On November 30, workers and other democratic sectors successfully asserted their right to march to the foot of Mendiola bridge in Manila, coinciding with the commemoration of Bonifacio Day.

The demonstrators stood their ground despite repeated police attacks to block and disperse their march. Police violence injured more than 40 participants, mostly youth. Police also arrested Nilo Mortifero, a senior citizen and organizer of Bayan Muna who had recently recovered from a stroke.

The workers declared this the toiling masses’ day of reckoning against the Marcos Jr regime. They demanded living wages, regular and decent jobs, and affordable food and services. These demands were also linked with holding accountable the corrupt and thieving officials who embezzle public funds.

Alongside the rally at Mendiola, workers from the Far East Alcohol Corporation in Apalit, Pampanga; Umicore in Subic, Zambales; and Nexperia Philippines in Laguna held their own gatherings. Along with other sectors, KMU chapters launched protests in the cities of Baguio, Calamba, Cebu, and Davao.