The Melo Commission only serves as a deodorizer of the Arroyo government according to the militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).

"It only serves to hide the administration's culpability in the series of political killings through its anti-insurgency program Oplan Bantay Laya (OBL). The commission was only formed as a make-face amidst mounting criticisms from the international community," said KMU Secretary General Joel Maglunsod.

Maglunsod also slammed the testimony made by AFP Chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon defending Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, "This only shows us what interest will Melo Commission served and that is to protect the culprits instead of the victims and their families."

The labor leader bluntly said that there can be no justice that can be gained through the Melo Commission as it can not conduct impartial investigations. The labor sector was not spared from the series of political killings as 64 unionists and labor leaders were summarily executed under the Arroyo administration.

"The labor sector suffered not only killings but the curtailment of trade union rights as well under Palparan's command," said Maglunsod, He cited the fact-finding mission done by the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) and National Coalition for the Protection of Workers Rights (NCPWR) in Console and Robina Farms in San Miguel, Bulacan last September 12, a day after Palparan retired from military service and left as head of 7th Infantry Division in Central Luzon. The CTUHR and NCPWR found out that workers and union members in the two farms suffered harassment and interference in union activities.

"We will file our cases instead to the International Labor Organization and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)," ended Maglunsod.