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Iboto ang iyong #HRPinduterosChoice para sa HR BLOGSITE

Posted on October 19, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Iboto ang iyong #HRPinduterosChoice para sa HR BLOGSITE.

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

IKAW PARA KANINO KA PIPINDOT? Simple lang bumoto:
• i-LIKE ang thumbnail/s ng iyong mga ibinoboto, i-share at ikampanya.
• Bisitahin ang LINK ng poll sa HRonlinePH.com (links sa bawat thumbnail) at pindutin ang button sa poll sa ilalim ng bawat nominadong post. Vote @
• Most number of the combined likes sa FB at sa poll buttons ang magiging 3rd HR Pinduteros Choice na kikilalanin sa 2013 HR week celebration.

Makiisa sa pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon hinggil sa karapatang pantao. Pindot na!

WHAT IS 3RD HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE AWARDS? https://hronlineph.com/2013/10/01/3rd-human-rights-pinduteros-choice-awards/

—
FOR HR BLOGSITE

1. renatomabunga.wordpress.com

FREE ZONE
ZONE where thoughts and actions on human rights are FREE
By Renato Mabunga

This page is a mere sounding board for a lively, fruitful and pluralistic discussions, a platform for opinions, and an arena for constructive dialogues where we may all learn and share thoughts… grand or simple as they may be… on human rights and our fundamental freedoms.

http:// renatomabunga.wordpress.com/

2. taomunahindimina.wordpress.com

TAO MUNA-HINDI MINA!
Kalikasan at tao muna- hindi tubo at kita.
Managed by TFDP

Members of Civil Society, Faith based organizations and Human Rights Defenders working against destructive mining in the country are launching a campaign dubbed “TAO MUNA HINDI MINA!”. It is a campaign to assert that government as duty bearer should uphold human rights and protect the environment, and should conduct its affairs consistent with human rights standards and principles.
http:// taomunahindimina.wordpress.com/
3. koihernandez.wordpress.com

YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE.
By Koi Hernandez

The opinions of a challenge-oriented, courageous, creative and curious youth in transition to becoming an adult. WARNING: I am not for the FAINT-HEARTED

http:// koihernandez.wordpress.com/
4. anakngdesaparecidos.wordpress.com

ANAK NG DESAPARECIDOS
By FIND

The objective for founding SAD was to provide the children with much-needed rehabilitaion. In its early years, the focus of SAD was the attainment of this objective. Rehabilitation sessions and family conferences were conducted to help the children cope with their parents’ disappearance.

5. rodrigo75.wordpress.com

DEKONZTRUKTSCHON
thinkering thoughts
By Rodrigo Rivera

is about looking at things differently, breaking the whole into its parts to understand each piece that makes the whole, then putting them again together as a new construction. It’s simply a way of thinking, of knowing and of understanding. The posts here are critical, reflexive and constructive attempts of life discourse – an exercise of being academic, political, apolitical, sometimes cynical and skeptic, theoretical, simple or unusual. This blog attempts to contribute to human understanding of their life realities by examining things in their social world with a different lense – deconstruction for reconstruction of knowledge.

6. digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com

DIGITAL EMPLOYEES UNION

• Closure, Integration of operation to PLDT – Redundancy cum (ERP) Retire – Rehire No Way! • Absorb Digitel employees in the Integration of Digitel Operation to PLDT
• Negotiate CBA with the DEU immediately, Without Further Delay!

7. rodgalicha.com

WE ARE NATURE
By Rodney Galicha

Protecting the biodiversity and natural resources of Sibuyan Island (known as the Galapagos of Asia) through sustainable programs and social media, Galicha has been serving as executive director[7] of Sibuyan Island Sentinels League for Environment Inc. (Sibuyan ISLE) since 2007. His group, Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM) successfully campaigned against nickel mining giant BHP Billiton and lobbied for the suspension of mineral extraction of a Canada-based mining company being operated by a Filipino corporation.[8][9] He also helped the Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM) in a successful campaign against a Canada-based mining giant Ivanhoe.[10] He also helped organize Mining Action Philippines – Australia (MAP-Oz), a mining watchdog based in Australia.

