Militant workers to seek EDCA scrapping in Labor Day protest

When they hold their protest Labor Day rally on Thursday, militant labor groups will also call for the scrapping of the newly signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the United States.

The Kilusang Mayo Uno, which also indicated it will push for a P125 wage increase, is to hold its "big mobilization" at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

"...Sa protesta sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Paggawa, kokondenahin ng mga manggagawa at mamamayan si Noynoy sa grabeng pagkapapet sa imperyalismong US! Junk EDCA! Junk Cha-cha! P125 dagdag-sahod, ipatupad!" it said on its Facebook page.

Philippine and US officials last Monday signed the EDCA, which allows an increased rotational presence of US troops in the Philippines.

The accord allows US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to construct facilities, and preposition aircraft, equipment and vessels.

But it also does not allow permanent basing as the 1987 Philippine Constitution bans foreign military bases without a treaty.

Meanwhile, the KMU indicated Thursday's rally will also call for an end to contractualization.

For its part, the Manila Police District will remain on alert but will maintain maximum tolerance in dealing with protesters Thursday, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported.

The dzBB report said MPD spokesman Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo appealed to organizers of protest actions to watch their ranks and to maintain peace and order. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News