Philippines: Socialist party officially recognised as party of the marginalised

October 13, 2012
Issue 

The petition for certification of Party of the Labouring Masses (PLM) as a national political party was approved by the Commission on Elections in September. With this approval, the fight for a national political party representing the marginalised sectors has escalated to new heights.

This is a confirmation of the PLM’s three-and-a-half years of existence and its expansion as a political party with a mass constituency and grassroots chapter-formations.

PLM members belong to the basic sectors of the Filipino masses, which include workers, farmers, public transport drivers, vendors and the urban poor in the 12 administrative regions in the country. A majority of our members are women.

The PLM's growth and expansion is a validation of PLM’s unceasing struggle to dismantle the elite system of political and economic rule in the country, and replace it with full democracy under a government of the masses.

This is an affirmation of the correctness of PLM’s advocacy for a socialist society to supplant the moribund and profit-oriented capitalist system. PLM’s “Platform for the Masses” is also gaining support from the masses as a concrete and urgent platform for national survival and social justice.

The PLM extends its gratitude to all its members, especially the leaders and members of the PLM chapters in the 12 territorial regions in the country; the founding organisations that originally formed the party, from the labour, transport, farmers, urban poor and youth sectors; and all other individuals, groups and organisations that have extended assistance and support to the party.

The PLM will now step up its activity for the 2013 elections. The PLM will intervene as a national political party by fielding and supporting local candidates at the grassroots level.

As of today, the PLM is already running councillors in Marikina City and Taytay in Metro Manila, a mayor in GMA, Cavite, and a vice-mayor in San Pablo City. The PLM is also calling for the unification of the progressive party lists in the country, and will give concrete backing to party list organisations that adhere to PLM’s platform and beliefs.

[Reprinted from Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal.]

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.