MANILA, Philippines - Militant groups yesterday slammed the so-called Dutertenomics, saying it would not provide long-term employment and sustainable development.
On the first Labor Day under the Duterte administration, labor groups launched protest rallies nationwide to demand an end to contractualization, job security, higher pay, decent mass-housing and improved social services.
The Philippine National Police said the Labor Day observance was generally peaceful, save for the reported strafing of the office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Intramuros, Manila.
Responding police officers found bullet holes on the door and recovered eight bullet shells ffrom a 9mm pistol.
Dutertenomics is the President’s P3.6-trillion economic and development blueprint for the country, which includes the administration’s main governance and fiscal policies, major infrastructure programs and social services.
“Pump-priming through infrastructure spending or ‘Dutertenomics’ is not enough to develop the economy. It will not generate long-term jobs,” Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said.
The Associated Labor Union (ALU) expressed fear the government’s mega-infrastructure program could lead to the entry of foreign workers in the country.
ALU spokesman Alan Tanjusay said that since a majority of the country’s skilled workers have gone abroad, foreign workers would likely be hired to address the shortage.
Tanjusay said despite the country’s consistent economic growth, the purchasing power of daily minimum wage earners continues to fall due to inflation.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III earlier admitted the country is experiencing a shortage of highly skilled workers and that the government is currently addressing the problem.
Party-list group Akbayan urged the government to ensure job security and curb death and violence committed against the poor.
Akbayan Rep. Vince Cruz said the government should prioritize job creation and not its anti-drug war program. – With Mayen Jaymalin, Edith Regalado, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Non Alquitran, Ding Cervantes, Rey Galupo, Romina Cabrera, Perseus Echeminada, Elizabeth Marcelo, Gerry Lee Gorit