Militant leaders present stand in peace gathering

Officials of militant groups Kilusang Mayo Uno and the Kilusan ng mga Magbubukid sa Pilipinas yesterday presented their position over the country’s present economic situation during the start of the three-day Church Leaders Summit and Workshop for Peace at the UCCP-Cendet auditorium on Osmeña Boulevard.

The summit-workshop, which carried the theme “Affirming Economic Justice for Peace,” was attended by bishops from various religious denominations nationwide.

The first resource speaker was Elmer Labog, national chairperson of KMU, who talked on the Continuing Quest for a P125 Wage Increase, in which he presented reasons on the need for a P125 across-the-board legislated wage increase.

Labog contended that a legislated increase in wages is necessary to meet the needs of the family at this time of economic crunch.

A living wage, a term to describe the minimum hourly wage, must be sufficient to meet the needs of the family, while a just wage must be a legitimate fruit of work, he said.

Jun Malicay, secretary-general of the Kilusan ng mga Magbubukid sa Pilipinas-Central Visayas, followed the discussion by airing first his sentiments about the “pathetic situation” of the farmers who have been denied of land by the agrarian department.

The forum was followed by the bishops’ candle-lighting for justice and peace at the Fuente Osmeña circle at 6:30 pm. They said that the candle-lighting was a symbolic action for their call for the resumption of peace talks, and their protest of the present economic crisis and issues such as the oil price hike and food shortage.

At least 100 people, accompanied by other organizations spearheaded by the Promotion of Church People’s Response-Cebu chapter, marched from the UCCP Center to the Fuente Osmeña circle for the candle-lighting.

The forum will continue today with Rep. Teddy Casiño of Bayan Muna partylist as the first speaker to talk about the national economic situation. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/RAE