Around 200 protesters gathered outside the Philippine Consulate General in New York in New York City to oppose the visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. The demonstration was organized by Filipino migrant activists led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan USA (BAYAN USA).
“The only perspective that Marcos brings is of a corrupt, self-serving politician and nepo-baby. He was just implicated in a Php8 billion corruption scandal. The reality is Marcos is the biggest threat to national security for the Filipino people,” said Andan Bonifacio, Chairperson of BAYAN USA.
Protesters raised concerns over alleged corruption, governance issues, and the political legacy associated with the Marcos family in the Philippines. Speakers also criticized Philippine diplomatic missions in the United States, accusing them of failing to adequately support Filipino nationals who have recently been arrested or detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Following the rally at the consulate, demonstrators marched through Manhattan toward The Pierre Hotel on Fifth Avenue, where Marcos was reportedly staying during his visit.
Marcos traveled to New York for an official working visit to the United Nations. During the trip, the Philippine government is lobbying for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Organizers said the protest aimed to amplify the voices of overseas Filipinos who oppose the Marcos administration and to draw attention to issues affecting both Filipinos at home and migrants abroad. They vowed to continue mobilizing internationally to challenge what they described as ongoing injustices under the current government.
