By Viggo Sarmago
Bulatlat.com

MANILA — To commemorate this year’s International Working Women’s month, progressive groups led by women’s group Gabriela gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio and ended their program by marching to the US Embassy. 

The groups condemned the recent US-Israel attacks in West Asia linking it to the worsening economic crisis and spiking the price of oil. 

They also highlighted persisting human rights violations, widespread corruption and developmental aggression which burden marginalized groups.

With the increasing oil prices, they asserted that the removal of 12-percent value-added tax should be prioritized. 

In a statement, Gabriela Women’s Party advocated for House Bill 4774 or the “Presyo Ibaba Bill” that aims to eliminate VAT and taxes to oil and other basic goods to immediately lower the prices of basic necessities. 

The groups maintained that while the fight against misogyny and sexism continues, their calls for livable wages, lowering prices, and for accountability against corrupt and misogynistic officials are also important. (AMU, RVO)

Photos by Viggo Sarmago and Pher Pasion