Taxes, Infested Rice, Embalmed Fish, and other (in)conveniences under Duterte's Orderism

Taxes, Infested Rice, Embalmed Fish, 

and other (in)conveniences
under Duterte's Orderism

It seems that the reforms brought about by the Duterte administration brought miser than upliftment as the regime be trying to insist the justness rather than address its flaws.

Quite reasonable at first that the financial reforms brought about by Duterte and his cohorts is meant to raise funds for big-ticket projects. However, knowing that every cost of commodity continues to increase, then it is worth to say that the government harasses people, be it those of a smallholder whose institution end lumped with the rest who have abused government tax incentives, what more of a consumer whose earnings fail to meet daily needs as costs of goods and services skyrocket from few hundreds to a thousand such as in the case of Chili peppers. At some point there are those who insist that this calls for stringent measures such as encouraging people to save or invest their earnings which yes, sound good yet for the lowest paid this meant feeling its injustice- especially after rising costs, low purchasing power, and the government's failure to mitigate its unlikely effects.

But despite staunch opposition, economic managers, as well as apologists alike bluntly chose not to admit having flaws but instead having it blamed on anything such as tariffs from the United States as major cause for the country's financial problems, or even politicians who dare to oppose the administration's agenda.

But to think that the tax reform law felt badly by many as it slapped a hefty excise tax on fuel, raising transport and electricity costs, and with inflation hitting a nine-year high, the peso falling to a record low, will people still accept that law the system insisted as means to raise funds?

Anyway, with the government passed the second phase of tax reforms, describing it as to "attract better and high quality opportunities", and at the same time feeling the actual negative effects which the government fails or half-heartedly mitigating its effects, economic managers will still insist its justness by telling it meant lead to more jobs, opportunities, steady inflation rate, and of course, stable businesses- despite the fact that there lies possible business shutdowns and consequent job losses thanks to that goddamn first phase and its provisions that the order chose not to address its flaws.

Since taxes are increased and thus the prices of commodities and fares, then about issues like infested rice and rumors of embalmed fish? Just like earlier issues on rice shortages, this another agricultural matter has For sure Agriculture Secretary Piñol hath tried to dispel rumors that made people gone mad after rice shortages, in fact, the agriculture secretary accepted it as a challenge by eating both infested rice and the alleged "embalmed" fish as he insisted that those foods are "safe to eat" if not telling consumers that these "were made-up stories from businessmen because they do not want the new import system".

Desperate isn't it? But despite his effort to appease, it didn't dispel the concern coming from an overtaxed yet still underpaid commoner. The imports would have saved the Filipino from the shortages if not from being infested, much better if instead of being imported would be coming from the Filipino farmers themselves who yearned for a greater share coming from a government willing to buy their produce seriously and not for the sake of propaganda; so are the fishes that would have been fished by the Filipinos instead of being imported from its neighbours if not from the policies that also includes concessions especially with the Chinese; but in a system whose economic policy cares less about the farmers and fisherfolk in favour of the compradore (and its landlord partner), then sorry to say but with the existing policies no wonder why agriculture has been a problem that's failed to be addressed. 

And to think that some would say it would be easier to abolish the National Food Authority (NFA) due to its failure to resolve the crisis, if not telling that better for foreigners to take a parcel of land and the Agrarian Reform to be stopped once and for all but instead shift the attention to making Philippine Agriculture tailored further into neoliberal-globalist interests, also unwondering why the system continues to please it's age-old robber barons. Come to think that they take pride in having a a program similar to "masagana 99" yet most arable lands end becoming subdivisions due to lack of government support- what more of liberalization of agriculture that allows NFA to increase allocation of imported rice. 

For sure everybody knows that these bad tasting imported rice compete with the locally-produced ones, thus, giving opportunities to landlords and traders to even depress the farmgate price of palay, what more of badly-needed, yet, expensive inputs (thanks to that goddamn tax reform law), all leaving the rice farmers in deep poverty and debt- same as the fisherfolks who end seeing their fishing grounds controlled by interests whose factory ships able to catch more but for an intended market.

