June-July 2018
Issue 37
News, views and analysis from Migrante Australia BATINGAW; BELL; HERALD; The Voice of Filipino Migrants in Australia
IN THIS EDITION ◆ No Peace under Duterte ◆ Tipanan ◆ CALD theatre in the West ◆ O n the Border: from Little ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
Things, Big Things Grow Cuts to Penalty Rates S olidarity Trip 2018 MAT & SONA Upcoming Events
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EDITORIAL
No Peace Under Duterte It has been two years since President Rodrigo Duterte first promised to solve the fifty year-civil war in the Philippines. According to him, this could not be solved through a military solution, as demonstrated by the earlier regimes’ failed US-designed counterinsurgency campaigns: from the “nip in the bud” program under Ferdinand Marcos to Benigno Aquino III’s Oplan Kapayapaan. Thus Duterte decided to enter into peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). During his campaign for presidency until his first year in office, Duterte promised to bring peace, end contractualisation, eradicate corruption, and uphold an independent foreign policy and other pro-people plans. He even boasted himself as the first Leftist president in the country. NDFP chief political consultant for Peace Negotiations, Jose Maria Sison welcomed these
developments as an opportunity to advance the people’s democratic interest and welfare by resuming the peace talks. The peace negotiation between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP began with the Corazon Aquino regime following the overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship. Held in the Philippines, the talks were vulnerable to the saboteurs in the bureaucracy and
the military. The political killings under Aquino’s term, the Mendiola massacre and the assassination of KMU Chairman Rolando Olalia compelled the NDFP negotiators to bolt out of the talks. The Aquino regime then implemented a total war policy.
It has been two years since President Rodrigo Duterte first promised to solve the fifty year-civil war in the Philippines. Under Fidel Ramos, the peace negotiations were reopened in a neutral foreign venue. The signing of The Hague Joint Declaration and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) marked an advance in the talks. The Hague Declaration provided the sequence for the substantive agenda by which the root cause of the armed conflict can be addressed, namely human rights and international humanitarian law, socio-economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms, end of hostilities and disposition of forces. JASIG provided for the safety of the negotiators from both parties. The talks however failed when the GRP panel set problematic preconditions, and turned to fruitless localized peace talks.
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The peace negotiations under Joseph Estrada were resumed in a neutral foreign venue. One important development was the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL) which addresses the human rights concerns of the Filipino people. This paved the way for the advance to the next substantive agenda, the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reform or CASER. Under the administrations of Gloria Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III, there were exploratory talks but no formal peace negotiations, as these regimes focused on implementing US-directed counterinsurgency plans and the same neoliberal economic programs. The peace negotiations under the current administration have already reached the fourth round in its resumption, and there has been a six-month ceasefire between the AFP and the NPA, the longest so far in the history of the peace process. Moreover, CASER, the most crucial part of the peace talks, has been drafted by the respective reciprocal working committees, but has not been tackled in the negotiations.
Amidst these developments, military elements like Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana continue to sabotage the peace negotiations. Amidst these developments, military elements like Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana continue to sabotage the peace negotiations. Military operations continue to intensify in the countryside. The Marawi crisis, compounded by the Martial Law in Mindanao, the stalling and eventual termination of the peace talks
through Proclamation No. 360, the declaration of the CPP-NPA as terrorists through Proclamation No. 374, and the call for localized peace talks, all demonstrate the dominance of rightist elements, and the insincerity of the Duterte regime in working for a just and lasting peace.
Military operations continue to intensify in the countryside. For many Filipino migrants, the same socio-economic conditions that have created the phenomenon of labour export will remain unaddressed. The absence of national industrialization and genuine agrarian reform, and the perpetuation of export-oriented and import-dependent economy guarantee the continuing outward movement of Filipinos seeking fortunes in other countries where they are also vulnerable to exploitative labour conditions. At the expense of a better future for Filipinos in the country and elsewhere, the Duterte regime has abandoned the pursuit of peace based on social justice. Heeding the will of the US and the military, he seems keener to pursue his ambition to be a strongman, after the mould of his fascist idol, Marcos. But with the social conditions for resistance still in place, the struggle will rage on, with the people taking in their hands the chance for just and lasting peace.
