Labor group challenges presidentiables to act now

CEBU, Philippines - After presidential candidates have expressed their plan to abolish the contractual work scheme in the Philippines during the last debate Sunday night, militant labor groups are challenging them to act now against contractualization and not wait for a victory in the May national elections.

"All politicians in a televised debate, with only less than two weeks in the campaign will promise heaven and earth to edge out their rivals, but since all of them has spoken against contractualization, the next best thing is for them to walk the talk and begin with their own companies and those they have investments in," said Leody de Guzman, chairperson of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino and also a partylist nominee.

De Guzman said they are pleased that the issue of contractualization was raised in the last presidential debate. However, he said he was generally unimpressed and skeptical with the candidates' answers.

"If they truly disapprove of contractualization and its direct impact to the widening income inequality in the country then it would be admirable for them to practice what they preach," said de Guzman in a statement.

De Guzman claimed that he expected the outcome of the debate and the presidentiables to be reeking in desperation.

"They may speak all they want about the evils of contractualization, but are only negating each other. Worse, words without actions will only reinforce their Trapo (traditional politician) image," he said.

De Guzman elaborated that in order to be worthy of the votes of the 41 million labor workforce, candidates must regularize their casual employees and divest from companies that employ contractual labor.

He said the candidates should disengage from their campaign financiers, who employ thousands of temporary workers and cease endorsing candidates known to be in the business of sub-contracting labor.

The BMP vowed to vigorously fight for the abolition of contractual employment. (FREEMAN)