***

All in all, most if not all Filipino consumers are being run over by that TRAIN, followed by infested rice and rumors about embalmed fish, what more the inflation and that still still low wage amidst high costs of goods and services.

For apologists, these matters are meant to be "temporary" and "resolvable" if not putting the blame on the left for making the issue be politicised as such; in a time when Duterte and his men trying to build their orderism using democratic if not legal processes, they would try their "best" in making their agenda pleasing to the people even when in fact it isn't due to its neoliberal/monetarist slant as his predecessors - and from it meant more taxes for the laborer, profits for the profiteer, increased prices for the middlemen, and misery for the masses. 

These and more are actually destabilizing than any political maneuvering as the present administration love to deal on, real or imagined.

"May as well brace yourself"

"May as well brace yourself"

(Notes from an impatient populace demanding reforms

 to an impatient regime tolerating impatience)

Everything has becoming farce as Duterte and his clique actually chose to continue old policies, abit with new names and terms, all tailor fit to meet the demands of the people. 

There could be many reasons for this continuity be it intentional or not, but the fact that Duterte's Philippines is still in its continuing past, which means as dominated by entrenched entities, diminishes the promise of change- let alone an intensified campaigns against drugs, the rest be like a rehash which people end dismayed after seeing its unlikely effects.

Basing much on news reports and commentaries, this person, like others concerned, is thinking that many people, in their desire to see injustice righted and to commence changes swiftly, rather rush headalong into an unreliable remedy or solution such as what Duterte and his clique hath offered. 

For as in the past, people sought extralegal means as a form of direct imposition of justice, and sometimes a necessary move by the state in order to create or tolerate an atmosphere of fear, impatience, discontent before they "make their move" and redescribing it as "necessary to save the republic and to restore order, stability" which includes "issuing necessary reforms."

Using an unlikely figure's view

Mentioning about impatience, fear, ad the likes, many years ago, former General Jose Crisol made a note that tackles about the cold war hysteria of anticommunism. And like those within the system, he would say that impatience, fear are those examples of the traits of "communism" as it creates an expression of dissent and even hatred.

Quite agreeable at first, especially to those who criticise protest actions pointing against the regime instead of "letting the regime take its course" and by "simply becoming patient" as "reforms and programs" are "already been undertaken". 

However, that same impatience, fear, discontent, has becoming what the system hath waited and wanted- especially when people are looking for a someone to lead them out of the chaos, and thus came personages like yesterday's Marcos, and today's Duterte.

To paraphrase Crisol from his book "the red lie", it is impatience in people that the system endeavour to exploit to further their own ends. Issues like rampant criminality, political scandals, rising costs of goods and services, anything pointing on the last administration hath made people impatient and thus stir up anger enough to rally under theirs, pointing against personages left and right as perpectuators as well as to support programs which no matter what controversial it would be so long as it creates "good conclusions" such as the promises of TRAIN law and "Build Build Build".

But reality says otherwise, despite the system hath tolerated their own brand of impatience in order to rally people under theirs against the "reds" and "yellows", they failed to stem that same impatience that in this time pointing against them for half-taken seriously if not failed to address issues particularly those from the masses. Contractualisation for example- Duterte did promised to end it and even made a presidential order for the sake of appeasing the ones rallying outside Malacañang, but how come it did not maximise the regularisation of these workers- but instead seeing mass actions and boycotts? Remember impatience is the way of an animal gone berserk, and people wanted to see coming from a man who does swift justice through the barrel of the gun also the same towards those who insist the justness of contractualisation and other unfair labour practises.

From this then this writer would think that even those who are against communism actually done what their so-called 'enemies' did. They created if not tolerated an atmosphere of discontent as neoliberal- oriented economic planners, fascistic- bred military men, despotic landlords, and corrupt bureaucrats created or recycled policies whose bottomline is simple: uphelding interests- and in this era where Duterte, as any other bureaucrat paraphrases existing policies with populist terms, failed to reach the hearts of people, except of course, those whom fanatically supporting him regardless of his mistakes. Programs like BUILD BUILD BUILD, reforms like the TRAIN law, even the statement wherein he insisted multinationals to have property, and the promise to end contractualisation, these and more despite all its justifications, hath not kept the mass ranks of people at bay but intensifies its struggle- or rather say, impatience.