The Duterte regime has abandoned the pursuit of peace based on social justice. Heeding the will of the US and the military, he seems keener to pursue his ambition to be a strongman, after the mould of his fascist idol...
Contents 4 6 8 9 10 14 16
Tipanan CALD Theatre On the Border Cuts to Penalty Rates Solidarity Tour 2018 MAT & SONA Events
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Migrante East hosts Successful Tipanan
By Katrina Tan
The funds raised in the event are used to assist abused Filipino 457 workers. The cold and rainy day on 16 June did not stop people from coming to Migrante Melbourne’s annual Tipanan hosted by its chapter in eastern Melbourne. According to Yvette Segundo, Migrante East chairperson, this year’s event is successful “because we were able to raise funds to promote Migrante’s various programs.” These programs include advocacies and campaigns that help promote welfare of Filipino migrant workers. More specifically, the funds raised in the event are used to assist abused Filipino 457 workers. Since Migrante Melbourne does not receive any funding from Australian government, the group relies on the support of its members and supporters. Part of the funds gathered will also go to Migrante International to support its continued services to
millions of Overseas Filipino Workers in different countries. Aside from generating funds, Segundo said that through Tipanan, Migrante members and supporters “celebrate our achievements [and] build positive relations that will strengthen our organizations.”
Artists (ALPA). They performed a piece composed of monologues and songs that presented Philippines’ history and political issues. This piece was part of the show I am/ We are a multicultural community project funded by Wyndham City Council and Arts Assist (please see related article).
Tipanan Highlights Segundo mentioned that this year’s Tipanan in June is different from previous ones since a cultural presentation was included in the program. Tipanan is held twice a year. The first one held in June is usually a family fun day, while the second one in November is cultural. The highlight of the night is a performance by members of Migrante and the newly-established cultural group, Advanced League of People’s
“celebrate our achievements [and] build positive relations that will strengthen our organizations.” A short video screening was also part of the program. Made by ALPA members, the video depicted the plight
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of 457 visa holders, or temporary workers in Australia, and survivors of domestic violence. Jen Biñegas, convenor of Movement Against Tyranny (MAT) in Melbourne, also read the alliance’s vision and mission and invited everyone in attendance to join MAT. According
to MAT-Australia’s Facebook page, MAT is an alliance of groups and individuals that aims to unite all Filipinos and freedom loving people against tyranny and for human rights. After the short program, it was time for some dancing and raffle draw. Guests, both young and
young-at-heart, showed off their moves for hours before Tipanan finally ended. According to Segundo, ALPA will spearhead the next Tipanan set in November, while All Migrante Melbourne chapters will help put up the cultural event.
Partner Migrants Advocates’ Network Uniting Communities Against Family Violence A Gala Dinner for a Cause
Contact: Ness
0481 577 670
Angie
0410 579 563
Network Acting Coordinator Gabriela Australia
Kapambwe 0478 886 217 African Family Services (AFS)
Regina
0431 264 786
Marites
0432 595 660
MultiCultural Centre for Women’s Health (MCWH) Filipino Community Coucil of Victoria Inc. (FCCVI)
Date: Saturday 06 October 2018 Time: 6:30 PM Venue: Venus Room, Grand Star Reception 499 Grieve Parade, Altona North 3025 Price: $70 (Includes 3 course meal) Attire: Formal attire with Purple or White motif is encouraged
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Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Theatre in Melbourne’s West I am/We are, a one
the Western region, they performed a playful dance reflecting the social cohesion of a migrant community.
