The Masquerade without Mask

The mutual economic and trade relation between Taiwan and the Philippines has shown its real face behind the friendly veil because of the "misunderstanding" in July and August, and asserted its essence as sacrificing the working masses.

Originally, it was only a dispute concerning the uneven interest distribution between the two airlines. However, since it happened in the midst of the controversial "two-states policy", when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines uttered something contradictory to the political circumstances in Taiwan, it seemed to offend Taiwanese politicians and they took advantage of this opportunity to make waves. The Taiwan authority then used "Stop import Filipino workers" as counters in bargaining and to retaliate on RP Government. Taiwan broker agencies especially seized this chance to complain and accuse the Philippine government of having requested too much from the Taiwan brokers in the name of protecting Filipino workers. What we have been seeing is that Filipino workers, who have nothing to do with this air agreement, suddenly have become persons concerned and the ones to be blamed.


CLA authorities and Taiwan brokers happily stated that "We have already built labor training centers in other countries." That is to say, when those "untamed" Filipino workers are driven away, they will import some workers who are more "tame and gentle" and will not fight against employers and brokers. We can clearly see the logic of market : Under the pro-capitalist government's protection, capitalists can not only close plants arbitrarily and export capital, but also exploit working masses perfectly justifiably under the assistance of brokers and regulation planned by the government.

Therefore, in this masquerade hosted by Taiwan and Philippines, every one lifts the beautiful and graceful veils, and shamelessly enjoys delicious food with knives and forks. Who are the sacrifice on the dinner table, then? We are afraid that it will not only be the Filipino workers. The local workers will be the indirect victims that are most seriously affected when working conditions are getting worsened and worsened.