8. dars0357.wordpress.com

CARPE DIEM
Seize the Moment. Be Critical. Be Involved. Be Heard
By Darwin Mendiola

Carpe diem is a phrase from a Latin poem by Horace which means “seize the day”. Carpe is literally translated as “to pick, pluck, pluck off, cull, crop, gather”. Diem on the other hand simply connotes “day”. Roman poet Ovid used this phrase to mean “to enjoy, seize, use, and live”. For the author, this is about changing our attitude – by simply being critical, being involved and to express one’s thought. This is what this blog is trying to do – just to contribute in the understanding of the social realities by examining issues that affect our lives.
Carpe diem is a call for individual and collective action.

9. matangapoy.blogspot.com

MATANG APOY
By Greg Bituin

Wala akong yaman kundi ang panitik
Na kaulayaw ko sa gabing tahimik
Gamit sa paglikha ng tulang mabagsik
Na kapag tumama’y singtalim ng lintik

10. cannotallowtorture.blogspot.com

CAT ALERT!
Cannot Allow Torture Philippines
By TFDP

“…torture has been humanity’s option for clinging to power and in suppressing truth. We cannot allow torture in anyway.”

3rd Human Rights Pinduteros Choice Awards (hronlineph.com)
[Blog] Pinduteros para sa karapatang pantao By Mokong Perspektib (hronlineph.com)
Pinduteros para sa karapatang pantao (mokongperspektib.wordpress.com)

[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

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

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

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

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.

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/

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

[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

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

[Statement] Pahayag ng Digitel Employees Union (DEU)

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Pahayag ng Digitel Employees Union (DEU)

Ayaw namin sa ERP-Rehire, lalong AYAW namin sa SARA-Tanggal!
Integrate and ABSORB Digitel employees – YES!
… at pasimulan ang CBA nego – Ito ang aming GUSTO! Now na!!

Pebrero 2013, wala pang isang taon matapos mabili ng PLDT ang Digitel, ini anunsyo ng PLDT ang pagsasara ng Digitel upang isanib ang operasyon nito sa PLDT! Ang mga empleyado ng Digitel ay pinag a avail ng Voluntary Retirement Program (VRP) Early Retirement Program (ERP) bilang kondisyon para mabayaran ng 190-250% separation pay at may prayoridad daw na ma “re-hire”. Ang di mag a avail ay i- re redundant at ang bayad sa separation pay na ayon na lang sa isinasaad ng batas.

Pagsasara at pagtatanggal upang palitan ang mga regular na manggagawa ng kontraktwal, mula sa dating tuwirang empleyado ay itatalaga at o mula sa outsourcing o manpower agencies. Labag ito sa karapatan ng mga manggagawa na ginagarantiyahan ng batas . Labag din ito sa DESISYON/ RESOLUSYON ng Korte Suprema . Salungat din ito maging sa batas ng korporasyon , na nagsasabing mananagutan sa mga empleyado ng biniling kumpanya ang bumiling kompanya.

Trabaho hindi bayad o mag VRP/ERP. Bakit ba kailangan pang mag VRP/ERP bago i re-hire ng PLDT? Bakit tatanggalin ang mga manggagawang gusto pang manatili sa trabaho para palitan ng mga (dating) manggagagawa ng outsourcing company.

Mga kaganapan bago ang pagbili ng PLDT sa Digitel.

Bago ang pagbili ng PLDT sa Digitel – sunod sunod ang pagkatalo ng Digitel manedsment sa mga kasong isinampa ng Digitel Employees Union (DEU) sa DOLE, NLRC, Court of Appeal hanggang Supreme Court. Sa ganitong kondisyon umentra ang PLDT para “bilihin” ang Digitel kapalit ng 12% shareholding sa PLDT Holding pabor sa DJ Summit Holdings na siya ring may-ari ng Digitel na pag-aari din ni John Gokongwei.

Matapos ang “bilihan” / shareholdings swapping, hindi nagpatumpik tumpik ang PLDT – ipinagpatuloy nito ang Voluntary Resignation Program (VRP) /Early Retirement Program (ERP) na napasimulan na ng Digitel. Nauna dito ang serye ng Mass Lay off – una ay noong Marso 2005, sinundan noong taong 2007, 2008 upang makaiwas daw sa pagkalugi. Mass Lay off naman noong 2010, dahil umano sa restructuring program ng Digitel. Hanggang maganap ang “bentahan” noong taong 2011, ang kakatwa walang taon sa panahong nagtanggal na nalugi ang Digitel. Samantala matapos “ibenta” / sharewap ay nakakuha ng P1Billion na dibedendo sa PLDT si Gokongwei na may ari ng Digitel noong huling kwarto ng taong 2012 na di pa nangyari sa kasaysayan ng Digitel.

