Jose Jessie Dela Calsada Olivar
Jose Jessie Dela Calsada Olivar is a transport union leader born on October 5, 1967. He serves as president of the Philtranco Workers Union-Association of Genuine Labor Organizations (PWU-AGLO). He has a long history of labor advocacy, including a notable legal battle with Philtranco in 2007, when his union filed a case alleging unfair labor practices following the retrenchment of 21 employees. The case reached the Supreme Court, which decided in 2014. In 2017, Olivar and 25 other Philtranco employees were arrested for alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives, which labor groups claimed was a form of harassment from management ahead of union elections. Besides his labor advocacy, Olivar identifies as a farmer from Ormoc, Leyte, and is a vocal advocate for organic farming and agricultural development.
Education
- Not publicly available
Career Highlights
- President of Philtranco Workers Union-Association of Genuine Labor Organizations (PWU-AGLO)
- Transport union leader with significant experience in labor advocacy
- Farmer based in Ormoc, Leyte with focus on sustainable agricultural practices
- Spokesperson at the 2024 People's State of the Nation Address on transportation industry issues
Key Platforms
Organic Farming Promotion
Advocating for government support of organic farming practices, including organic fertilizers and proper education for farmers on sustainable agriculture methods.
Agricultural Development
Supporting policies that ensure long-term agricultural prosperity and food security through sustainable farming practices and support for small-scale farmers.
Labor Rights Protection
Fighting for workers' rights, fair treatment, and protection against unfair labor practices based on his extensive experience as a union leader.
Transportation Sector Reform
Addressing challenges in the transportation industry, particularly for bus companies and their workers, informed by his experience in the sector.
Rural Development
Promoting economic development in rural areas with a focus on agricultural communities and improving rural livelihoods.
Track Record
Labor Union Leadership
Led the Philtranco Workers Union-Association of Genuine Labor Organizations (PWU-AGLO) in advocating for workers' rights and challenging unfair practices.
Legal Advocacy
Successfully fought a case against Philtranco regarding illegal termination of employees that reached the Supreme Court in 2014.
Agricultural Advocacy
Worked as a farmer in Ormoc, Leyte, practicing and promoting sustainable and organic farming methods.
Public Advocacy
Spoke at the 2024 People's State of the Nation Address at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, highlighting challenges facing the bus transport industry.
Legal Cases & Controversies
Philtranco Service Enterprises vs. Philtranco Workers Union-AGLO (G.R. No. 180962)
As union president, Olivar represented workers in a case against Philtranco for illegal termination through an invalid retrenchment program. The Supreme Court decided on the case in February 2014.
Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives Case (2017)
Olivar and 25 other Philtranco employees were arrested in June 2017 after police allegedly found firearms and a grenade in their work quarters. Labor groups claimed these were planted as a form of harassment before union elections.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Advocates for economic policies that support workers, small-scale farmers, and rural development to ensure more equitable economic growth. |
| Education | Supports educational initiatives focused on agricultural techniques, particularly organic farming methods and sustainable practices. |
| Healthcare | Has not made specific public statements on healthcare policy. |
| Environment | Strong proponent of environmental preservation through organic farming practices and sustainable agriculture, opposing harmful chemical inputs. |
| Labor | As a union leader, strongly advocates for workers' rights, fair wages, job security, and protection against unfair labor practices. |
| Agriculture | Passionate advocate for organic farming, supporting government programs to provide organic fertilizers, education on proper farming methods, and sustainable livelihoods for farmers. |
| Governance | Supports transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in policies affecting workers and agricultural sectors. |
| Foreign Policy | Has not made specific public statements on foreign policy issues. |
| Charter Change | Has not made specific public statements on charter change. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Has not made specific public statements on LGBTQIA+ rights. |
| Drug War | Has not made specific public statements on drug war policies. |
| Icc | Has not made specific public statements on ICC investigations. |
Sources & Citations
- https://www.rappler.com/people/p78985059-jose-jessie-olivar/
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/937792/senatorial-bet-jose-jessie-olivar-wants-gov-t-to-promote-organic-farming/story/
- https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2014/feb2014/gr_180962_2014.html
- https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/904368/union-president-25-bus-firm-workers-held-for-keeping-guns-in-quarters
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