By Reagan Maiquez
Migrante Melbourne (West Chapter), in partnership with the Filipino Artistic and Cultural Group, Advanced League of Peoples’ Artists (ALPA) has successfully led a community arts and theatre project together with Karen people from Myanmar and African groups last 2nd of June 2018 at the Laverton Community Hub. ALPA, in partnership with Migrante Melbourne (West Chapter), Australian Karen Cultural Association (AKR), and African Family Services presented the community performance I am/We are, a one and half hour storytelling through dance, music and theatrical tableaux of the issues experienced by migrants from the said communities. The Karen community, through the leadership of Eh Su (Secretary of AKR and Community Leader of the Karens in the West), presented a short history of how they were displaced
from their villages in Myanmar/Burma due to the military rule, alongside a history of colonisation and militarisation of their ruling parties. Together with powerful images projected on screen, they narrated their journey to the nearby border, Thailand, and eventually their resettlement here in Australia. The African group presented their issues as they call for a greater understanding of how Africans are perceived in this country and among the global community. These include the negative stereotypical view of Africa, which they contradicted through testimonies of Africa’s contribution to the development of cultures and economies all over the world. They also presented issues facing the Africans in Australia, including bullying, racism, and domestic violence. With the students of the Zimbabwe Language School in
and half hour storytelling through dance, music and theatrical tableaux of the issues experienced by migrants from the said communities. The Filipino group performed songs about the plight of indigenous communities in the Philippines and the current oppressive regime that terrorizes many impoverished areas in the country. Through testimonies about family violence and the situations of migrant workers, including those who are in Australia, the performers expressed to need to secure better environment and conditions for migrants, workers, women and children in host countries, and, emphasizing the value of mass movements and communities of
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solidarity, called for peace based on social justice in the Philippines. The project was funded by the local council of Wyndham through their Identity, Inclusion and Connection grant, the Arts Assist Foundation (formerly Arts West) and the generous contribution of community members from the said groups. Through the expertise of ALPA, this year long project gathered and connected people in the community through regular workshops and rehearsals that eventually led to the script and community performance.
ALPA will continue to work with the said community groups and promote arts and cultural events in the coming years.
The event was attended by more than 100 people, including the deputy mayor of Wyndham, Councillor Walter Villagonzalo, who commended the show and the initiative, as well as representatives from Arts Assist and members of other organisations connected with the Filipino, African, and Karen Communities. ALPA will continue to work with the said community groups and
promote arts and cultural events in the coming years. For more information regarding projects, membership, and initiatives of ALPA you can visit the facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/ ALPAMELBOURNE/ or send an email to: alpamelb@gmail.com
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On the Border: From Little Things, Big Things Grow By Joseph Lumanog
One can be forgiven for thinking nothing exciting can come out of Albury-Wodonga, a small regional area of 90,000 residents. But as Aussies know very well from Paul Kelly, from little things, big things grow. The past two months have seen a nodal point in the organizing of Filipino migrant workers in the area. With roughly 500 Filipino-born residents, Albury-Wodonga is fertile ground for raising consciousness, building solidarity, and developing new advocates for migrant workers’ rights. The local launch of the Change the Rules Campaign in mid-May also served as a powerful platform for linking with the broader trade union movement. In connection with this, the Philippines Australia Solidarity Association (PASA) kicked off a series of forums to bring together church members and local activists on urgent issues, starting with the plight of workers and migrant labourers represented by the Wodonga Filipino Skilled Migrants Association. The forum was
organized by the Wodonga Christian Ministers Fellowship, a gathering of ecumenical church leaders, in partnership with the North East Border Trades and Labour Council (NEBTLC). Our strong partnership with the Filipino Australian Community of Albury Wodonga (FACAW) also opened new avenues of cooperation on multicultural affairs in AlburyWodonga. Through ongoing consultations with the Albury-Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council (AWECC), FACAW, and other ethnic groups, our local members are laying the groundwork for stronger alliances, educating Filipino migrants on their rights, providing for unmet needs, and building the membership base. Perhaps to underscore the promising potential for Albury-Wodonga, our members played a major role in organizing the Independence Day Commemoration on 10 June. The public event, highlighted by an ecumenical mass and cultural program, drew a diverse crowd of local residents and demonstrated the unity of the various Filipino community organizations.
More importantly, the event included a critical reflection on whether the Philippines is, in fact, independent, and the need for a continuing struggle for national freedom and sovereignty. This showed the continuing concern of our kababayan for the country, as well as their interest in striving to make a difference. Yet despite these real successes, much work remains to be done. With diligent work locally and the encouragement of our comrades from the larger cities, our presence in regional Australia will continue to grow. And our service to Filipino migrants, the wider community and the Filipino people will reach new levels of development.