Oktubre 8, 2012, sa wakas bumaba na ang DESISYON ng Supreme Court – inayunan nito ang mga naunang DESISYON ng DOLE Secretary, NLRC at Court of Appeal na nagsasabing;

1. For Digitel to Commence CBA negotiation with the union. The pendency of a petition for cancellation of union registration does not preclude collective bargaining.
2. Affected workers be reinstated and with full pay full back wages for –
Digiserv is a labor-only contractor and or just one department of Digitel thus; affected workers due to its closure were illegally dismissed,
3. Pay each affected employees P10,000 moral damages and P5,000 exemplary damages for finding DIGITEL guilty of Unfair Labor Practice for – closure of Digiserve and replace it with I-tech andl dismissal of affected employees mostly union members and officers is illegal and done in bad faith; also violation of the Assumption Jurisdiction Order, .

Sa halip na ipatupad ang DESISYON – na makipagnegosasyon sa unyon at ibalik ang mga apektado/tinanggal na empleyado, tuwirang sinalungat ng Digitel/PLDT ang Kautusan ng Korte Suprema at Writ of Execution ng DOLE Secretary. Ikinatwiran ng Digitel/PLDT wala ng dahilan para makipagnegosasyon pa siya dahil wala ng manggagagawa ang DIGITEL.

Paninindigan ng mga manggagawa ng Digitel – una; i absorb ng PLDT ang mga empleyado ng Digitel at pasimulan na ang CBA negotiation. ikalawa; kung ini-integrate ang operayon ng Digitel sa PLDT, dapat I absorb ang mga empleyado, pangatlo; gusto pa nilang patuloy na magtrabaho at hindi sila nag avail ng ERP/Redundancy, pang-apat; hindi naman totoong nawala ang trabaho na ginagampanan ng mga tinatanggal bagkus pinalitan lamang sila ng kontraktwal.

Pagsusuri ng DEU; Voluntary o Early Retirement, Clossure at integration ng operation- maniobra at palusot para iwasan ang DESISYON ng Korte – kasi po kapag kusang nagresign o nag avail ng early retirement … tapos na ang kwento ng mga nagawang paglabag sa batas o pagyurak sa karapatan ng mga manggagawa (ULP). Ang closure integration naman ay iskema para lusawin ang Unyon at palitan ng kontraktwal ang mga regular na empleyado ng Digitel.

Ang pinakahuli ay ang lantarang pagsuway sa DESISYON at KAUTUSAN ng Korte Suprema at Writ of Execution na ipinag uutos ng Secretary of Labor.

Batid naming mabigat ang labang ito sa dalawang dambuhalang kompanya – DIGITEL at PLDT ! Kung kaya kami po ay umaapela sa kapwa namin kamanggagawa at sa mamamayan na kami ay inyong tulungan at samahan sa labang ito.

Retire/Resign – REHIRE, No Way!!!
Pagsasara at Digitel Integration of operation sa PLDT,
Pwede basta mga empleyado isama sa integration at ‘di redundancy!
Tama na ang mga palusot at maniobra !
DEU kilalanin na, CBA Negotiation simulan na, Now na !

Digitel Employees Union (DEU)
Manggagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan (MAKABAYAN)

Statement

[Appeal] Support DIGITEL workers’ rights!

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Dear fellow workers and Concerned Citizens,

We, the surviving Digitel employees are now embattled with latest move of DIGITEL /PLDT for “permanent closure”, allegedly due to the integration with PLDT. Notices of Redundancy with different dates were served to employees referring to management bulletin dated February 07, 2013 , just two weeks after issuance of the final Supreme Court decision dated January 21, 2013. The Decision affirmed the DOLE Secretary and the National Labor Relations Commission’s 2006 as follows;

1. For Digitel to Commence CBA negotiation with the union. The pendency of a petition for cancellation of union registration does not preclude collective bargaining.
2. Affected workers be reinstated and with full pay full back wages for –
Digiserv is a labor-only contractor and or just one department of Digitel thus; affected workers due to its closure were illegally dismissed,
3. Pay each affected employees P10,000 moral damages and P5,000 exemplary damages for finding DIGITEL guilty of Unfair Labor Practice for – bad faith in closure of Digiserve and replace it with I-tech; illegal dismissal of affected employees mostly union members and officers; and in violation of the Assumption Jurisdiction Order.

