Duterte tagged in labor group’s ‘anti-worker matrix’

“This matrix shows who’s behind the gross attacks on workers’ wages, job security and labor and human rights,” KMU Vice Chairperson Lito Ustarez said. (Photo: Kilusang Mayo Uno/Facebook)

A few days before the country celebrates Labor Day, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) on Saturday, April 27, bared in public what it called an “anti-worker matrix,” where President Rodrigo Duterte is included.

In a photo posted by the KMU on its Facebook page, Duterte is at the center of the matrix and was surrounded by his children Sara Duterte-Carpio and Paolo Duterte, his former aide Christopher “Bong” Go, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno, and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

“This matrix shows who’s behind the gross attacks on workers’ wages, job security and labor and human rights,” KMU Vice Chairperson Lito Ustarez said.

“On top of the list is President Rodrigo Duterte who has been hell-bent on establishing his fascist dictatorship to further promote the interests of American and Chinese big-businesses,” he added.

The labor group said in its release that some Palace officials who are in the matrix are “behind the anti-worker and anti-people policies” of the government. The KMU also tagged some military and police officials for alleged “massive human rights violations,” and other big companies and government agencies for supposedly “promoting cheap, contractual labor and other labor rights violations.”

A photo of the United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are also in the matrix.

“Linking these personalities and agencies are the US and China which KMU claims are the biggest foreign powers that controls the political and economic conditions of the country that worsens hunger, poverty and human rights situation of Filipino workers and people,” the group stressed.

The KMU said the matrix will be the “target” of this year’s Labor Day protest on Wednesday, May 1. It added that they will also demand a P750 nationwide wage hike.

The group said it released the matrix to “counter” the administration’s matrix, linking media organizations and lawyers to an alleged plot to oust Duterte.