FFW rejects coup, extrajudicial actions

MANILA, Philippines — The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) is rejecting a coup against the Marcos administration and any other extrajudicial moves amid widespread corruption.

Following resigned congressman Zaldy Co’s claims, the FFW has demanded an investigation into alleged anomalous budget insertions worth P100 billion.

Co, the alleged mastermind behind the mangled national budget, had accused President Marcos of receiving P25 billion in kickbacks from insertions in the 2025 budget.

“Most of the time, those implicating others, especially if witnesses have testified to their involvement in corruption, just want to sow confusion to mislead the investigation and prosecution,” FFW president Sonny Matula said.

Last year, labor coalition Nagkaisa called on President Marcos to veto the 2025 budget, saying it had unconstitutional and anti-people provisions.

Solidarity with AFP

In a related development, Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban sent a letter to Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, expressing the diocese’s solidarity with the AFP during “these challenging times.”

The AFP had received reports that groups might disrupt protest actions with violence.

Meanwhile, the Roundtable for Inclusive Development is calling for action against the “wanton plunder being perpetrated by elected and appointed government officials.”

Marcos should certify as urgent the ban on political dynasties, budget transparency act and Freedom of Information Act, the group said.

Party development reforms and comprehensive reviews of the flawed party-list system and local government code should also be undertaken, the group added.

Brawner’s commitment to uphold democracy is also welcomed by the group.

Members of the group include Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president and Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, former senator Franklin Drilon, businessmen and officials from the academe. — Evelyn Macairan