For Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU or May 1st Movement) executive vice chairman Lito Ustarez, free skills training programs for workers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) may seem helpful, but are not what the country needs to enable those who are losing their jobs to cope with the global financial crisis.
Category: Top Stories
Stimulus Package Mere Recycling, Misleading – Solons
Members of the House Committee on Economic Affairs grilled National Economic Development Agency (NEDA) Director General Ralph Recto over the P330-billion economic stimulus package at a hearing, February 4. The stimulus package, which is much touted by the Arroyo administration, turned out to be a mere repackaging of old programs. Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño called it a “simulation package”.
Struggling Through Difficult Times
With the US dominating the world economy, the effects of this crunch have spread to other countries including the Philippines – affecting multitudes of workers who are now struggling to simply live through the difficult times.
LPG Supply Still Tight, Gov’t Clueless
Local supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remains tight. Even retailers complain of the lack of supply. The Arroyo government could not explain why nor would it do anything about it because of the deregulation of the downstream oil industry.
Revival of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant a Source of Corruption?
Militant organizations in Central Luzon, Catholic Bishops, environmental groups, and scientists are one in saying that the planned revival of the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is costly and unsafe.
22 Years After Mendiola Massacre: Farmers Still Fighting for Genuine Agrarian Reform
Twenty-two years after the Mendiola Massacre that resulted in the death of 13 farmers, Filipino farmers are still fighting for a genuine agrarian reform program.
Probe of LPG ‘Shortage’ Should Start with ‘Big Four’ Firms
A supposed shortage in the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), one of the prime commodities in the Philippines, has sent some quarters pushing for an investigation into the issue. The question, however, is the context within which the probe is to be carried out, as one critic has argued.
Rough Sailing Expected for Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill
When the sessions of Congress resume on January 19, the progressive party list bloc in the House of Representatives would push anew for House Bill 3059 or the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB). Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano said they expect to encounter rough sailing when they push for the bill, but they are not afraid to lose. Mariano believes that the ensuing debate on the bill could put the long-standing demand of the peasantry for a genuine and thoroughgoing land reform program in the national agenda.
Lawyer Says GMA to Gain from Puno Impeachment
For lawyer Theodore Te, the bid to impeach Chief Justice Reynato Puno smells of “political maneuverings” that would benefit the current Malacañang occupant.
Oil Prices: A Rollercoaster Ride in 2008
The year 2008 saw a roller coaster ride in prices of crude oil and petroleum products. Studies point to speculation, not the law of supply and demand, as the culprit.
Enduring Hardships and Difficulties, Kowloon Workers Remain Determined to Pursue Strike
For almost four months now, workers at the Kowloon Restaurant along West Avenue have been on strike. They spent their Christmas and New Year at the picketline. Amid hardships and sacrifices, they are determined to fight for what is due them.