We expects that the said Supreme Court DECISION will bring us hope that our 19 years of struggles will be rewarded with success, yet we found it’s not going this way.

The Digitel/PLDT move similarly situated to the action of Digitel in this very case when it lay-off around 100 operators (close down Digiserve one of its department and put up I-tech to take the jobs of laid off employees ).

It makes sound sense for corporate greed to rid the union and regular workers and fill the company with contractuals who would work for much less!

To defend themselves, the union filed four Notices of Strike (NOS) that was slapped by the Labor Department with an Assumption Jurisdiction every time before the end of the cooling- off period.

Last March 18-21, 2013, we staged four day picket in front of DOLE and thereafter up to present staged synchronize protest picket in at least 6 regional business units from Northern Luzon to Bicol Region. This pushed Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz to issue an order granting the Motion for Issuance of Execution and a Writ of Execution.

Now, the Digitel made a manifestation before DOLE Secretary’s Office that it will not negotiated as DECISION was already overtaken by supervening event – closure, integration of Digitel operation to PLDT.

Clearly the Digitel/PLDT move towards redundancy and closure is a blind move to avoid the responsibility of negotiating with the workers and replace regular workers with contractuals.

Hunger Strike is our last recourse if DOLE and Court will not push the decision to fruition, especially with telecomm giant Digitel/PLDT bent on choking the life out of the union and mangling the law to unrecognizability. Our experience also reveals that we have nowhere to go under the system, as concerned authorities on their part are just watching until their decision turn to a mere scrap.

Our case maybe a rare land mark decision that maybe useful for your/our struggle against contractualization. However we will be frank enough to say that our own strength do not match with the two (2) Telecom Titans to give lives and blood to this DECISION we call as an opportunity to combat contractualization and capitalists grand scheme in trampling the constitutionally guaranteed rights and stepping on against the Order of the highest court of the land.

In this regard, we are appealing before your office to take whatever actions you can take that may help us our demand to stop Digitel/PLDT breaking the laws and court order, that will encourage chaos. This contravene to our President marching line — Tuwid na Daan…

Help us expose the fact that the move towards redundancy and closure is a blind to avoid the responsibility of negotiating with the workers and replace regular workers with contractuals.
• Closure, Integration of operation to PLDT – Redundancy cum (ERP) Retire – Rehire No Way!
• Absorb Digitel employees in the Integration of Digitel Operation to PLDT
• Negotiate CBA with the DEU immediately, without further delay!

Yes to YOUR Support!
 Circulate this information through your networks
 Write a letter in behalf of your organization or union to Mr. John Gokongwei of Digitel/JG Summit – 16th Flr Cybergate Tower 3, Robinson Pioneer Complex, Pioneer St. Mandaluyong City Phils., and Mr. Manny Pangilinan of PLDT at Ramon Cojuangco Building,Makati Avenue corner Ayala Avenue,Makati City,Philippines, Hon. Rosalinda Baldoz – DOLE Secretary Muralla St. corner Juan Luna St., Hon. Cong Sonny Belmonte – Speaker of the House of Representative, Batasan Compound : Digitel Employees Union (DEU) and Communication Workers of the Philippines (CWP) at # 22 Libertad St. Mandaluyong City.
 Hear us Out – Organize forums and we will come and speak whether in person or virtually (through skype or phone-patch)

 Support – We are also in need of support – financial, materials and moral support as well.

In Solidarity,
ALAN LICARDO
DEU – President

Contact persons: For DEU – Alan Licardo – President – 09225375689 and Fritz Azuelo – VP – 09225342986
: For MAKABAYAN Sect.- Tony Reyes -09237044885 and Joy Tacadena
Email – makabayan2003@yahoo.com or 2003makabayan@gmail.com
Blogsite: http://digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com/

[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

DEU Briefing Paper (digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com)

[Press Release] DIGITEL Employees – to protest anew at different business offices Geared for hunger strike! -DEU

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

DIGITEL Employees – to protest anew at different business offices Geared for hunger strike!

DIGITEL Employees are back at different DIGITEL Offices and exchanges on the first day or April to protest against the non-issuance of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office of a writ of execution of the Supreme Court decision on their case and a restraining order on Digitel’s integration of operation with PLDT.

