Block Marcos: A growing, promising force in the Philippine Left

To hold Rodrigo Duterte accountable or not. To name the current social system as the main reason for the suffering of the mass of Filipinos or not. These are the main contradictions begging for a resolution within today's Leftist movements.

Block Marcos has come up with an answer. Rodrigo Duterte, who represents the elites of a Philippine capitalist society that benefits only them, is accountable for the rising tide of political persecution and killings especially toward the poorest members of the population in the country.

The group views Duterte as a threat of a looming dictatorship and authoritarianism.

Block Marcos is among the groups most critical against Duterte openly -- and one many of whose members identify as Leftists. They are, of course, a minority on this side of the spectrum, and will need all of our attention and support.

The group's members comes from various sectors, including the workers, students, human rights activists and mass organizations.

Hopefully Block Marcos continues to provide a venue for a much needed rejuvenation of radical politics in the country.

Duterte to meet with labor groups on February 27

Duterte to meet with labor groups on February 27

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III says the signing of the department order requiring agencies or contractors to regularize workers will be deferred until after the meeting

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte granted the labor sector's longtime request to have a dialogue with him regarding his promise of ending contractualization.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Duterte will meet with the labor groups on February 27.
Bello expressed optimism that this meeting could finally lead to a compromise between employers and workers in crafting the policy of ending contractualization. (READ: No 'endo' in 2017? Challenge of ending labor contractualization)
Ending the decades-long "endo" (end of contract) practice is among the most popular campaign promises of the President.
As early as January this year, labor coalition Nagkaisa urged Duterte to meet with them so that they can air their concerns about the direction being taken by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The groups under Nagkaisa oppose DOLE's plan to sign a department order (DO) that will require the agencies or contractors – instead of main employers – to regularize their workers. The anticipated DO will replace DO-18, which provides the rules on contracting that have been abused by some manpower agencies.
Labor Undersecretary Dominador Say earlier said Bello is eyeing to sign the DO on Tuesday, February 14, to serve as a Valentine's gift to labor groups. But upon the confirmation of the dialogue with the President, Bello said the DO will be deferred until after February 27 to consolidate feedback from the stakeholders. – Rappler.com

http://www.rappler.com/nation/161356-duterte-labor-groups-meeting-february

Anti-Marcos mobilization on February 25, 2017

Philippine Left publication: Ang Masa by PLM

The socialist Partido Lakas ng Masa just released a recent publication here. The paper can be downloaded here. Ric Reyes writes about the death of land reform in the last article.

Partido ng Manggagawa challenges Walden Bello's 'fascist' reading of Duterte

PM was responding to the article "Rodrigo Duterte: A Fascist Original" by Walden Bello in the Rappler. PM's full post is here.

The question of whether Duterte is a "fascist" or not is obviously significant to Leftist strategy. And, well, it appears to prevent those within the Left unable to challenge Duterte head to head from being called "Duterte lovers." Certainly, until very recently, the Communist Party would hesitate to give Duterte that assessment. But things are changing rapidly.