Progressive groups in Cebu used a coffin-like props during their protest on Thursday, Sept. 21, to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. | CDN File Photo / Niña Mae Oliverio
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Members of progressive groups in Cebu said that not much has changed since Martial Law was declared 51 years ago.
Carmel Angela Mata, vice chairperson of the Kabataan Partylist Cebu, said that people continue to die. But this time, due to hunger that resulted from the very expensive cost of food and very low minimum pay.
“Kung dili ta patyon sa bala, patyon pud ta sa gutom tungod sa nagkagrabi nga krisis sa ekonomiya. Grabe nagkataas ang presyo sa mga pamaliton. Pero kung tan-awon nato ang minimum wage, although nisaka siya og P30, pero dili siya makabuhi og isa ka pamilya,” Mata said during a protest action held in downtown Cebu City on Thursday morning, September 21.
Unmindful of the drizzle, around 120 militants led by BAYAN-Central Visayas converged in Colon Street to air their sentiments against another Marcos, who is now in power.
They also prepared a coffin-like props to symbolize the difficult times. The words “kung di ta patyon sa gutom, patyon ta sa bala” were written on the coffin.
Last year, militants burned an effigy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during their protest.
This year, they opted to have the coffin-like props as they called on government to address the pressing concerns of its people.
They also called for an end to harassments, terror attacks, and the abductions of activists.
Mata said they also want the minimum wage raised to P1,100 to make sure that every Filipino family was able to afford their basic needs and ensure their survival.
“Layo pa kaayo ang minimum wage ana. Mao naa atoang gipakita karon. Unsa ang kahimtang sa nasud nga kung di ta patyon sa bala, patyon ta sa gutom nya mao ni ang kabaong natong katawhan. Mao ni atoang lungon. Ginapatay ta ani nga gobyerno sa grabi nga krisis,” she said.
Inflation rate rose to 5.3 percent in August this year while the prices of fuel continue to soar.
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