Aside from that discontent, that system, just like its "enemy", seeks to dominate as it attains power over those they rule. Actually, Crisol end becoming one of Marcos's own propagandists as he blabbered anticommunism and his defence of constitutional authoritarianism through the "new society". But haven't he noticed that he was supporting a man having a lust for power and the passion to dominate others? That "new society" which meant to "defend the republic and democracy" is as old as the despotism of ancient absolutism and as ruthless as other totalitarian regimes- that until present it continues to prevail abit with new terms trying enough to "move on" from its unlikely orgins. In fact, Duterte seriously trying to replicate that kind of despotism his idol Marcos did- by replicating that path to power on the crest of state-sponsored violence, popular despair and discontent, and willing to maintain power by the use of force and propaganda both "state" and "state-sponsored" apologists.

From this then perhaps it is unsurprising if he will stop at nothing not even the betrayal of their people just to satiate their lust for power.

Pardon if to use Crisol's not for a reference, but in citing him through a left-wing perspective, perhaps this person would say that despite he created that anticommunist note in pursuit of "defending democracy", the late undersecretary for civil defence hath also made something for the system such as on how to hijack some populist (or even leftist) ideals in order to upheld the order and its interests. In fairness to him that he did recognise the flaws of capitalism by describing its oppressive form as "perverted", but then he insisted that capitalists (particularly big businesses), compradores, and hacienderos excert a strong influence in government as they themselves are "better informed citizens" with "sober opinion and seasoned experience", "dynamic capital", "enterprising spirit", and "incentive of private ownership" that serves as "guiding forces behind all organic and economic programs in nations."

"May as well brace yourself"

With all the inconveniences, then a concerned would tell everyone to "brace yourself" against this nonsense the system hath brought to. 

By using a late military man's notes in an another perspective, one would think how Duterte invested in a state of national impatience yet failed to address the issues that brought people to that same impatience. He would have followed Magsaysay or Garcia instead of Marcos when it comes to citing some character references, but, given the latter's "approach to development" would he follow the former whose showcase of development be limited to some artesian wells? 

Anyway, as in the past, the government, despite its promise to rein the ruling class, can't and unlikely to rein these "better informed citizens" such as a compradore or a  landlord oligarch. The TRAIN law plain and simply passed to the less paid or those of contractualisation and other labour-related cases that continues to remain important reasons for massive picketlines and street protests.

And speaking of TRAIN, from an article from the Manila Times made last May 2018 regarding that controversial tax reform law from concerned lawmakers, it stated that:

“Some 15.2 million families who earn minimum wages or below belong to the informal sector who are already exempted from paying income taxes will not benefit from income tax cuts. But these poor families are actually shouldering the higher cost of goods and services as a result of the Train law,

...The aim to lower taxes for the poor and improve the quality of life of our people was negated by the government’s drive to increase revenues. Instead of easing the burden of over-taxation, the Train Law worsens the misery of our people. 

Thus, the passage of this urgent bill [to repeal it]is earnestly sought,”

But for a fanatic who cares about supporting the administration 'right or wrong', then their desire to insist the folks such as to "return to the fold of law and to participate in nation building" remains its outmost call especially in a time of instability; they would even claim that reforms such as that TRAIN law as beneficial in a way business groups seek:

"...to lower corporate income tax rates and rationalize incentives to broaden the tax base and increase the government’s revenues to support its key programs, as well as to address issues regarding the country’s competitiveness in the world market, low revenue efficiency, and the current uneven playing field between local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and foreign multinational companies."

Sadly, these fanatics didn't know that their idol's and its privileged supporters made that instability as it justifies an unlikely act (or are they contented in rising costs of goods out of that tax reform law?), what more that they made their statements sound foolish especially for a ruler who desired change when in fact he profited from an unjust order of "best informed, sober opinion, and experienced" plutocrats.

