The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) strongly condemns the arrest warrants issued against Jerome Adonis, Chairperson of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), and Jacq Ruiz, spokesperson of Kilusan ng Manggagawang Kababaihan (KMK), over alleged violations of Article 153 of the Revised Penal Code, or Tumults and Other Disturbances of Public Order, in connection with the May 1 Labor Day Protest.

The warrants, issued by Judge Bernadette A. Eugenio-Tumacder, revive the previously dismissed charges against Adonis, while Ruiz was newly included among those facing arrest warrants. This further raises concerns over the use of the legal system to harass labor and rights defenders.

CTUHR noted that Adonis is now facing two cases arising from the May 1 protest: one under Article 153 of the Revised Penal Code and another under the Public Assembly Act of 1985 (Batas Pambansa 880).

“The timing of these arrest warrants is deeply alarming. At a time when workers are demanding a national living wage, resisting attempts to block the P85 wage increase, and speaking out against the Pax Silica agreement, state institutions are instead being used to intimidate and silence workers, unionists, and labor leaders” said Kamz Deligente, CTUHR executive director.

CTUHR highlighted that Adonis and Ruiz were exercising rights guaranteed under the 1987 Constitution when they joined workers in demanding higher wages, job security, and better working conditions. The attacks against them form part of a broader pattern of attacks on labor rights and civil liberties.

“The real disturbance is not workers taking to the streets to demand decent wages and job security. The real disturbance is the use of police power and state laws to silence workers who speak up for their rights. The continued use of criminal charges arising from peaceful protests only legitimizes the harassment of workers who are exercising their democratic rights,” Deligente added.

It is disturbing that state authorities continue to treat peaceful protest as a threat to public order while remaining indifferent to the conditions that drive workers to the streets. Workers continue to face low wages, contractualization, unemployment, and attacks on their right to organize, yet those who raise these issues are the ones being subjected to police action and court proceedings.

CTUHR calls on the Marcos Jr. administration to instruct the Philippine National Police-Manila Police District to immediately withdraw the cases against Adonis and Ruiz, and uphold the human rights of workers and all Filipinos.

We likewise call on the government to end the use of state laws and legal processes to suppress labor rights and to uphold the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and freedom of association.