Progressive groups in the Philippines staged a protest march along Kalaw Avenue, Manila on April 9, marking the Day of Valor, to denounce US-‘Israel’ military aggression against Iran and to call for an independent Philippine foreign policy.
The protesters, carrying placards and effigies, attempted to march toward the United States Embassy in Manila but were blocked by lines of police. Hundreds of officers from the Manila Police District (MPD) were deployed along the route, setting up barricades that prevented the march from proceeding.
Demonstrators linked their protest to broader demands for national sovereignty and the removal of US military presence in the Philippines, criticizing what they described as the country’s continued alignment with US foreign policy.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance or BAYAN) also connected the protest to domestic economic issues, particularly rising fuel prices linked to global instability. In a statement, the group criticized Congress for passing what it called a “band-aid tool for patronage and corruption,” arguing that recent measures fail to address the root causes of price hikes.
“Both houses of Congress should focus on alleviating the people’s suffering amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia instead of legislating band-aid measures that boost patronage,” the group said.
According to BAYAN, the legislation only grants discretionary powers to the president to suspend excise taxes on fuel, without tackling structural issues such as regressive taxation and the continued price increases imposed by oil companies.
The protest also highlighted the symbolic significance of the Day of Valor, which commemorates Filipino resistance during World War II. Demonstrators said the spirit of resistance remains relevant in confronting contemporary challenges, including foreign military presence and government inaction on economic issues.
