Protests against Bongbong Marcos

Protests against Bongbong Marcos
DateOctober 5, 2021–present
(3 years, 1 month, 3 weeks and 2 days)
Location
Caused by
MethodsDemonstrations, sit-ins, internet activism, vandalism, picketing, student walk-outs, and strikes

Recently, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. marked the 52nd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines, a period that remains highly controversial in the nation's history. In response, numerous Filipinos gathered in protest near Malacañang Palace, expressing their opposition to the Marcos family's legacy and the lasting impact of Martial Law on Filipino society. Tragically, the demonstration escalated into violence, leading to deaths and injuries. The unrest drew stark comparisons to the regime of the current president's father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., whose time in power was also marred by human rights abuses and violent repression during Martial Law. Protests have been mostly conducted by progressive and opposition groups due to the violent and plunderous legacy of the Marcos family during the martial law era and throughout the rule of his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos;[1] unpaid real-estate taxes;[2] alleged electoral fraud during the 2022 presidential elections;[2] instances of fake news and historical distortion;[2] cases of human rights violations such as extra-judicial killings and the continuing war on drugs;[3] and other social issues.[4][5] Protests against the president have also included grievances against Vice President Sara Duterte[6] as well as seeking of accountability from his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte.[7] Mobilizations have also been held by Filipino-Americans and other solidarity and progressive groups abroad such as in United States, Australia, and Canada.[5]

Former President Duterte and his supporters have also organized protests against Marcos.[8] In a "prayer rally" held in Cebu City, the former president made numerous remarks denouncing Marcos' People's Initiative and the subsequent economic constitutional amendments.[9] During the rally, Duterte also made statements alluding to the deposal of President Marcos similar to his father yet through military force.[10] In the same rally, Duterte called President Marcos a drug addict,[11] Marcos responded that Duterte's use of fentanyl impaired his judgement.[12] Duterte has since softened his position [13] yet states that he and his coalition are no longer allies with President Marcos, reinforced by Vice President Sara Duterte stating that the Uniteam Alliance was dissolved immediately after the 2022 Philippine General Election.[14]

  1. ^ "Films about Martial Law, Marcoses to have free screening at Bantayog on Ninoy Aquino Day". l!fe • The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c Lema, Karen; Cruz, Enrico Dela (May 10, 2022). "Philippines election winner Marcos tells world to judge him by actions, not family's past". Reuters. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  3. ^ Ellen (September 8, 2022). "Rights groups push for 'immediate justice,' independent probe on PH human rights abuses". VERA Files. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  4. ^ Relativo, James. "Ngayong SONA: Labor group inilapit 10-point demand kay Marcos Jr". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  5. ^ a b "LIST: SONA 2022 protests, activities". RAPPLER. July 24, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  6. ^ ABS-CBN News (May 13, 2022). "Iba-ibang grupo patuloy ang protesta sa resulta ng Halalan 2022". Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  7. ^ "Green groups seek Duterte's accountability over inaction on envi rights". Bulatlat. September 1, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  8. ^ Lema, Karen (February 2, 2024). "'Open warfare': Philippines' Marcos-Duterte alliance crumbles". Reuters. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  9. ^ "Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Leads 'Prayer Rallies' Against Charter Change". thediplomat.com. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  10. ^ "Duterte tells Marcos he might follow his father, says military should protect Constitution". GMA News Online. January 28, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  11. ^ G, Herbie (January 29, 2024). "Foul-mouthed Duterte at it again, spits venom at Marcos and calls him 'drug addict'". RAPPLER. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  12. ^ "PBBM: Fentanyl is taking a toll on FPRRD's health".
  13. ^ jsitchon0312 (February 26, 2024). "From 'drug addict' to 'dignified': Duterte softens tone toward Marcos in Cebu rally". RAPPLER. Retrieved July 7, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ Patumbon, Rojean Grace G. (June 15, 2024). "VP Sara clarifies UniTeam dissolution". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved July 7, 2024.