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DECEMBER 2001


An Unusual Christmas for Filipinos

Foreign observers cannot help but sympathize with Filipinos last Christmas.

For "The only Christian Nation in Asia," it was unusual that citizens talk of the ouster of their President, former movie actor Joseph "Erap" Estrada, rather than greeting their loved-ones, "Merry Christmas!" It was also bizarre for the whole nation to go on saving their money instead of spending them for gifts.

The famous parol which normally ornaments the streets and avenues could scarcely be found. Many chanted Christmas jingles. But all in the same 'pennilessness' tunes and some with anti-Erap lyrics.

This is very different from previous years' when carolers sing to bring the season's spirit. An "unhappy Christmas," for the Philippines indeed. An article published by the Associated Press (AP) says "this year, the holiday feeling has been displaced by a raging political storm, with President Estrada on trial for corruption, a scandal which could end his political career."

Here and abroad, concerned groups discuss the disgraceful situation Estrada has infected the Presidency. The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), has repeatedly asked Estrada to "step down" from the Presidency, "to spare the country from total ruin. Last December 27, the TUCP insisted that Estrada should no longer wait for his formal conviction so that the country would be spared more political and economic difficulties.

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Testimony

TUCP believes that the on-going Senate impeachment trial has already revealed sufficient evidence and clear indications of Estrada's guilt. The prosecution panel, for example, has already presented to the impeachment court star-witness, and PCI Equitable Senior Vice President Clarissa Ocampo. In a sworn statement, Ocampo testified that she saw Estrada sign the controversial bank records using the name Jose Velarde. Ocampo is a 19-year bank veteran and a trust officer of the said bank.

She pointed out that "Velarde," or Estrada, was just "one foot away" from her when she signed the document. TUCP sees a slim chance for Estrada to survive the impeachment especially that a senior officer of the bank where he intended to place his "ill-gotten" wealth has attested to the veracity of the charges against him. "Only those who pretend to be deaf and blind will think that Estrada has not violated the law. ''As far as labor is concerned, it's over, the case is closed," TUCP added. TUCP have earlier warned of the catastrophic impact of Estrada's refusal to vacate the
highest position in the land.

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Weakening Economy

The economy has already showed signs of "weakening" especially during the fourth quarter of 2000 when the scandal involving the President broke- out. "Manufacturing companies have cut down on production in anticipation of the declining demand and the lack of confidence in the government and the economy," according to the labor organization.

TUCP again noted that the domestic consumption has drastically decreased this year. Experts agreed with this observation.

They said that: "The usual Christmas up-tick is not getting into the last quarter of 2000 because of political uncertainties."

These uncertainties, including fears of retrenchment, and a recession in the coming months, they believe, have caused more people to save rather than spend during the holidays.

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Rising Unemployment Rate

TUCP has expressed anxiety over the ballooning unemployment rate which stands at 11.1 percent representing some 3.1 million jobless workers at present.

Close to 400 establishments have already filed notices of temporary lay-off and job rotation.

TUCP added that, "this may eventually result in retrenchments," and " more establishments," were unlikely to be added to the already long list, "as they feel the crunch in the economy."

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) released a report showing that 50,000 to 60,000 workers lost their jobs in 2000 alone.

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Proposed Solution

TUCP has emphasized that only the resignation of Estrada could restore investors, "confidence in our political system."

TUCP further said that: "The people close to Estrada, particularly the members of his cabinet, should advise him to step down now. It's their responsibility to the nation."

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Malacañang admits spying on Protest Leaders

National Security Adviser Alexander Aguirre , confirmed reports that Malacañang had been spying on the activities of rally organizers , particularly the leaders of various cause-oriented groups.

In a report released last Nov. 16 , Aguirre admitted to have ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct surveillance during mass protests.

He insisted that such was necessary so that they will be able to "monitor" the leaders of the Welga ng Mamamayan as their speeches might contain seditious remarks against the government.

Rumors spread , a day before the historical National Day of Protest last November 14 , that the PNP was ordered to arrest and incarcerate labor leaders because the protest action was "illegal and a form of an economic sabotage." The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) was among head organizations in the nationwide protest.