With all these inconveniences, then perhaps everyone knows why the state tolerate the system's unjustness thinking that they have better views than those of the commoner yearning to realise hopes- from this no wonder why people are discontented, and if promised to realise reforms- impatient to push through.

Why questioning (or even opposing) RA 11055?

Why questioning (or even opposing) RA 11055?

(Or why this person like others concerned
is questioning, even opposing the government's
 "National Identification System")

At first, this person, like others concerned, is questioning in regards to serious privacy and security concerns amidst the signing into law of Republic Act 11055 or the "Philippine Identification System Act" by the Duterte administration.

Initially, that plan seems to be optimistic, especially to those who are "sick and tired" of multiple identification cards from different government agencies, the need for stronger and efficient law enforcement and public safety, addressing financial inclusion challenges, efficient delivery and access to government agencies, as well as stronger law enforcement and public safety.

However, despite its intents, concerns are being raised especially against the inclusion of a ‘record history’ that details when and where the ID has been used, both in public and private transactions. Information to be collected also includes demographic data such as full name, gender, date and place of birth, blood type, address, and citizenship. Marital status, mobile numbers, and email addresses are optional. Other "improved features" such as Biometrics are also included, which involves front-facing photograph, full set of fingerprints, and iris scan. Other identifiable features may be collected if necessary.
With that procedure both in collecting one's profile as well as data history, this as enough to act as a "virtual tracker" for its holders, as well as a "treasure trove" for data-hungry individuals and entities such as data and mortgage brokers, credit agencies, direct mailers, civil litigants, employers, hackers, and even the government seeking for intelligence data. And its misuse, abuse, and leakage coming from these actions will have grave impacts on one's personal privacy and security.

While the need to streamline service and improve security as well as safety might be reasonable cause for its imposition, this system, as any other move taketh by the government, should not be at the expense of one's rights, particularly those of privacy, freedom of movement, and non-discrimination. These rights are of course, enshrined in the constitution as well as in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in which the Philippines itself is it's signatory. As said before in regards to "Digital Transformation" and its impact in the society, while the law and its system intends to ensure one's convenience and easy access for every transactions, it can also become a convenient pretense for broader state surveillance and police powers over citizens- an attempt to silence possible dissent.

Actually, this kind of scenario becomes relevant knowing the prevailing environment of state-condoned impunity and violence against its people, and persecution of perceived enemies of the ruling order. Using digital means and with the active support by those adhereing to it, having personal data in the hands of an oppressive system will be another weapon that they can use enough to interfere with one's right to privacy, and even freedom of one's movement, expression, press, speech, and assembly.

Sounds opposing as it emphasises the problems surrounding this identification system. In fact last 2016, a "treasure trove" of data with biometrics and personal information has been released in an incident involving the Commission on Elections. That incident compromised the data of 55 million voters, thus exposed the inherent weaknesses of government systems to manage and secure personal data. 

And to think that there is an agency supposed to protect one's privacy and to help in managing government systems, will it also prevent those such as with the COMELEC data to use it for possible identity theft and fraud? Much more endangering is a possible distortion by the government itself- Especially when potential dissent may find one's self imprisoned or killed not because of an opposing belief but also having authorities likely to distort one's data till enough to justify an unlikely action- just like what happened in Kamuning months ago when a cultural activity end surrounded by the police with the latter pretending "they are enforcing curfew and other similar laws". This may get worse with  may also find the same fate so long as the authority does the same action "all in the name of order and stability." 

Anyway, aside from state matters, as the law repeatedly states that the identification system shall only be used as a proof of identity, it is not far fetched that in the future such data will be used for purposes other than stated in the law - especially as data, through digital means, is becoming a very lucrative venture that earns billions for the private sector. Entities like Ayala and Aboitiz hath submitted bids aiming to design, develop infrastructure needed for the system, despite the recent incident involving Facebook and Cambridge Analytica- which incidentally underlined how little that the government can do to penalize and strictly enforce protecting data privacy of its citizens and how willing political actors are having their hands itchy yearning to utilise or distort one's personal data to further their goals.

