Labor groups will hoist a challenge to all congressional hopefuls on their stances on worker regularization, the abolition of contractualization, and wage increases.

Cuddih Sadorra, one of the Workers Challenge’s convenors, made the announcement over a benefit dinner for  labor lawyer Ernesto ‘Lawin’ Arellano, who is running for Senate, under Kamalayang Kayumanggi party.

“All district congressional candidates and some senatorial wannabes who have consistently placed in the top 25 list in every commissioned poll by prominent survey companies will be given questionnaires from the labor groups,” Sadorra added.

The candidate will choose from three options and mark them: in favor, not in favor, or no response regarding the issue of regularization and salary increase. 

A few days before the May election, the workers challenge committee will hold a news conference to announce publicly which of the assessed political contenders are supporting the ongoing workers’ struggle for decent salaries and job security.

In response to the call to expand the workers’ challenge campaign, the leadership of the Katipunan ng Samahan mga Manggagawa (Kasama), a labor federation composed of eight labor unions, expressed solidarity. 

The “PISO” benefit event, which was attended by over 200 guests and representatives of diverse organizations, labor unions, urban poor, and youth groups, aimed to realize an equitable society.

An affordable financial contribution from every person in the community and workers who are collectively endorsing Arellano’s campaign, a champion of the working class.

Dr. Rene Ofreneo, a former dean of the School of Labor and Industrial Relations at UP Diliman, and labor leader Jose Sonny Matula, a senatorial candidate for the Worker’s Peasants’ Party (WPP), were among the notetable attendees.

Atty. Matula, the current president of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), has also committed his labor center for taking part in the Workers Challenge.

In closing remarks Arellano stated that it is high time for citizens to build an equitable society. 

“My feeling is that the people’s patience will reach its limit after almost several decades of the political dynasties’ reign in our society,” Arellano told the crowd. 

The violent confrontation between families allied with established politicians is clear. We must awaken the masses, particularly those who idolize the political dynasty, Arellano suggested.

May the furious screams of the Jews not be repeated in order to punish and crucified Jesus, also known as the Messiah, in return for the release of Barabbas, a thief and notorious killer, when the two were brought to the crowd before Pontius Pilate, Arellano excerpts a biblical passage as reminder to the Filipino voters.