Senate Pro-Tempore Blas Ople was quoted saying that the planned general strike was " illegal and subversive. "Senate Minority Floor Leader Teofisto Guingona , one of the top figures in the united opposition, questioned Ople’s statement . He asked , "How can this be sabotage when this is a voluntary act and this is the first time in the history of the nation where both labor and management agreed to stage a strike?"

Malacañang was alarmed as massive mobilizations continuously attract innumerable sectors of the society since this might cause civil disobedience among many Filipinos according to them.

Paranaque Representative Roilo Golez, called to the public to "closely watch" the PNP, especially the Presidential Anti-Organized Task Force (PAOCTF) headed by PNP Director General Panfilo Lacson himself.

Golez compared the task force to the defunct Metrocom Intelligence and Security Group (MISG) which was used by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in eliminating his
political foes.

The MISG was then led by Philippine Constabulary (PC) Col. Rolando Abadilla with Lacson as one of his top men and "executor". Lacson served in the dreaded MISG for 15 years. Lacson was asked to appear before the impeachment tribunal last December to explain the "wire-tapping" activities of the PNP-PAOCTF.

He vigorously denied the accusations and said that he would quit his post, and dismantle PAOCTF if the Senate finds sufficient proof on the allegation. Golez feared that another Martial Law regime is being cooked-up by the present administration. Estrada, Golez insisted, might use the special task force to desolate groups that keep
threatening his position.

Senior Supt. Nicanor Bartolome PNP spokesperson, said during a press conference that they are simply preventing "extremists" like the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from creating havoc during rallies.

TUCP said that these actions were part of Malacañang scheme to "scare away people from joining protest rallies against Erap." "The President’s men have became so desperate that they have resorted to spy games," a TUCP official said. TUCP affirmed that it would not be cowed by the "psy-war" tactics of the administration.

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FIRE Spoils TUCP Anniversary

The celebration of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) 25th anniversary was spoiled by fire last December 9. A blaze at around 1:45 am, Saturday gutted the entire third floor of the TUCP building. Quezon City fire-experts said the cause of the incident may be faulty electrical wiring.

An occupant of Room 8 recounted seeing thick mass of smoke billowing from the ceiling of his occupied unit. Luckily, no one was reported injured during the fire except that it affected the operation of the whole center.

Power and telephone lines were shut-down. TUCP had to downgrade for the Silver Anniversary celebrations, as well as the All Officers Conference, scheduled on December 14.

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TUCP Gen. Sec. Herrera to closely Watch Buddy Sen. Ople

They were tagged as the "dynamic duo" handling labor issues during the Martial Law years. The two were "inseparable" in press conferences and in foreign trips, thus earning themselves the title "Batman and Robin".

In the formal opening of the impeachment proceedings against President Joseph Estrada in December 7, 2000, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines General Secretary and Bohol Congressman Ernesto Herrera vowed that he would "closely watch" the moves of his "Big Brother" in the course of the impeachment trial.

He was referring to the former labor minister, Senator Blas Ople, an Estrada ally. "I will be Batman's watcher," Herrera kidded.

Herrera who was one of the principal signatories in the impeachment case against Estrada has expressed his organization's intention to "adopt" Ople.

"Blas is a loyal friend, but I'm sure he will follow his conscience and will vote on Erap's fate on the basis of what is good for the nation," Herrera however said.

Philippines may have a dwindling figures of Domestic Violence (DV) cases but the Delivery of Justice to the Disadvantaged Women Coalition Project (DAW), a Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) special project, says otherwise, and vows to work for the passage of laws to protect women.

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DAW eyes end to Domestic Violence

Rep. Dante Liban, Quezon City District II, hands a certificate of appreciation to Women's Desk head Feliza Liwanag during a conference at Sulu Hotel. Also in the photo are DAW Asst. Project Manager Eva Arcos, Barangay Captain Domingo Liwanag , and Shirley Yurong, program officer from the American Center for International Labor Solidarity (Solidarity Center).

DAW has drafted a bill that would address DV and Abuse of Women in Intimate Relationships (DV-AWIR) not specifically addressed by existing laws.

Under the proposed bill, a husband, a boyfriend, or a live-in partner who will be found guilty of physically, sexually, emotionally, psychologically, and economically abusing their partners," could face a minimum of six months to a maximum of 40-years imprisonment if found guilty.

