MANILA, Philippines — Labor group Federation of Free Workers (FFW) has expressed its full support for ongoing initiatives to unify the democratic opposition in preparation for the 2028 general elections.
Sonny Matula, FFW president, stressed the need to include labor groups and people’s organizations, and not just the traditional “yellows” identified with the Aquino family and the “pink” forces of Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo.
“Senator (Risa) Hontiveros’ call for early preparation is wise: early birds catch the worms. But more importantly, it’s a chance to build a broader, stronger coalition for real change,” Matula said.
“But the real unity means including workers and grassroots movements,” he added, and urged democratic leaders to open the doors wide for trade unions and mass organizations.
There is no credible opposition, Matula said, without the working class.
He said that in the recent midterm elections, Manggagawa party-list secured a seat in Congress with support from the National Federation of Labor, FFW and other labor groups.
Matula said many trade unions are already in the planning stages of their political ventures, and the opposition will only succeed if it welcomes organized labor into its ranks.
He said Hontiveros must lead the opposition. “We must move now – and we must move together if we want her to win in 2028.”
Matula agreed with Hontiveros’ observation that the strong performance of opposition figures is a sign that the public still yearns for principled and democratic leadership.