Police secure DOLE for Labor Day protests
Police in Manila secured the Department of Labor and Employment in Intramuros Thursday in anticipation of Labor Day protests by militant groups. The Manila Police District said the security stemmed from information that some of the protesters may hurl paint at the DOLE building, radio dzBB's Manny Vargas reported. A group of militant laborers arrived at the DOLE past 10 a.m. but no violent confrontation was initially reported. Earlier, militant workers bared a wish list for Labor Day after Malacañang hinted at "good news" for the labor sector on May 1. The Kilusang Mayo Uno said it will not settle for anything less than a "significant" wage hike, and the junking of the 12-percent value-added tax on oil products. "This is the good news that the Filipino workers and people want: a significant wage hike and the junking of the 12% Expanded Value-Added Tax on petroleum products. Anything less wonât quell our protests," KMU chairman Elmer Labog said in an article posted on the KMU website.