Statement — Labor group asks Ventura to quit

Militant labor federation Alyansa sa Mamumuo sa Sugbo - Kilusang Mayo Uno (AMA-Sugbo-KMU) scored Marianito Ventura, labor representative to the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Central Visayas, for dismissing the newly approved P125 wage increase bill of the House of Representatives. The group advised Ventura to quit his post in the RTWPB citing Ventura 's "lack of discernment to the plight of the workers".

After 10 years, it is high time for Ventura to quit as he has accomplished nothing in his stint as labor representative except to act as mouthpiece of big businessmen in their effort to prevent any wage increase. Ventura should stop being a disgrace to the workers and instead pursue a more fitting career as corporate spokesperson.

Expected reactions

AMA-Sugbo-KMU downplayed the criticisms of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry that the implementation of the P125 wage increase is an economic setback and will make small and medium enterprises suffer. This is their usual excuse against a wage increase. They'll use it even against a 1-peso hike should anyone ask for such a raise.

They should instead blame the liberalization of the local market in favor of surplus imported products and the lack of government support for the closure of small and medium businesses.

Be Santas, not Scrooges

AMA-Sugbo-KMU hoped that the Senate will act immediately for the passage of their version of the P125 proposal before the 13th Congress ends. Let it be their gift to workers. They should not deny us of a merry Christmas.

The approval into law of the P125 wage increase is long overdue.

Elpedio Caterbas
Secretary General
Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo Kilusang Mayo Uno (AMA-SUGBO-KMU)