Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1) — Labor groups pushed through with their annual May 1 protests, with an exception: the events took place online.
Militant organizations, led by Kilusang Mayo Uno and Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, organized their virtual rallies, which were streamed live on Facebook.
Just like their previous protests every May 1st, labor leaders gave speeches on the situation of workers, airing their grievances.
They also asked the government to provide concrete plans to assist workers who either lost their jobs or in a no-work, no-pay situation as a consequence of the COVID-19 lockdown.
According to the Labor department, over two million people have been displaced due to the government-ordered lockdown, which seeks to slow the spread of coronavirus disease.
Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said, “Sa kasalukuyan, mag-a-anim na linggo na ang lockdown, kapos pa rin ang ayuda sa apektadong mamamayan dahil sa kawalan nito ng malinaw at komprehensibong plano.”
[Translation: At present, we are entering the sixth week of lockdown but the aid for affected Filipinos is insufficient due to the lack of clear and comprehensive plan of the government.]
They also urged officials to protect frontline personnel from attacks and discrimination.
Those who joined held noise barrage and burned a makeshift effigy of President Rodrigo Duterte.
There were also performances from singer Noel Cabangon and other artists.
Protesters usually take to the streets of Manila and other parts of the country to commemorate Labor day. But mass gatherings are currently prohibited in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