From these, perhaps there will be more reasons why people dare to question after the government is willing to spend 30 billion pesos to create a complicated system despite the latter talking about its importance and benefits. Admittingly speaking, that billions of pesos would be far better served by modernizing, cleaning, and standardizing systems and databases that are already in use; or bluntly speaking, that same amount should hath been spent on the delivery of basic social services, setting forth important and necessary programs, or to lessen existing debts.

https://web.archive.org/web/20010301190133/http://www.i-next.net:80/

When will that transformation truly for the people?

When will that transformation truly for the people?

(Ramblings on Digital Transformation
and how the system uses it for their benefit)

At present, "Digital Transformation" in the Philippines remains in its emergent stage. 

For despite having existing platforms necessary to push through that said attempt, as well as various entities getting engaged in that program, that program has to undergo a series of challenges ranging from setting regulations and creating regulatory bodies, to those of adopting behaviours of digital natives, of delivering outstanding digital customer service, of investing in technology, and in future proofing business models. 

For knowing that the continuous development of modern technology hath transformed economies and massively disrupted the status quo in some if not developed countries, it is obvious that existing entities of various sorts have no choice but to adapt in order to mitigate its negative effects if not to ensure its stability and survival- especially in a time when everyone is living in a world where anything seems to become intangible as it affects man and society through present and future breakthroughs, shifts, and changes- and most existing companies find it challenging to meet this kind of demand what Über, Facebook, or AirBnB enjoys, and in general, trying to "update" the present order and making it appear as "reforming" and "adapting to the changing times."

Sounds optimistic isn't it? As things digital hath meant chances of providing development, one would say that in a time when Über, the world’s largest taxi company owns no vehicles, that Facebook, the world’s most popular media owner creates no content, that Alibaba, the most valuable retailer has no inventory, and Airbnb, the world’s largest accommodation provider owns no real estate, the attempt to bridge man and machinery has been the topics discussed by both technology and business experts, as well as an idea being toyed by the state especially in matters which technology can help in resolving their problems.
Furthermore, there are theorists whom currently discuss routinely about the "Third Industrial Revolution" with "Information and Communications Technology" as its cutting edge, and there are also those claiming that the world is at the threshold of a "Fourth Industrial Revolution" which is marked by emerging technology breakthroughs in a number of fields, including robotics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, nanotechnology, quantum computing, biotechnology, The Internet of Things, 3D printing, and autonomous vehicles.

And in most developed countries, these massive developments are in full swing given the explicit support from their governments as well as capacity to innovate as part of improving its existing foundations, making the emerging digital economy appear different to what existed before. In Germany for instance, in its attempt to "usher in a fourth industrial age" as said earlier, provided a project which promotes the computerization of manufacturing, as it tends to create a "smart factory" which includes cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things, cloud computing, and cognitive computing alongside automation.
But in the case of the developing countries, it turned to be different- for the use of digital technology is largely meant for the retention of the status quo despite providing beneficial changes the way trains and automobiles meant improved means of transportation; and that the use of Cellular Phones did reach the poor masses in a desire to create better access to communication. However, from these developing countries, there are times that attempts for transformation, aside from initially hard to grasp with all its difficult terminologies, also came into conflict especially in industrial enclaves as it threatens jobs, as those who favour, in greatly emphasise efficiency, disregard those who actually work such as those of a human labourer.

All in all, both Developed and Developing countries, knowing that all these feats are made in a time Capitalism struggles for its survival, then are these technological changes truly a novelty for the benefit of the working class and communities? Or do they only continue the exploitation of the many for the benefit of the few? For sure people have noticed how robotics replaced manpower in factory work and the possible use of artificial intelligence as a replacement for human interaction in the service industry, if not being treated as empty rhetoric if not half-baked realisations as it benefits the ruling few. These and more possible feats has made technology under capitalism created change that is superficial than beneficial. Superficial in a sense that it appears to be for the benefit of everyone when in fact it is meant to make profit from it.

