Labor group takes protest vs. contractualization to Palace gate

Members of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino calling for an end to contractualization took their protest to the gates of Malacañan Palace in Manila on Thursday morning.

According to a Balitanghali report by Oscar Oida, tension rose between rallyists and Palace security personnel past 10 a.m in front of Gate 6 of Malacañang.

Holding up banners with phrases like "Duterte pahirap sa manggagawa" and "Duterte traydor sa mga manggagawa," the labor group called for the President to sign an executive order to abolish all forms of contractualization in the country.

Security personnel were seen snatching away their banners and tearing them up.

The rally was dispersed after the protesters were reportedly forced to leave the Palace area and head to the University Belt.

Security personnel interviewed were quoted as saying they recognized the protesters' right to free expression.

However, they added it was their job to maintain security in the environment as the protesters entered a "no rally" zone.

Ending unjust contractualization was one of President Rodrigo Duterte's promises during the 2016 election campaign.

Earlier in February, the President met with labor groups where he asked for more time to study the proposal to give workers security of tenure, self-organization, collective bargaining, and peaceful concerted activities as mandated by the Constitution. —Margaret Claire Layug/KG, GMA News