HANDS OFF JACQ RUIZ! Drop all trumped-up charges against labor leaders and activists!
National women’s alliance GABRIELA strongly denounces the recent issuance of arrest warrants against Kilusan ng Manggagawang Kababaihan (KMK) Spokesperson Jacq Ruiz and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Chairperson Jerome Adonis over fabricated charges of violating Article 153 of the Revised Penal Code in connection with this year’s Labor Day protest.
This judicial harassment, based on baseless allegations by the Manila Police District and rubber-stamped without a proper preliminary investigation, exposes the US-Marcos regime’s fear of the militant labor and women’s movement. It is an obvious attempt to criminalize protest and stifle the people’s growing demand for a living wage, job security, the right to unionize, and national sovereignty.
We see this as part of the US-Marcos regime’s escalating crackdown on democratic rights—a pattern evident in the violent dispersals and mass arrests during significant protests, including International Working Women’s Day, Labor Day, and the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). In that SONA, Marcos Jr. further proved his absolute lack of regard for the plight of workers, as he failed to respond to living wage calls and other demands of workers and instead opted to unleash vitriol against them. While the Marcos Jr. regime plunges the nation deeper into economic crisis, subservience to foreign dictates, and corruption, it responds to the people’s legitimate grievances not with solutions, but with harassment, intimidation, and legal persecution.
The specific targeting of Jacq Ruiz, a woman labor leader, further exposes the macho-fascist character of the corrupt and puppet Marcos regime.
GABRIELA stands in firm solidarity with the KMK, KMU, and all workers under attack. We call on all women’s groups, human rights advocates, and the Filipino people to vehemently expose and oppose this fascist tactic.
No amount of judicial terror can extinguish the people’s fight for their rights. We must amplify our protests, strengthen our ranks, and resist all forms of state repression. Drop all trumped-up charges against Jacq Ruiz, Jerome Adonis, and all persecuted activists now!