Worse, that same transformation can possibly hinder one's rights, especially after using security and stability as its pretext. 

It may sound strange but bluntly speaking,  "Digital Transformation" at the hands of the present order is like any other move meant for a consolidation of interests. Despite things modern and appealing to the people, these are made even at the expense of the folk especially when it comes to the use of innovation. And its apologists would churn statements such as driven by the need for efficiency in running state affairs, improving economic development, and better access to social welfare particularly to those in need, this kind of transformation is itself a necessary move in a time when anything deals with business or governance with its organizational activities, processes, competencies and models requires immense use of technology.

And to think that with words such as "security", "stability", "safety", "efficiency", and others relatable to their the use of technology being promoted throughout by this present order, this may also meant an improved repressive state apparatus, especially when it comes to monitoring people and worse, the willingness by the order to aggressively use electronic and digital technologies to record, organize, search and distribute forensic evidence against its citizens. In the Philippines for example, the recent calls for a "National Identification System", despite its approval by the present administration, is still being questioned by some concerned sectors, as well as the opposition for its possible risks ranging those of invasion of privacy if not one of the signs of a coming police state in which President Duterte and his clique advocated. 

Fear-provoking isn't it? For despite its benefits presented to its citizens, the system sees these technologies necessary to maintain the stability of the state, even at the expense of people's rights.  

But to those who looked optimistically that kind of transformation, that attempt to transform the country digitally invokes hope as it continues to be depicted in a form of anything that is a wireless interconnectivity if not a myriad of things modern and state of the art- that makes Filipinos think as necessary to improve efficiency, security, accessibility, and productivity like those of its developed neighbours. And also to think that  most of Filipinos, as any other Asiatic, has afforded to enjoy the use of social media, the use of mobile applications, of Uber, Grab, AirBnB, and others whose expertise in things "wireless" has reached consumers yearning for comfort- and therefore, willingly to see further a more efficient access to services through digital means.

Yet still, this doesn't translate to full scale development that uplifts especially those of the masses. True that the masses did benefit from modern technology, but the present order hinders them from their upliftment no matter how they worked hard, save, and doing things productive. At some countries (including the Philippines), artificial intelligence poses a threat to workers in the Business Process Outsourcing sector or Automation via Robotics towards workers in a factory. Quite nice to hear those numerous achievements brought about by digital technology, but again-who is to benefit? The recent protests at Nutriasia and in PLDT perhaps made these well-off owners toying the idea what this post tackled about, that even at the expense of man as a worker the idea is on how to raise profits. Of course, they need manpower for a time being-and can be disposed right away regardless of the law.
But remember- most if not all these factors compelled Marx and Engels to make notes regarding those problems, for as capital tends to concentrate in the hands of richest, as well as predicted that larger firms would be able to achieve economies of scale and thus produce at lower average costs than smaller firms. Competition between the larger firms and the smaller firms would result in the elimination of the latter. And while the size of the firms increases with the accumulation of capital, the degree of competition in the market diminishes. And also as a result of the mismatch between human need and industrial conditions, modern life is rife with depression, helplessness, and despair- for as man itself became cogwheels whose drivel is to be remunerated after long hours work.

In the end, despite the so-called "efforts" done by the present order, of "Build Build Build" and the likes (including those tinkering of technology by the system itself), this didn't lessen the problem which the bulk of these folks are in the countryside, mostly oppressed peasants who have long been waiting for help, hungry of scientific education and genuine rural development; while in the urban enclaves wherein exploited workers are rather burdened with very low wages, forced to work in unjust conditions, and forced to content in having lack of social services like decent housing or shelter, health care, water supply, and electricity. The recent strikes made entrenched entities tinker the idea of automation as to dispose workers, thinking with machines replacing manpower meant efficiency-if not getting themselves free from paying wages and other benefits.

True that in this age of having communities improved by digital means lies the development of communities and the country in general: but given this still slow-paced expansion to the masses, what more of the need to prioritise setting new foundations, hope that this "Digital Transformation", in supporting the revival of agriculture and industry should be benefited by these folks, for they are the ones supposed to be benefiting from the fruits of this advanced science and technology.

