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The Philippines is a country of rice-eaters, so it’s no surprise that its 90 million inhabitants go crazy looking for the staple that’s now getting scarcer and more expensive. But the shortage and rising prices of food are a reality that worries not only the Philippines but other countries as well.
The Haitian government faces the prospect of collapse for failing to contain its hungry poor’s mounting protests over the shortage of rice and the skyrocketing prices of this political commodity. Not only that. As I discussed in my previous column, this global malady already claimed the lives of scores of people who took part in violent protests, rioting and looting.
Recently, foreign economists warned that the crisis might trigger riots and unrests in the Philippines, too. They urged the Arroyo government to import more rice because “the job of the President was at stake.” The people’s reactions to the “Hello, Garci” scandal and the reported billions of pesos that had been consumed by government people’s greed may not be enough warning, but not doing enough for the starving masa will spell the difference.
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The Salcon Power Independent Union wrote a long letter in reaction to my previous article that discussed its ongoing labor dispute with SPC Power Corporation. Due to lack of space, I can only accommodate a part of the letter:
“First off, we are glad that Mr. Job Tabada wrote an article about work-related issues, particularly the ongoing labor dispute between the management of SPC Power Corporation (formerly Salcon Power Corporation) and Salcon Power Independent Union (SPIU). Opinion makers nowadays tend to be “distracted” by other concerns and rarely write stories about labor or labor-related concerns.
“Secondly, we are deeply glad that his sentiments go out for labor, but we are quite unsure if his succeeding statements really meant what he said. Consider the following: ‘…the union should rethink its hard-line position because the public will not support it. I do not believe problems about union recognition and tenure are enough justification to threaten Cebu and the Visayas with a strike that will bring back the time of severe brownouts.’
“Well-written but actually anti-labor. Union recognition is guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution and security of tenure will guarantee that we can still eat decently, provide basic needs for ourselves and our family, and, of course, will not think of leaving this country just because the contract between SPC and National Power Corporation will end and we are nowhere to be found after the agreement. Such concerns and issues are so serious that one should not take it lightly. Except perhaps Mr. Tabada.
“Mr. Tabada, you should understand that the bargaining unit of rank-and-file workers will not and will never threaten Cebu and the Visayas with a strike. The opposite is true. Our union, our security of tenure, and the future of our families are being threatened by Salcon management, including what we fear – severe brownouts!
“So, if you said the problems about security of tenure and union recognition are not enough justification for a strike, then tell us what justifies and constitutes a strike. It might help clear the airwaves.”
My reply:
I am grateful that SPIU has addressed their concerns about my opinion directly to me, as I see the need to clarify my position. The union should understand that I am writing about the sentiment of the general public. Cebuanos find it difficult to accept the possibility of the return of frequent brownouts merely because a union of workers – with an average salary of P40,000 a month each – wants to be recognized.
Still, I am happy that both management and the union have decided to meet and thresh out their differences in a dialog on April 25. I believe Mayor Val Chiong and Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia did their parts well in their meeting with management on April 14. I hope the effort will succeed in forging a win-win solution for the benefit of Cebu and the rest of the Visayas.
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Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama at last bagged the much-coveted highest position of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines. Congrats! That makes him a national figure.
With Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s hand behind him, Mike could even make it to the Malacañang-backed senatorial lineup for 2010. Mike can well represent the Cebuano-speaking Vis-Min constituents. However, that means giving up his 2010 mayoralty bid, paving the way for Margot’s rumored bid to be Cebu City’s next chief executive. With this scenario, can Councilor Jun Pe be far behind as Margot’s running mate?
