(Progressive groups protest along Kalaw Avenue in Manila on Thursday, June 12, 2025 — April Joyce Pulga)
Political and social progressive groups gather at the Philippines’ Independence Day celebration in Manila, rallying for national integrity, justice, and an end to foreign interference.
The Philippines commemorated its 127th Independence Day on June 12 with Filipinos attending the flag-raising ceremony led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Rizal Park.
In his speech at Quirino Grandstand, Marcos warned that apathy is “the true enemy of freedom, “urging Filipinos to remain engaged in national issues.
“The true enemy of freedom is apathy—apathy to the cries of the people, apathy to the condition of our fellow citizens, apathy to the welfare of our nation,” Marcos said.
Beyond the official ceremonies, over 2,000 protesters gathered along Kalaw Avenue to denounce the United States (U.S.) military presence in the country, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). Other groups condemned China’s incursions into the West Philippine Sea as well as Israel’s ongoing attacks on Palestine.
Amid rising political tensions, some demonstrators chanted “convict” — a direct reference to the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The group of protesters initially planned to march to the U.S. Embassy but were prevented from advancing by the Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed at Kalaw Avenue. Authorities maintained a significant presence throughout the demonstrations, which concluded peacefully with no major incidents.