Jose Sonny Gito Matula
Atty. Jose Sonny Gito Matula was born on January 21, 1965, in Sultan sa Barongis, Cotabato (now part of Maguindanao del Sur), but grew up in Loreto, Agusan del Sur. His humble beginnings shaped his advocacy for workers' rights, as he worked as a newsboy to support his secondary education at Agusan National High School in Butuan City. Through his perseverance, he obtained a state scholarship at Mindanao State University. Matula has established himself as one of the Philippines' most prominent labor leaders, serving as the National President of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) and as the Chairperson of the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, the largest labor coalition in the country. His extensive experience in the labor movement includes serving as the Workers' Delegate to the International Labor Conferences in Geneva, Switzerland from 2009 to 2021. Beyond his labor advocacy, Matula briefly served as Executive Director of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission from 2001 to 2002. He is married to Melba Cubal from Bohol, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Mindanao State University with a degree in Business Administration majoring in Accounting. The 2025 elections mark Matula's third attempt at a Senate seat, having previously run in the 2019 elections where he ranked 50th out of 62 candidates and in the 2022 elections where he finished 36th out of 64 candidates.
Education
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor's degree, Mindanao State University (State Scholar)
- Secondary Education, Agusan National High School, Butuan City
- Elementary Education, Loreto Central Elementary School, Loreto, Agusan del Sur (Valedictorian)
Career Highlights
- National President, Federation of Free Workers
- Chairperson, Nagkaisa Labor Coalition
- Workers' Delegate to the International Labor Conferences, Geneva, Switzerland (2009-2021)
- Executive Director, Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (2001-2002)
- Practicing Lawyer specializing in Labor and Criminal Law
- Law Lecturer
- Reserve Army Officer
Key Platforms
End to Contractualization
Strongly advocates for the elimination of all forms of contractualization and labor-only contracting in the Philippines, pushing for security of tenure for all workers. Believes that workers performing tasks essential to a company's operations should be regularized with full benefits as mandated by law.
Living Wage Implementation
Campaigns for the implementation of a national living wage of at least ₱1,200 per day for all workers, sufficient to provide for a family's basic needs including food, shelter, education, healthcare, and modest savings. Opposes the current regional wage board system that has led to disparities in minimum wages across the country.
Strengthened Worker Protection
Pushes for comprehensive worker protections including freedom of association, right to collective bargaining, and an end to union busting activities. Advocates for stronger enforcement of occupational safety and health standards and the protection of workers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.
Universal Social Protection
Promotes expanded social protection for all workers including unemployment insurance, universal healthcare with broader coverage and quality services, and improved social security benefits. Emphasizes the need for social safety nets for vulnerable workers, including those in the informal sector.
Worker-Centered Economic Development
Advocates for economic policies that prioritize job creation, fair wealth distribution, and worker welfare over pure corporate interests. Supports the development of a Filipino-owned industrial base that provides decent jobs with appropriate compensation and benefits for workers.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Advocates for worker-centered economic development that prioritizes job creation, fair wages, and worker welfare. Believes the economy should serve the interests of ordinary Filipinos rather than solely benefiting corporations and the elite. |
| Education | Supports accessible quality education for all, particularly the children of workers. As a product of public education himself, advocates for increased funding for state universities and scholarships for underprivileged students. |
| Healthcare | Pushes for universal healthcare with broader coverage and improved quality of services. Emphasizes the importance of occupational health and safety as well as accessible healthcare for workers and their families. |
| Environment | Advocates for environmental protection while ensuring a just transition for workers in industries affected by environmental regulations. Supports the development of green jobs and sustainable industries. |
| Labor | His core advocacy area. Champions workers' rights, including security of tenure, living wages, freedom of association, and collective bargaining. Opposes all forms of exploitation, contractualization, and union busting. |
| Agriculture | Supports agrarian reform and the rights of agricultural workers. Advocates for improved conditions and fair wages for farmworkers, who are among the lowest-paid laborers in the country. |
| Governance | Promotes transparency and accountability in government. Draws from his experience as former Executive Director of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission to advocate for anti-corruption measures, particularly in labor-related government agencies. |
| Foreign Policy | Advocates for the protection of Overseas Filipino Workers' rights through stronger bilateral agreements with host countries. Supports a nationalist foreign policy that protects Filipino workers and industries from exploitative international economic arrangements. |
| Charter Change | Cautious about charter change proposals that might weaken labor protections enshrined in the Constitution. Supports constitutional reforms only if they strengthen workers' rights and social justice provisions. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Supports workplace protections for LGBTQIA+ workers and opposes discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment. |
| Drug War | Advocates for a more humane approach to the drug problem that focuses on rehabilitation and addressing root causes like poverty and unemployment rather than purely punitive measures. |
| Icc | Supports accountability for human rights violations, though has not made extensive public statements specifically about the ICC investigation. |
Sources & Citations
- RAPPLER - 'Labor leader Sonny Matula runs for Senate anew, optimistic about alliances' (2024)
- Wikipedia - 'Sonny Matula'
- Journal Online - 'A Worker For Workers: The Vision Of Atty. Jose Sonny Matula'
- GMA News Online - 'Labor leader Sonny Matula formalizes senatorial bid for 2025 polls' (2024)
- Philippines Graphic - 'Workers Party of the Philippines (WPP) launches bid for 2025 Senatorial polls' (2024)
- Atty. Sonny Matula Official Website - 'About'
- Manila Times - 'Labor senatorial bets to push for decent wages' (2025)
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025