KMU launches P125 wage hike, scrap VAT stickers

Arroyo told: for the 2^nd time, no one believes your charity 

Kilusang Mayo Uno launched today its latest icons on the P125 wage hike and the scrap VAT campaign in a sticker-posting activity at Trabajo market along Espana boulevard today. 

“This is one of the ways to retain our calls on jeepneys, cars, walls, streets, and everywhere the public can see. The call for a substantial wage hike and to scrap VAT on oil and power has gained popularity among the many now,” said KMU Secretary General Wilson Baldonaza. 

However, Baldonaza said “the call for a wage hike and to scrap the VAT should not be reduced to a fad. Recent pronouncements and activities of the Arroyo regime slap us in the face, showing no sign yet of yielding to our calls.” 

Arroyo recently unveiled a new 4 billion dole-out subsidy from VAT, and her Executive and DOLE Secretaries recently ruled out a possibility for a wage increase. 

“The regime pleases itself with the people’s suffering while it reaps all it can corrupt from VAT.” According to the Department of Finance Report, January to May VAT collections already amounted to P42.92 billion, 31% higher than P32.8 billion for the same period last year.

“No one believes her charity anymore. After the failure and criticisms of her first blow of dole out programs, she insists on the same practice. Arroyo is displaying stubbornness and stupidity in her panic to save her image and secure early funds for the 2010 elections. 

“But we will be more insistent in our demands. The people’s rage will bring doom to her fantasy,” Baldonaza dared. ###

17 July 2008