Groups protest corruptiom unemployment in ‘SONA sa Katawhan 2026’

Local

PROGRESSIVE organizations in Cebu marched on Monday, July 27, ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), as they held the “SONA sa Katawhan 2026” to present what they described as the people’s assessment of the country’s situation.

The groups marched from the Cebu Provincial Capitol to Colon Street, where participants raised concerns over rising prices, low wages, unemployment, landlessness, corruption, environmental issues, militarization, and alleged violations of democratic rights.

Bayan Central Visayas said the mobilization aimed to highlight the struggles of ordinary Filipinos and challenge government policies that they claimed prioritize foreign and elite interests over public welfare.

The protesters also called for accountability from the Marcos and Duterte camps, citing the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte and accusing both political groups of perpetuating corruption and impunity.

During the rally, protesters carried an effigy portraying Marcos as a frog-like figure labeled “Hari ng Korapsyon” while holding an image of Duterte labeled “Rayna ng Korapsyon.”

Organizers said the effigy represented their criticism of political dynasties, alleged corruption, and the concentration of power among ruling groups.

They also linked the piece to what they described as the country’s continuing problems involving imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucrat capitalism.

The groups criticized policies and agreements such as the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and the proposed Pax Silica strategy, which they said reflected continued foreign influence over Philippine economic and security decisions.

Upon reaching Metro Colon, the protesters encountered a heavy police presence.

John Ruiz of Bayan Muna Central Visayas raised concerns over the implementation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985, saying the law continues to be used to restrict protests and target activists.

Ruiz was among the activists who received subpoenas in 2025 over a protest demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Authorities also issued subpoenas to Jaime Paglinawan of BAYAN Central Visayas, Bebe Allere of Panaghugpong-KADAMAY, Howell Villacrucis of AMA-Sugbo-KMU, Victor Sumampong of Partido Lakas ng Masa, and Jian Rick Pelayo of Kabataan Partylist-CNU.

The BMP-PLM Cebu chapter joined the BAYAN-KMU-led activity and held a joint program along P. Del Rosario Street after gathering at separate assembly points.

Sanlakas Cebu secretary general Teody Navea urged the Marcos administration to address the economic difficulties faced by Filipinos, particularly the rising costs of fuel and basic commodities.

“We call on the BBM government in time for today’s SONA to decisively address the plight of the Filipino people as a result of the multiple crises confronting the nation.

The rising poverty because of the high prices of oil and the basic commodities must be resolved in order to ease the people's burden and misery,” Navea said.

Meanwhile, the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN)-Cebu called on the administration to include workers’ welfare in its economic agenda as Marcos prepares to deliver his SONA.

BIEN-Cebu president Kyle Enero said the growth of the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry should also result in improved conditions for employees.

The group expects Marcos to highlight the sector’s expansion, including its reported surpassing of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in foreign exchange earnings, as well as government efforts to attract more investments.

BIEN said BPO workers continue to face issues involving stagnant wages, increasing work demands, prolonged floating status, and alleged violations of statutory benefits.

Enero said the government should measure the success of the IT-BPM industry not only through revenues and investments but also through improvements in workers’ quality of life.

“An industry that continues to break revenue records should no longer be matched by policies that leave its workers behind,” Enero added.

BIEN renewed its call for the urgent certification of the Magna Carta for BPO Workers, stronger enforcement of labor standards, protection of workers’ right to organize, and policies that would ensure industry growth leads to higher wages, secure employment, and decent working conditions.(MyTVCebu)