Center in the U.S. She was a member of the board of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism for many years until 2010.

Ceres’ book for children “Bituin and the Big Flood” (Si Bituin at ang Malaking Baha)is now in bookstores. Published in 2010 by Anvil, it is “dedicated to the children who who lost their lives during the typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng and to the children who survived.”

Source: http://humanfacebyceres.blogspot.com/

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Off the shelf

[In the news] Women hold flash mob vs mining company -ABS-CBNnews.com

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Women hold flash mob vs mining company
ABS-CBNnews.com
March 8, 2013

MANILA – Around 200 female activists conducted a flash mob in front of the Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) office in Makati City on International Women’s Day to protest corporate mining.

Among the women who danced to the tune of “I Am Woman” (originally performed by Helen Reddy) were members of activist groups, students, and other concerned individuals.

In a statement, the group condemned SMI’s operation of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project in Mindanao, which it claimed has been causing tension among the B’laan women in southern Philippines due to their displacement from their homes.

Read full article @rp3.abs-cbnnews.com

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In the News

[From the web] Forty years hence -INQUIRER.net

Posted on September 1, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Forty years hence.

By Butch Hernandez, Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 31, 2012

SEPT. 21 marks the 40th anniversary of the declaration of martial law, and true to form, media organizations have been calling the Eggie Apostol Foundation to request permission to use footage from our landmark video documentary “Batas Militar.” Political science and history students doing research on martial law have been reaching out to us as well.

Our reply has always been that they are welcome to use the footage they need for their own video productions, provided that they run the acknowledgement “Footage from ‘Batas Militar’ courtesy of the Eggie Apostol Foundation” preferably as a runner every time the footage appears onscreen.

In the midst of this renewed media interest in martial law, it occurred to me that almost all of the researchers who were getting in touch with us by phone or by e-mail, particularly those from national television, were born after 1986. Were it not for the Eggie Apostol Foundation’s education reform advocacy, I would have been appalled at their very superficial appreciation of the impact of martial law on Philippine society and culture.

As it is, I am the least bit surprised because I know for a fact that history is not being taught as it should be in our schools. I recall that at one conference on the Department of Education’s Schools First Initiative with then Education Secretary Butch Abad, the late Mario Taguiwalo was outlining how DepEd would strengthen instruction in English, science and math as these were seen as critical 21st-century competencies.

Read full article @ opinion.inquirer.net

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From the web

[Announcement] Call for Proposal: Researcher/ Writer -United Nations Millennium Campaign

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Subject: Call for Proposal: Researcher/ Writer

Dear UN-CSA and civil society partners,

Thank you very much for your expressions of interest for the Social Equity Round Table initiative of the UN Millennium Campaign. As a first part of the process, a researcher/writer is being sought to conduct an academic review and research on the incidence, breadth and acuteness of social inequality in the Philippines. The research must go beyond exclusively economic (income) measures and encompass political inequalities (lack of voice and representation) and cultural inequalities (discrimination based on ascribed identities).

Interested researcher/writers may wish to access the Terms of Reference found on this link: http://www.undp.org.ph/?link=37&job_id=412 Please note that the deadline for submissions is May 23.

We would appreciate if you could circulate this widely to your networks.

Thanks and regards,

Kimberly Ko
Project Coordinator
United Nations Millennium Campaign
30F Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue
1226 Makati City, Philippines
+63 917 575 7793

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