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Cuts to Penalty Rates, A Menace to Workers! By Alexia Fuentes
My name is Alexia. I’m a migrant from the Philippines who is now a permanent resident in Melbourne. I’ve been working in the hospitality industry since 2015. I’ve done various jobs from barista, front of house, bar staff, server, minibar attendant at hotels, and housekeeping desk coordinator. Recently I have been involved in a labour dispute with a restaurant that I worked in at North Melbourne for underpaying me $12 an hour with no penalty rates, entitlements, or loadings. I have been struggling to keep things together and stay afloat despite the uncertainty of keeping a stable income going. This year, I was faced with a decision to either go back to university or keep juggling two jobs. I worked in the hotel in the day and at the restaurant at night. The cuts were already introduced and had been in review for as long as I’ve been working Hospitality. I have joined various protests, campaigns, signed petitions, and even spoken against the cuts at a rally outside Fair Work as early as 2016. But in mid-2017, court appeals demanding to reverse or cease the cuts to penalty rates were defeated and a decision was handed down to proceed with the cuts. Last
year, workers in retail and hospitality got a 5% cut to their weekend and holiday penalty rates, including me. This year, a 10% cut took effect and it is only about to get worse through the upcoming years until 2020. This is part of the Fair Work Commission’s plans to “phase” the cuts every July over the course of three years to supposedly make the impact and effects of the cuts felt less for the lowest paid workers affected by it. According to an article in The Courier published last June 29, 2018: “The changes affect five of the awards in Australia: the General Retail Industry Award, Fast Food Industry Award, Restaurant Industry Award, Pharmacy Industry Award and the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010. These awards cover industries that employ millions of people. Sunday’s changes affect all but the restaurant industry award, in which changes took effect in 2017. Fast food industry Sunday penalty rates will fall from 145 per cent to 135 per cent, meaning the minimum wage on Sunday will fall from $30.15 an hour to $28.07. This will drop to 125 per cent in July 2019.
For retail workers, Sunday penalty rates will fall from 195 per cent to 180 per cent on July 1, meaning the Sunday minimum wage will fall from $40.54 an hour to $37.42 an hour. Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association national secretary Gerard Dwyer said the next round of penalty rate cuts would make life much harder for workers in retail and hospitality and their families. “On July 1, 700,000 Australians, including thousands of retail and fast food workers will get an additional pay cut of up to $55 a month when their Sunday penalty rates are slashed a further 10 to 15 per cent,” he said. “In total, these penalty rate cuts will mean between $2000 and $6000 a year in cuts for workers whose employment is already insecure and low income.”” It almost makes me cry every time I have to think back to how much hard work I’ve put into what I do to survive and realise again and again how much I’ve been losing out when bad employers like the ones I’ve had decide to underpay their staff or when the federal government and Fair Work Commission themselves decide to cut weekend penalty rates. It almost makes you feel powerless and defeated. But it also fills me with anger. I know that Australian society respects hospitality and retail workers. I’ve seen the kindness and solidarity of everyday average people who appreciate the kind of work we do. I’ve seen enough people who care about us to think otherwise or believe that Australian society itself sees us as worthless and expendable. ...Continue reading on page 15.
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Solidarity Tour 2018 Less than a week before this year’s solidarity tour, we received news of Australian Catholic Missionary Nun Sister Pat’s arrest and planned deportation from the Philippines. It would be a cloud that continued to lay low over the entirety of our solidarity tour. But the spate of attacks on the rights of international solidarity activists is really only the tip of the iceberg. Since Duterte was elected two years ago, we have seen the unravelling of a leader elected on a two-track policy of hardline law and order, and peace talk-initiated socio-economic reforms. It is an intensification of the human rights violations the Philippines has become known for. Thousands have been killed in the drug war, martial law has been declared in Mindanao, regressive taxation has been imposed, and contractualisation (where workers remain stuck on benefitless six month contracts) has been continued and expanded. We have seen federalism promoted to maintain, not break up, the oligarchic elite. These unfulfilled promises have seen a slow downturn in Duterte’s support. Social Weather Survey is now charting his approval rating at 65%. It is a far cry from earlier surveys that set this approval rating even beyond 90%. Some may question why this number isn’t lower. Sadly, it is true that many still have faith in Duterte’s ability to blast his way to a better society or simply avoid the public sphere in lieu of a better alternative. The challenge for those fighting for social justice and human rights in the Philippines is to provide that alternative and they haven’t been without some early success. Some of these include Occupy Bulacan, which promoted the issue of housing rights when they occupied over 5000 empty houses, the powerful Catholic Church’s vocal stance on the issues of
human rights after an earlier silence, the amplified voices of the families of drug war victims, the growing numbers of workers strikes as seen at Jollibee, Magnolia, PLDT, Coca Cola etc., the unity of different labour confederations for May Day in a way unprecedented since the fall of the Ferdinand Marcos regime, the Media Freedom united front in defence of online media outfit Rappler, Tindeg Ranao which has begun uniting Marawi families denied right to return to their homes following the war of 2017, and the united front in support of ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
Cordillera Day
By Stu Harrison to remember the martyrs that gave up their lives so that the river could continue to flow.
