Bayan’s holiday message to the Filipino people
Bayan extends its warmest greetings to the Filipino people celebrating the Christmas holidays and the New Year amid the worsening economic crisis and systemic problems besetting Philippine society. It is said that this is the season of hope, and hope we believe, springs from our solidarity and collective struggle. Whether it is for the striking transport workers, Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, farmers fighting for land, rights victims pushing for justice, or standing with Palestinians fighting for freedom, we remember 2023 as a year of unwavering solidarity and struggle.
We reiterate our support for thousands of struggling jeepney and UV express drivers and operators who are counting the days before their franchises and provisional authorities are taken away under an oppressive and anti-poor PUV “Modernization”Program. Thousands are set to lose their livelihood as the December 31 deadline for consolidation approaches. They can have no meaningful Christmas and New Year if their jobs are lost. We continue to stand with them in their ongoing fight.
This year saw a turning point in our quest for justice and accountability against tyranny and impunity. Indeed, tyranny and impunity are not forever and we remain confident that justice for human rights victims will be achieved in 2024 and the years to come. We likewise made forward steps in fighting the abuse of public funds, though much needs to be done as we oppose bureaucrat capitalism and its many forms.
The issue of national sovereignty will again loom large among the issues that we will confront next year, as two rival imperialist powers seek to impose their dominance in the region, especially with US bases reestablished on our soil amid increasing tensions with China, bringing with it the threat of war. We reaffirm our stand that the Philippines belongs to Filipinos, and no superpower, not the Eagle nor the Dragon, must be allowed to trample on our sovereignty. Let peace, not war among superpowers, be our long-term goal.
We mark the end of the year with cautious optimism for a just and lasting peace for Philippine society. We believe that this can only be achieved through collective struggle and by addressing the roots of the armed conflict in our country. We look forward to the day when all political prisoners will be free.
The numerous marches, demonstrations, strikes, and mass gatherings this year are a testament to the tireless resolve of the people to fight for change in society. Filipinos look to the new year always with optimism. This is rooted in the hope that things will change for the better. Let us continue to be the collective force to make real, fundamental change happen.
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