Arrest the thieves not protestors!
As more than 200,000 people flooded the streets in the Philippines, Filipinos overseas took part in the widespread protest against corruption, impunity and fascism, including Malaya Movement USA chapters across the United States on the 53rd anniversary of Marcos Sr.’s declaration of Martial Law.
Like the millions that rose up to oust Marcos Sr. in 1986 and the millions again who stormed EDSA to force Estrada out in 2001, it is only right and necessary that people express their overflowing rage against a corrupt and fascist government that has failed to serve its citizens, or worse, facilitated their deaths. We celebrate the victory of the mass movement and look forward to the sustained fight to address the root causes of corruption and impunity in our homeland.
Predictably, the Philippine National Police (PNP) clamped down and brought fascist terror and violence against protesters. Children, at least 90 minors, were among the 200+ brutally arrested and beaten. This is unsurprising coming from the same police force that killed over 30,000+ people under Duterte’s so-called Drug War. We denounce these fascist attacks by the PNP and demand the immediate release of all those arrested.
While dozens of protesters remain in custody, the worst criminals in the Philippines remain untouched. As we hold all the politicians and their ilk accountable for stealing from the people, let us remember it is not just senators and congressmembers that should be investigated. The number one benefactors of corruption and stolen-wealth sit atop the highest offices of the Philippines - the Marcoses and Dutertes - and they cannot be allowed to evade accountability.
After Bongbong and Sara received tens of millions of pesos in campaign contributions from public works contractors in 2022, the national budget for infrastructure projects was increased by billions once they were in office.
We call on Malaya Movement USA members and our allies to continue to grow the movement against corruption and fascism! Uproot the rotten corrupt system and fight for genuine democracy in the Philippines!