The wide diversity of cultural performances showed the ways in which the progressive movement has embraced the local Indigenous communities...
This resistance was shown clearly during my visit to Baguio City for the 34th Cordillera Day. This event is held
This year’s Cordillera Day was defined by a different tone. Over 600 people were put on a government terrorist list including some local activists
yearly to commemorate the struggles against the damming of the Chico River. It was a successful campaign that mirrors our own campaign against the damming of the Franklin River in Tasmania that helped form Australia’s modern environmental movement. The difference was that the struggle of Cordillerans was met with harsh repression and murder by state forces. So today they have not only a campaign
and human rights workers. This list was condemned by the Baguio City Council and a representative spoke to the conference confirming that those listed individuals were valued members of their community and not terrorists. Cordillera Day held over April 21-25 saw around 1000 delegates from the broader Cordillera region discuss the growing repression against their struggles and the fightback in
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response. While camped in a local primary school, we took part in a wide range of activities including educational discussions and sharing, cultural performances, speeches as well as travels into central Baguio to attend rallies and consultations. The wide diversity of cultural performances showed the ways in which the progressive movement has embraced the local Indigenous communities that call the Cordillera home and see their traditions and fight for self-determination as a central part of the overall liberation of the country.
International Solidarity Affair The International Solidarity Affair is an annual event that is held in the lead-up to the May Day mobilisation. It brings together worker activists from around the world to share their own experiences and learn from the Filipino workers’ movement. Kilusang Mayo Uno (May One Movement) is a significant trade union confederation in a country without a monopoly union confederation. It has a particular focus on organising
in neo-colonial industries, especially those situated in the country’s many Export Processing Zones. These lands are in effect privatised lands leased out to foreign corporations. We saw an example of this when we travelled to Zambales to visit a community of Hanjin shipbuilding workers. KMU was a militant minority union in this workplace where they worked alongside the more conservative institutional unions. The Hanjin workers were facing apartheidlike conditions in their workplace with wages based on nationality. Filipino workers were at the bottom of the pile. There was also a clear lack of occupational health and safety standards exhibited by the Korean company that had exported the jobs to undermine their local workforce. We also visited Coca-Cola workers on the day they won their strike for regularisation. Over one year ago,
the company had received a Labor Department order to regularise 675 workers. In a case too often replicated in the Philippines, the company simply refused, and later restructured, sacking key union leaders. This inability to enforce legislative orders and the unwillingness of Duterte’s government supermajority to ban contractualisation outright means that the struggle will continue and be a key part of the movement’s campaigns.
May Day This year’s May Day was significant because of the growing unities in the face of Duterte’s unwillingness to ban contractualisation. This meant that many unions that hadn’t found common cause since the downfall of Marcos staged a united mobilisation. As we marched through the streets, each group brought their own banners,
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props and chants adding to the colour and sound of the overall march. Speakers chanted “KMU! NAGKAISA!� to indicate the unity of the two coalitions that was taking place and hopefully would continue.
Kadamay I was able to visit an urban poor community in Quezon City called San Roque. What was initially surprising was how close it was to where I was staying next to the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) offices. This is because of the growing construction that is taking place around the community and has already destroyed the lives of thousands of people in the community to make way for shopping malls and apartment blocks in what advertisers are calling the future Central Business District of Quezon City. But as I crossed the footbridge over EDSA and walked down an alley with my guide, the community and its labyrinthine laneways opened up. In this community, Kadamay organised to defend the livelihoods of residents. Their office also operated
as a clinic for basic healthcare as well as being an organising space for defending the community and connecting with other relevant people’s organisations, including trade unions. Urban poor communities in the Philippines can take a myriad of forms depending on the employment and wealth status of housed individuals and the threat of eviction and/or demolition. In San Roque, residents face the issue of only buying a lease, not a title of the land they inhabit, which means that they always face the threat of eviction and demolition. They also are generally unable to improve the conditions of their homes without facing an impromptu demolition of said renovation by security guards. This made it very different from an urban poor community I visited in Baguio that had been able to benefit from family members who were overseas Filipino workers and would send money home to renovate their homes.
