Leodegario Quitain De Guzman
Leodegario 'Ka Leody' Quitain De Guzman, born on July 25, 1959, is a Filipino socialist labor rights activist and politician. He has been a prominent figure in the Philippine labor movement since 1984 and currently serves as the chairperson of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), a socialist labor center and federation of militant trade unions. De Guzman previously ran for senator in 2019 and for president in the 2022 Philippine elections under the Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM). His political advocacy has consistently focused on workers' rights, wage increases, and better conditions for Filipino laborers.
Education
- Labor organizing training through various labor organizations
- Extensive experience in labor rights advocacy since 1984
Career Highlights
- Chairperson, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP)
- Leader of Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM)
- Presidential candidate in the 2022 Philippine elections
- Senatorial candidate in the 2019 elections
- Labor rights activist since 1984
Key Platforms
National Minimum Wage Increase
Implementation of a significant increase in the national minimum wage to ensure workers receive a living wage sufficient to support their families.
End to Labor Contractualization
Abolition of contractualization (ENDO) practices and implementation of regular employment status for workers across all sectors.
Progressive Taxation
Implementation of wealth tax for billionaires and reform of the tax system to reduce burden on workers while increasing contributions from the wealthy.
Strengthen Workers' Organizations
Protection and enhancement of labor unions' rights to organize, collectively bargain, and participate in workplace decisions.
Government Budget Reform
Removal of confidential and intelligence funds for civilian agencies and redirection of these resources to social services.
Positions on Key Issues
Issue | Position |
---|---|
Economy | Advocates for socialist economic policies that prioritize workers' welfare over corporate profits. |
Education | Supports free education at all levels and improved conditions for education sector workers. |
Healthcare | Champions universal healthcare with adequate funding for public health institutions. |
Environment | Promotes environmental protection with focus on corporate accountability for pollution. |
Labor | Core advocacy for workers' rights, living wages, job security, and union organizing. |
Agriculture | Supports genuine agrarian reform and protection for agricultural workers. |
Governance | Criticizes elite control of government and advocates for greater representation of working-class citizens. |
Foreign Policy | Advocates for independent foreign policy free from foreign economic domination. |
Charter Change | Cautious about constitutional amendments that may favor corporate interests over workers. |
Lgbtq Rights | Supports LGBTQ+ rights as part of broader human rights and anti-discrimination framework. |
Drug War | Critical of human rights violations in the drug war and advocates for addressing root societal problems. |
Icc | Supports accountability for human rights violations. |
Sources & Citations
- Partido Lakas ng Masa official statements and platforms
- Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino publications
- Media interviews and campaign materials
- Presidential campaign platform from 2022
- Senatorial campaign announcements for 2025
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025