Last November 25, the group sponsored a "Public Forum on Domestic Violence Bills," in observance of the International day of Protest Against Violence Against Women.

DAW presented its suggested bill to Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Dante Liban. Liban assured them of support in its passage. DAW expressed optimism that once passed, abuses committed against women would significantly decline or totally eradicated.

"Before, there were no existing laws that can be invoked when they responding to situations. "Based on a Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) report, there have been 33,165 DV cases reported between 1991 and 1999. In 1997 alone, DSWD recorded 7,850 DV cases in the country. This is almost 800 percent higher than the 1991 figures.

DAW, also working for the establishment of Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) in the country which handle complaints of sexual harassment in the work place, pointed out that the bill would ensure high productivity, promote general health, and minimize absenteeism among women workers. "DAW is a special TUCP project with assistance from USAID and Solidarity Center.

Rafael Mapalo, project officer of the TUCP Education Department, cited that workers also need to be further convinced of the value of RH. Mapalo urged them to participate in educational activities. TUCP repeatedly asked DoLE to "monitor and evaluate the implementation of such provisions."

"Compliance should not be limited to the letter of the law; rather, there should be adherence to the spirit of the law," it added.

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TUCP Justice Intensifies Anti - Graft Drive

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Solidarity Justice Project (SJP) stepped up its campaign for increased efficiency, responsiveness, and accountability in government.

In the last quarter of 2000, SJP with its partners decried the "current culture of corruption, and apathy that pervades the government.

Through the People's Efficiency and Transparency (PEAT), SJP urged trade unions, government employees, women's advocates, informal sector, and youth organizations to "faithfully" observe Republic Act 6713, Codes of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials and Employees.

SJP revealed its plans for the PEAT Campaign in a conference last December 8 at the Sulu Hotel.

SJP initially focuses on building the capacity of anti-graft units and community-based watch groups that act as "whistleblowers" who respond and assist complainants and victims of corruption.

SJP likewise proposed a special voters' awareness campaign that could focus on Ethical Standards in choosing public officials. The PEAT Campaign of SJP represents a broad coalition against corruption.

Aside from TUCP, other partners of the said campaign include Lihok Filipina, Legal Alternative for Women Center Inc., Federacion Internacional de Abogadas (FIDA), and KAIBIGAN. Anti-graft organizations like the National Assembly of Corruption Prevention Units (NACPUs) are coming in the program, SJP in support by USAID through Solidarity Center.

Last November 28, during a meeting at the Century Imperial Palace, officers of PAO and CHR pledged to assist SJP in impelling the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) to set up this agency which would deal mainly with handling cases of abuse of women, children, and home-workers, and violations of DoLE Order no. 5.

DO 5 protects the rights of those who work at "home" and are not covered with any implementable guidelines. PAO and CHR volunteered to assist in monitoring the progress of priority cases identified by SJP. SJP is a USAID funded project through Solidarity Center.

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TUCP Initiates Implementation of Reproductive Health Services in the Work Place

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), in cooperation with the Packard Foundation and several government organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) pushed for the inclusion of Reproductive Health provisions in their respective Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

TUCP, in compliance with the Program of Action (POA) approved in the International Conference on Population Development (ICPD) held in Cairo, Egypt, in 1994, had started a series of consultations regarding the implementation of the said program.

The symposia were aimed at looking into the status of family welfare and family planning programs in several regions of the country.

They were also aimed "to consult concerned sectors on the readiness of the companies to accept a broader concept which is Reproductive Health."

Last November 6, in the first symposium held at the Century Imperial Palace Suites, Helen Romero, the National Coordinator for Family Welfare Program (FWP) of the Department of Labor of Employment (DOLE), revealed that out of 1,586 companies only 378 have complied in integrating family welfare concerns in CBAs. Lolita Layser, Commission on Population (POPCOM) director, said that RH is significant to individuals since it "improves their capacity for productive work."

Layser also pointed out that "improved health would free economic resources which would otherwise have to be spent on the treatment of disease."

On the other hand TUCP, known in the country as the first labor organization to implement a family welfare program in the workplace, realized that there remains the need for greater support for the program from managements.

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