Conclusion The state of crisis in the Philippines only increased in the last two years. The Duterte regime has failed in its promises to bring change and instead has further enforced impunity and injustice. It is in this environment that Australia is seeking a growing involvement in the Philippines in the fields of military, national security and big business. Our tax dollars are in effect propping up the regime in Manila. This is what makes our international solidarity work so important: to build links between peoples committed to social justice and human rights across borders in our fight for a better world.
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Movement Against Tyranny (MAT) & State of the Nation’s Address (SONA) Movement Against Tyranny (MAT) Australia held a candlelight vigil as a protest action against Philippine President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) 23 July 2018 – The Movement Against Tyranny (MAT) Australia held a protest action (candlelight vigil) at the steps of Victoria State Library on the 3rd SONA of Philippine President Duterte. The protest vigil started at 6PM. As Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Filipino migrant community stood in solidarity with fellow Filipinos back home who marcehd in protest against the regime’s macho-fascist rule. The Duterte administration has indisputably abandoned its mandate to forward pro-people governance. What it has instead accomplished in its two years in office is an impunityridden rule marked by intense human rights violations. The government implements violent counterinsurgency
measures nationwide, especially in Mindanao where martial law is still in effect, and continues the bloody war on drugs that has already claimed thousands of lives, including children. Under the pretense of defending national security, the regime is in fact the foremost perpetrator of terrorism in the country, defending foreign corporate interests to exploit the people and pillage the country’s natural resources. State terrorism is compounded by Duterte’s brazenly sexist public pronouncements that advance the predominance of macho fascism in the country. The collapse of the peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front has also revealed the Duterte regime’s preference for violence and militarist tactics over more productive resolutions to address
the roots of the country’s social ills that the revolutionary movement has comprehensively tackled in its proposed socio-economic reforms. Meanwhile, the domestic economic crises continue to worsen, with the anti-poor tax reform law burdening the people with further inflation, and the working class continuing to be exploited in contractualized labor. Instead of alleviating the suffering of the people, Duterte and his ilk have instead invested their energies and public resources on unnecessary constitutional change that proposes to undermine the country’s sovereignty, implement federalism, and in effect, consolidate the regime’s tyrannical rule. The migrant community thus sees the deepening of the socio-economic circumstances that have forced many
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Filipinos to enter the international labor force despite vulnerabilities and exploitative conditions. We, Filipino migrants in Australia, see the collusion between the Philippine state and our host country. While Australian missionary Sister Patricia Fox is targeted and threatened deportation by the state for her selfless human rights work in far-flung Philippine communities, the Philippine government welcomes Australian soldiers to aid in counterinsurgency operations that violate civilian human rights, and displace communities. Moreover, Australian mining companies partake in the intensified plunder of the Philippines’s natural resources. We denounce the attacks against Sister Pat, whose decades of social
work affirm her unstinting dedication to serve the Filipino people. We call for the pull out of Australian military troops and mining companies whose presence can only bring misery to Filipino communities. In this regard, the Movement Against Tyranny (MAT) Australia enjoins Filipinos from all over the world to denounce the Duterte administration, and unite against the fascist threat that hounds the Filipino nation. The MAT Australia is an alliance
of groups and individuals that aims to unite all freedom loving people against tyranny and for human rights. • ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! WE ARE FED UP! End the Puppet, Fascist and Oppressive US-Duterte Regime! • Fight and thwart martial law in Mindanao and all-out war in the countryside! • Stop Deportation of Sister Patricia Fox! Hands Off Sister Patricia Fox! • Pull Out Australian Mining companies in the Philippines!
