The first National Assembly of the Malaya Movement USA was convened in between two historically significant dates: the martyrdom of Benigno Ninoy Aquino and the Cry of Pugad Lawin of 1896. It was held specifically in recognition of these two historic events, the struggle against the Marcos dictatorship on one hand and the beginning of the Philippine revolution for independence and sovereignty. With the Philippine National Elections in 2022 looming, the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to worsen, and Duterte’s final year in office ramping up, this gathering of overseas Filipinos and allies forged our collective commitment to fighting for human rights, democracy, and sovereignty in the Philippines.

The Malaya Movement condemns this merciless and vile murders by the Armed Forces of the Philippines against the Lumad-Manobo community. The fascist Duterte regime has exacerbated and encouraged these atrocities throughout his term and it is an affront to the rights and dignity of the people. The Duterte regime must be held accountable for these atrocious crimes against humanity.

On this International Workers’ Day also known as May Day, the Malaya Movement gives tribute to all Filipino workers who have struggled and continue to struggle against the fascist regime of Rodrigo Duterte.

On January 20th, Biden became the 46th President of the U.S., and made promises to solve the current economic, health, and social crises. Millions of people, including Filipinos, clamored to his campaign with hopes for change, however much of the problems remain the same. As a result, Filipinos across the country united together on the Filipino American Agenda on solution-based demands to address the deep-rooted problems plaguing our kababayan and heightening the current situation. Still, there is a need to further unite all Filipinos across the U.S!

The Malaya Movement fully supports the Filipino people and their Community Pantry movement. What started in a small bamboo cart in Maginhawa street, Quezon City resonated to many and blossomed into a nationwide movement of communities helping each other. On one hand, this reflects the inspiring bayanihan spirit of helping each other. On the other, this reflects the grim reality of widespread desperation and hunger. This is a direct result of the disastrous pandemic response of the Duterte regime.

As nearly 13 million Filipinos in the greater Metropolitan Manila area are forced to endure yet another lockdown, the hashtags #dutertepalpak and #duterteresign are currently trending on social media, reflecting the rising outrage of Filipinos across the nation and throughout the world.