Ernesto Rillera Arellano
Ernesto Rillera Arellano, known as "Lawin" (Hawk), is an 83-year-old lawyer and veteran labor leader born in UP Village, Quezon City. He has been a prominent figure in the Philippine labor movement for over five decades, advocating for workers' rights and social equality. He served as the general secretary of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), one of the Philippines' largest labor federations, and is currently the President of the National Confederation of Labor (NCL). Arellano is also affiliated with various labor and advocacy organizations, including Katipunan ng mga Samahan ng Manggagawa and Katipunan ng Maralitang Pilipino. His long career as a labor rights defender has led him to advocate for pro-worker legislation and policies that address social inequality.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (minor in Philosophy), Baguio Colleges Foundation (now University of the Cordilleras)
- Bachelor of Laws, Baguio Colleges Foundation (now University of the Cordilleras)
Career Highlights
- President, National Confederation of Labor (NCL)
- Former General Secretary, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)
- Founder of various labor and advocacy organizations
- Practicing lawyer specializing in labor cases
- Former Senatorial Candidate in the 2019 Philippine Elections
Key Platforms
Labor Rights and Security of Tenure
Advocates for ending contractualization and ensuring job security for Filipino workers. Pushes for legislation that would prohibit labor-only contracting and strengthen workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain.
Social Equality
Aims to address the stark socioeconomic inequality in Philippine society, where as he describes it, "six percent is on top and 94 percent are below." Advocates for policies that ensure more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
Wage Reform
Pushes for significant wage increases for workers to meet the rising cost of living and ensure that workers receive a fair and living wage for their labor.
Social Protection and Benefits
Advocates for comprehensive social protection systems and improved benefits for workers, including healthcare, housing, and retirement security.
Constitutional Reform
Supports the federalist platform of the Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi party, which advocates for a shift to a federal form of government to distribute power and resources more equitably across regions.
Track Record
Labor Rights Advocacy
Has been at the forefront of advocating for workers' rights for over five decades, representing laborers in legal battles and policy discussions.
Legal Services for Workers
Provided legal representation and services to workers facing labor disputes, unjust termination, and other workplace issues.
Labor Organization Leadership
Led several labor organizations including the National Confederation of Labor and served as general secretary of Kilusang Mayo Uno, advocating for pro-worker policies at the national level.
Coalition Building
Worked to build coalitions among different labor groups and with other progressive organizations to strengthen the labor movement's political influence.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Advocates for an economy that prioritizes the welfare of workers and marginalized sectors. Supports policies that ensure more equitable distribution of wealth and resources, moving away from the current situation where "society is a triangle" with a small elite at the top. |
| Education | Supports reforms in the education system to make it more accessible and relevant to the needs of working-class Filipinos. Advocates for increased investment in public education and vocational training programs. |
| Healthcare | Pushes for universal healthcare coverage that provides quality medical services to all Filipinos, particularly workers and their families. Advocates for increased healthcare benefits as part of comprehensive workers' rights. |
| Environment | Views environmental protection through the lens of workers' rights and community welfare, supporting sustainable development policies that do not harm local communities or workers. |
| Labor | His core advocacy area. Strongly opposes contractualization and labor-only contracting. Supports higher wages, job security, and the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain. Advocates for stronger enforcement of labor laws and regulations. |
| Agriculture | Supports reforms that would benefit small farmers and agricultural workers, including land reform, subsidies, and protection from exploitative practices by large corporations. |
| Governance | Advocates for transparent and accountable governance that serves the interests of the majority rather than the elite. Supports the federalist platform of his party to redistribute power from the central government to the regions. |
| Foreign Policy | Likely supports an independent foreign policy that protects Filipino workers both domestically and overseas. Advocates for better protection of overseas Filipino workers. |
| Charter Change | Supports constitutional reform to implement federalism, in line with the Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi's platform, which advocates for a shift to a federal form of government. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Has expressed support for same-sex unions during a senatorial forum, stating that it is "inhuman" to force people to stay in restrictive situations, suggesting a progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights. |
| Drug War | Position not explicitly stated in available sources, but likely advocates for a more holistic approach focused on rehabilitation and addressing root causes of drug use rather than punitive measures. |
| Icc | Position not explicitly stated in available sources, but likely supports international accountability mechanisms as part of broader advocacy for justice and human rights. |
Sources & Citations
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/934881/labor-leader-ernesto-arellano-wants-to-bring-battle-to-senate/story/
- https://www.rappler.com/people/p16263797-ernesto-arellano/
- https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/227119-interview-ernesto-arellano-ushering-pro-worker-policies-senate/
- https://tribune.net.ph/2025/02/20/senatorial-candidate-pushes-for-divorce-same-sex-union
- https://halalan.up.edu.ph/arellano-ernesto-ind/
- https://www.beinformedph.com/person/ernesto-arellano
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025