Migrant workers, unite to fight fascism, exploitation, and war!
Week of Action Recap
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From the days of September 28 to May 9, BAYAN USA exposed the Marcos Jr. regime during the Philippine state's trip to the UN's International Migrant Review Forum (IMRF). For Marcos Jr, the IMRF was another avenue of paying lip-service and attempt to increase his "pogi points" or positive image in the international arena. However, we know that this wasn't the only reason Marcos sent state officials to attend the IMRF. Since the start of his presidency in 2022, Marcos Jr has been vying for a seat on the UN's Security Council and this year was no different. Marcos Jr.'s main goal in participating in the IMRF is to raise positive sentiment of his government in relation to the UN Security Council -- Marcos is saving face to tout the Philippine government as one that deserves a seat on the Security Council. We entered this week of action knowing that our goal should be to show the true realities of the Filipino people, the oppression and exploitation they face in the homeland and overseas.
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Kabuhayan, Hindi Bala!
In New York, the major events occurring held were the Filipino Migrant Worker's Summit (morning of May 3), Grassroots Migrant Refugee Fight! Forum (afternoon of May 3), Kabuhayan, Hindi Bala! UN & NY PH Consulate Action (May 4), National Day of Mourning and Rage (May 5), Peace Forum: Migrants & Refugees Against Militarism (May 7), and a Solidarity Night for the Philippines (May 8). Alongside these major events, we launched various QRTs (Quick Response Teams) between these major convenings to confront different Philippine state officials that were apart of the Philippine’s UN delegation.
Although the working conditions across the country have continued to worsen in this past period, several Filipino workers across the country were able to convene and see that their fights are not isolated. Over 100 attendees where there were opportunities for various campaigns to be shared (such as ending the 24 hr workday in NY, and several caregiver campaigns). The event culminated to uniting on the demands we have as overseas Filipino workers to the Philippine government seen in a Filipino Migrant Workers Manifesto. By the end of the Filipino Migrant Worker's Summit, there came a stronger unity of the various worker campaigns, and a stronger unity for us to grow our organizations to ensure all overseas Filipino worker's can organize together.
On May 4th, in building off of May 3 came the Kabuhayan, Hindi Bala! central action at the UN headquarters and the NY PH Consulate. This same day was our first attempt in confronting the Philippine state, specifically Hans Leo Cacdac, through conducting a tambay (people's watch).
This week of action has shown us what we already know, that the Marcos Jr regime does not care for its migrant workers and only utilizes his position in power to sell out his country to fill his pockets. We have also deepened our understanding the role the representatives the DFA and DMW have in facilitating the exploitation of our people. Cacdac, Mapula and the rest of Marcos Jr's cronies truly have nothing to say when confronted with their issues.
Through the WoA we will continue with increased vigor and motivation to fight for our country, our workers, our martyrs, and all those affected by imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism.