“We’ve waited long enough, and this is only what we got?” said Allan Licardo, Digitel Emplyees Union (DEU) President. “This is another station of the cross—additional to the 19 years of carrying the cross on our shoulder.” Licardo was referring to their fight for the right to self organization and to collective bargaining negotiation way back in 1994.

Licardo explained that DOLE’s decision granting the execution without a writ of execution will not do any good for the employees because it cannot force the DIGITEL management to obey the Supreme Court decision to bring the dismissed workers back to their work and start with the collective bargaining.

The simultaneous protests at different business units will last until tomorrow. If no positive result takes place, all members will go to Manila to reset up a protest center where some will stage a hunger strike.

“Hunger Strike is our last recourse if DOLE and Court will not push the decision to fruition, especially with telecom giant Digitel/PLDT bent on choking the union to its death and mangling the law to unrecognizability. Our experience reveals that we have nowhere to go under the system, as concerned authorities merely wait and see until their decisions favorable to workers such as the SC decision last January 21,2013 are reduced to mere scraps of paper.” Licardo pointed out.

PLDT “bought” Digitel via shareholding swap then closed it, integrated its operation into PLDT’s, got rid of the regular employees who are union members to replace them with contractual workers. “If this is the meaning of Pinoy’s ‘tuwid na daan’, it means that he is encouraging his people to violate orders of the Supreme Court,” Licardo lamented.

“This (maneuver from the PLDT/DIGITEL) does not contravene labor rights guaranteed by the Constitution but it also violates the approved “sale”/shareholding-swap between Digitel and PLDT as approved by the National Telecommunication Commission. Lastly, this is a continuing violation by DIGITEL, a grievous violation after violations that can be considered criminal,” Licardo further explained.

“So our resolve is to undergo hunger strike to sacrifice ourselves to bring things in order. This is a bitter pill we are willing to take not only for ourselves but for the future generation,“ Licardo concluded”. ###
Member of Manggagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan (MAKABAYAN)

DIGITEL EMPLOYEES UNION [DEU]

PRESS RELEASE
April 1, 2013
Reference: Allan Licardo – Union President, 09225375689

[Campaign/Event] DIGITEL Employees put up a Protest Center in front of the DOLE Office (hronlineph.com)
[Press Release] DIGITEL Employees Shave Heads in Protest, Motion for Execution Pushed -Kilusan (hronlineph.com)

Uncategorized

[Campaign/Event] DIGITEL Employees put up a Protest Center in front of the DOLE Office

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

It’s a CAMP OUT!

Protest Continues:
DIGITEL Employees put up a Protest Center in front of the DOLE Office

After shaving their heads, members of the Digitel Employees Union (DEU) set up a protest center in front of the DOLE Office. The protest of the Digitel Workers will continue until the DOLE Secretary releases a Motion for Execution for the Supreme Court Decision last January 21, 2013 stating that DIGITEL (now under the PLDT Group) is guilty of unfair labor practice and telling the Digitel Management to reinstate all dismissed workers.

Last March 19, 2013, they filed a letter of Appeal in Malacanang for PNoy to look into their plight.

For more info, contact:
Allan Licardo – DEU President (09225375689)

—
Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya [KILUSAN]
#22-A Domingo Guevarra Street, Brgy. Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City 1550 Philippines
TeleFax: (632) 717 3262 Email: kpdpilipinas@gmail.com
Web: http://www.kpdpilipinas.com

[Event] Anti-Contractualization Forum

Posted on April 30, 2011 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Sponsored by NGO-PO Network on ESCR in cooperation with Church Labor Conference (CLC)

Date: May 4, 2011, 9:00am-1pm
Venue: MKP Auditorium, PLDT Bldg., Libertad St. Boni

Instructions paano pumunta sa MKP auditorium
a.) Hanapin ang mercury drug / producers market sa Boni along EDSA (after shaw boulevard), gawing kanan kung papunta Makati.

b.) Pag nakita na po ang mercury, lumakad sa Libertad St. at hanapin ang PLDT building.

c.) Sa PLDT building ay may makikitang sign ng MKP (Manggagawa sa Komunikasyon sa Pilipinas)

d.) Umakyat sa third floor dahil andun ang auditorium na venue ng forum.