LABOR COALITION CALLS FOR REFORMS TO ADDRESS GOV’T CORRUPTION

A COALITION of progressive labor groups is calling for a  comprehensive political and electoral reforms to combat structural corruption.

The Manlaban Coalition or Manggagawang Laban sa Bulok na Sistema, Pribatisasyon at Korapsyon (Manlaban), in a press conference on Thursday. said corruption in the government is not a simple issue.

Manlaban president attorney Luke Espiritu said corruption in the Philippines is not only driven by individuals but by a political culture that systematically rewards patronage and protects the powerful.

 “The united voice of workers is fighting against the rotten system, privatization and corruption. We stand today to declare a clear truth – the root of the suffering of the Filipino people is the rotten system that has long been teeming with corruption, disdain and abuse of the people,” Espiritu said.

The Manlaban Coalition proposes the dismantling of political monopolies, enhancing transparency and protecting worker’s rights to achieve a genuine and lasting change.

Espiritu blamed the collapse of education, the persistence of contractualization that destroys the dignity of workers, the expanding urban poor, and the lack of real protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the political system that allows corruption and abuse to thrive.

“As workers who create the country’s wealth, we refuse to allow this pattern to continue. We call on Congress – if the current Congress still has concern – to take responsibility and change the dynastic system and open the government to the real sector of the people,” the Manlaban president said.

The labor coalition added that if we want a government that truly serves the people, we must start with reforms that will finally dismantle the old system and build a fair and accountable one.