Filipinos in the Diaspora respond to Bonifacio Day protests, call for justice and accountability from the Marcos-Duterte regime
Bonifacio Day memorializes what’s not only foundational to Filipinos but a beacon for the world: our continuing and fierce resistance against odds is a model for world resistance against fascism, impunity, and corruption. Mabuhay ang protesta ng bayan laban sa Marcos-Duterte regime.
Gina Apostol, Award-winning novelist of Insurrecto
Corruption is another form of fascist cruelty committed by the rich and the powerful. As Filipino immigrants living away from the homeland, we read about different kinds of cruelty committed by the Marcos-Duterte regime and their cronies, either as ghost flood projects or the harassment of union organizers, journalists and student activists. We must join the organized resistance to corruption and fascism because resistance is hope. As Philippine history has shown, we win when we fight back. Mabuhay ang protesta ng bayan.
Nerissa S. Balce, Associate professor of Asian American Studies at SUNY Stony Brook
Today, in the quiet of our hearts, let us reach out to the people of the Philippines who as victims of corruption, are rising to reclaim their dignity and justice. Let us join them in their protests against corruption and the use of government bureaucracy as source of capital and income by politicians and their dynastic rule. Let us unite with them in their demand for the resignation, accountability, prosecution, imprisonment and recovery of all stolen goods – from the executive branch to the lower house of congress, from the judiciary to the defense and police, and from all services and departments that have been corrupted by a totally rotten system.
Fr. Ben Alforque, Co-founder of Rise Up for Life and for Rights
Bonifacio Day inspires Filipinos across the globe to be part of our fight for democracy back home. The Filipino diaspora has played an important role in pivotal moments in our homeland's history, such as the anti-colonial movement against Spain and the anti-martial law movement against Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Similarly, in this current moment of anti-corruption protests, the Filipino diaspora is demanding accountability from the whole government, including Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte. Let us in Malaya Movement USA amplify the concerns of the community and unite them toward justice in the Philippines.
Dr. Joy Sales, Assistant Professor. Cal State LA, Malaya USA Executive Committee