About Batingaw
Migrante Australia Publisher of A member of Migrante International PO Box 606, Laverton, Victoria 3028 Email: batingaw.migrante@gmail.com
Batingaw is a bimonthly newsletter expressing views, news and analysis from Migrante Australia. An important aspect of developing this newsletter is an intimate knowledge of and close involvement in all aspects of the Philippine and Australian struggles for justice, democracy and fair-go. Contributing to Batingaw: Articles, photographs, cartoons, clippings, comments or a few lines are all very welcome. All material should be sent electronically to: batingaw.migrante@ gmail.com. Readers are encouraged to contribute whatever they can by sending donations to the above address.
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• Pull Out Australian Military Troops in the Philippines! • JUNK the TRAIN Law! END contractualization! Implement the national minimum wage! • FIGHT for Land, work, decent housing and democratic rights! • Genuine freedom and democracy, not Cha-cha and dictatorship!
Media contacts: Jen Binegas – MAT Melbourne Convenor - 0412 562 902 Eugene Magdamit - 0411 264 945
Cuts to Penalty Rates, A Menace to Workers continued from page 9
The people don’t view workers like us that way. But capitalism and those in power who would rather look after their own self-interests than the most hardworking people who are also the most in need do. The state of Victoria alone is home to thousands of migrant workers like me who are juggling two jobs at once, as
well as international students who are also usually part-time workers working retail, fast-food, and hospitality jobs. As much as this affects us, this also affects the thousands more Australian youths who are getting entry-level jobs in these same industries. What will happen to us? What is there left to do?
To be honest, I really don’t know. That’s part of the uncertainty that retail, fast-food, and hospitality workers like us are faced with. This was forced down on us. But I do know that I will keep fighting with my union, United Voice and Hospo Voice, as well as with every other worker who would not sit idly by feeling defeated while we lose out more and more every year from the cuts they are implementing. I choose to stand up and fight back.
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Important Dates and Upcoming Events 22 July 2018 Forum: FILIPINO PEOPLE’S RIGHT TO HEALTH – VITAL FOR LASTING PEACE 2:00 – 4:00 PM, PACSI, Level 1, 97 Main Street Blacktown, New South Wales
23 July 2018 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL MELBOURNE 6:30PM, In front of Victoria State Library
28 July 2018 (and every last Sunday of the Month) Migrante East “BBQ FUNDRAISING” in cooperation of Murrumbeena Uniting Church. 2:30 PM, Murrumbeena Bowls Club, 10 Blackwood St, Carnegie.
4 August 2018 Migrante Perth’s Forum PHILIPPINES CHA-CHA & TRAIN LAW; OFW’S SECTOR AGENDA FOR CHANGE 2:00 – 6:00 PM, Dayton, Western Australia
30 August 2018 Information Night on the Philippines STRUGGLE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Leichhardt Library, Leichhardt, NSW
29 September 2018 Migrante Perth / Gabriela W.A. Forum MINDANAO 2:00 – 6:00 PM, Banksia Groove, Western Australia
6 October 2018 Gala Dinner Dance FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE BY PARTNER MIGRANTS ADVOCATES NETWORK
6:00 PM, Grand Star Reception, 499 Grieve Parade, Altona North, Victoria
20 October 2018 Migrate Perth / Gabriela W.A. Forum “INSIGHTS ON FEDRALISM” 2:00 – 6:00 PM, Wanneroo, Western Australia
November 2018 International Migrant Alliance (IMA) 4th General Assembly “END MODERN DAY SLAVERY, TRAFFICKING AND NEOLIBERAL ATTACKS ON MIGRANTS AND FAMILIES” Mexico, Latin America (more details will be announced later)
8 December 2018 Community BBQ SUMMER YEAR END EVENT 5:00 – 9:00 PM, Mullaloo Beach, Western Australia
16 December 2018 Migrante West “Sausage Sizzle” A FUNDRAISING DRIVE AT BUNNINGS HOPPERS CROSSING 9:00 am to 4:00 PM, Bunnings Hoppers Crossing, 221 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing
23 – 26 June 2019 International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) 6th International Assembly (6thIA) “WIN A BRIGHT SOCIALIST FUTURE FOR HUMANITY! UNITE THE PEOPLE TO FIGHT AND END IMPERIALIST WAR, RACISM AND FASCISM!” Hong Kong (more details will be announced later)
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