***

Pardon if the note is criticising what others think as means to alleviate from the problems of malproduction and misdistribution, for the fact that the technology-based transformation did address or resolve some of the crises, it cannot deny that existing economic policies particularly those of unregulated capitalism, and the use of "freedom" as its basis for uninterrupted exploitation and intense competition (that turns out to be a dog-eat-dog scenario), has created an anarchy in production and even in distribution; and from these innovations it rather provided temporary relief while making its contrary even worse in a form of long-term crises- thus affecting development of both humanity and its society.

And other than economic issues, one would also think that if that transformation makes one secure, then how come issues like the leakage of personal information from the Commission on Elections occur? Is the "National Identification System" actually meant to resolve the multiplicity of government-issued identification per agency or intendedly used to gather personal data such as those of a potential dissenter? 

From these no wonder why this person, as well as others concerned would think that the idea, no matter how good it is (with intents such as inclusive and sustainable growth, improved governance, and responsive service delivery), yet at the hands of the order, rather negates its ideal intent and instead emphasises its actual goal: to retain the order at all costs. On the first place, did they consult the folks regarding this matter?  After all, that "Digital Transformation" is not a technological fix, a blueprint plan, a one-off event, nor a one-size-fits-all strategy. But rather, it is a social learning process, sustained over time, and involves diverse stakeholders especially those of the masses who meant to be uplifted and benefited.

On the recent scuffle, imprisonment, and the (still) continuing struggle for the workers

On the recent scuffle, imprisonment, 
and the (still) continuing struggle for the workers

(or "all after the events between the workers of Nutriasia, Inc., 

its supporters, and of the rotten order who violently dispersed them)

It was last July 30, 2018 when the state, on behalf of the ruling class, has once again shown its utmost disregard for the democratic rights of the people. For choosing to maintain the unjust order amidst its promise of change and reform, it has proven itself to be the enemy of the people as it intensifies its repression manifested through violent dispersal and imprisonment of protesting workers as well as supporters following a peaceful ecumenical service with various sectors.

This seemed to be too much, as these attack dogs were as if thirsty to beat them thinking that those who stood against the law are meant to do so- no matter how the same law includes the right to address grievances, including those of strike.

And any other unjust action pointing the opposition and its personages, the state has illegally detained, and filed false charges towards leaders, supporters, and even journalists who happened to be covering the entire event. From this, it created concern from friends and groups, as well as families whom worried about their children after that violent response from the order.- one of them happened to be a scholar who afforded to listen to the perspective of the common worker.

And to think that in choosing the side of the workers, students, and various struggling folks, the direct involvement of these concerned individuals and groups in provoking dissent, particularly in a form of participating in the picketlines, learning from their experiences, and supporting their struggles including those of providing them meals, these actions also meant asserting the need for addressing concerns which Duterte and his ilk failed to provide-while the harsh, violent response by the order has proved that the administration whom afforded to preach words like change and reform, of inclusive development and others, has no serious, true intent in realising their calls, but instead serve rather the interests of profit and capital which has shown months past like Lapanday in Mindanao, Coca Cola in Laguna, workers from the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Jolibee Foods Corporation, and this Nutriasia in Bulacan.

And obviously, it is expecting that the apologists of the order would spew messages maligning those actions. Some would even trying to prove the violent response as "necessary" if not insisting with all their paranoical mindsets those who seriously adhere to principles to plain disruption if not terrorism. The police whom arrested and detained even afforded to 'plant' drugs and guns enough to justify their arrest- which end exposed as one prisoner confessed that he was forced by the police to 'plant' evidence to justify its sinister act.

From this, as well as the earlier actions which the state acted in its violent and slanderous forms on behalf of vested interests, has to be vehemently condemn and urged the people to stand in solidarity with the struggling workers of Nutriasia Inc., and others, with its fight for regularisation of jobs, better wages, and just working conditions. And amidst all the crackdowns and attempts to put down and malign the people will never yield-but instead assert further, and stronger, its call for democratic rights and national redemption.