Senatorial aspirant and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Secretary General, Ronald Mangampo "Jerome" Adonis, has vowed to represent the Filipino working class if elected to the Senate.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Thursday, Adonis discussed his firsthand experience as a worker, mentioning a time before the minimum wage law was enacted when he was earning only a small wage.
He further noted that his decision to run was driven by the Senate's domination by political dynasties and traditional politicians.
"For the longest time, wala talagang seryosong batas para i-address ‘yung matagal na problema ng mga manggagawang Pilipino," said Adonis.
"Kasi wala namang Senador talaga na seryosong magtutulak para sa interes ng mga manggagawa," he added.
Adonis reiterated that if he becomes a member of the Senate, he will advocate for legislation that benefits workers, citing as a priority the implementation of a "living wage" aligned with the country's Constitution.
"Yung tinatanggap ngayon na P645 sa Metro Manila, habang P361 sa BARMM, ang tingin namin diyan ay libing. Hindi ho ‘yan living wage," Adonis explained.
He stated that this is far from the reality of the actual cost of basic necessities, including food, rent, electricity, water, and even the expenses for children's education.
Efforts to minimize the migration of Filipinos for employment opportunities
Adonis advocated for the enactment of a national minimum wage of P1,200, believing it would make working in the Philippines more attractive and reduce the need for Filipinos to seek employment overseas.
He then suggested that contractualization should be abolished in the country, and expressed his intention to push for the repeal of Articles 106 and 109 of the Labor Code.
"Kung gusto nating i-address, isabatas natin ang vital talaga [na batas], hindi ‘yung patse-patse na mga rekomendasyon para diyan, para ma-address natin ang lumalaki taon-taon na bilang ng mga OFW," he added.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the government should seriously focus on strengthening the country's economy, stating that otherwise, the nation will always rely on the economies of foreign countries.
Common misconceptions about Kilusang Mayo Uno
The labor leader mentioned that those who claim to fear KMU are merely the abusive businessmen.
He explained that their focus is on defending workers' rights and that their requests are reasonable, based on research showing what companies can realistically provide.
What KMU aims to contribute to the Senate
Recognizing the differing perspectives on the issues raised by their progressive group under the current administration, Adonis stated that they are open to dialogue, even with differing political standpoints.
He pointed out that although the Philippines is a democratic country, the Senate is dominated by political dynasties and traditional politicians, making it difficult to uphold genuine democracy.
"Ibig sabihin, sila sila na lang ‘yan – mga negosyante, pinondohan ng negosyante, nagmamay-ari ng malalawak na lupain, and therefore kaya anumang mga batas na isinusulong nila diyan, uunahin nila ‘yung makitid na interes in the expense ng ordinaryong mamamayan," said Adonis.
He assured that their group will challenge lawmakers and directly address the fundamental problems of the people to gradually resolve the issues.
Strategies to assist graduates in securing employment
"Kailangang totoo na mangyari na ang edukasyon sa Pilipinas ay karapatan," Adonis reiterated.
"Para mangyari ‘yan, kailangan po talagang pondohan natin ng malaki ang education kasi doon tayo magpupundar ng mga bagong kabataan, magiging leader ng bansa, magiging mahusay na manggagawa, maging mga professional at scientist, at kailangang-kailangan ng bansa natin ‘yan," he added.
Adonis emphasized that there should be jobs waiting for students right after graduation. However, he pointed out that the current issue is an imbalance, as the education system is structured to produce cheaper labor.
He reiterated that graduates should secure stable jobs with a livable wage, so they won’t be compelled to leave the country.
Ways to prevent corruption in the country
The labor leader noted that the Makabayan coalition is deeply angered by the widespread corruption.
He pointed out that stronger legal repercussions should be imposed on corrupt individuals and those misappropriating public funds to ensure they are held accountable.
"Ang equivalent nito ang tingin namin ay ang pagnanakaw mo sa pondo ng taumbayan ay equivalent ng pagpatay sa taumbayan," said Adonis.
Support for street vendors: What can be done
Adonis initially noted that the increase in informal workers in the country is a result of the lack of job opportunities within the nation.
He urged local government units (LGUs) to provide designated spaces for street vendors, instead of indiscriminately apprehending them, as these individuals are striving to earn an honest living.
"Lumalaban ng patas, ang problema anytime huhulihin pa dahil so called nasa bawal silang lugar. Edi bigyan natin sila ng tamang lugar at kung magbabayad man, ay ‘yung abot kaya lang nila," Adonis stated.
"Pangalawa, dapat nating seryosohin unti-unti ang pagkakaroon ng formal jobs sa ating bansa para ma-absorb sila later on," he added.
Adonis, who is running for a Senate seat, is part of Makabayan's 11-man Senate slate, which includes candidates representing multiple sectors in the country.
