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GMA Network
28-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Militants stage 'People's SONA' outside PH Consulate in New York
Activists stage their 'People's State of the Nation Address' in front of the Philippine Consulate General in New York on Sunday, July 27, 2025. They called out the Marcos administration over immigration, militarization, trade deals, and disaster response. DAVE LLAVANES JR. NEW YORK — More than a hundred activists gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate General in New York to stage a protest dubbed the "People's State of the Nation Address" (PSONA). The demonstration was organized by militant groups Migrante, Malaya Movement, Gabriela USA, and BAYAN USA. It was held on July 27, Sunday (US time), ahead of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address before Philippine Congress. Protesters voiced their grievances over what they described as the slow response of the Philippine Consulate and the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. to the arrest of Filipinos affected by the new immigration policy of US President Donald Trump. The groups also condemned the alleged US militarization of the Philippines, including the deployment of American ammunition and military arsenal—warning that such actions could further escalate geopolitical tensions between America, China, and the Philippines. They likewise criticized what they called an "unequal trade agreement" entered into by Marcos with Trump, claiming the deal puts the Philippines at an economic disadvantage. Additionally, the protesters slammed the Philippine government's slow response to the recent widespread flooding in the country, which has claimed the lives of more than 31 individuals. After nearly three hours of peaceful protest, the demonstrators dispersed without incident. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
14-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Pinoys urged to protest peacefully as NYPD girds for 'No King' rallies
Officers of the New York Police District (NYPD) stand guard as protesters rally against immigration policies of US President Donald Trump in New York City. DAVE LLAVANES JR. NEW YORK — The Philippine Consulate in New York has reminded Filipinos who plan to participate in mass protests to strictly follow guidelines that will be enforced by the New York Police Department (NYPD). The "No King" protest, which will be held in various locations across America, is part of the ongoing demonstrations against the large-scale immigration crackdown under the administration of US President Donald Trump. According to Consul General Senen Mangalile, freedom of speech is a fundamental part of democracy, but there are laws that must be observed. "Everyone is free to express their views, but this must be done in a way that does not violate any law or legal order. Extra caution should be exercised, and at no time should anyone engage in violence or acts that could be considered a crime," Mangalile said. Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. has also called on Filipinos planning to join protest actions to exercise restraint and remain peaceful. In a statement issued ahead of protest activities scheduled for June 14, the embassy acknowledged the First Amendment rights guaranteed by the US Constitution, particularly the right to freedom of speech and assembly. "The Embassy respects these constitutional rights and hopes that any planned protests will be conducted peacefully and orderly," the Philippine Public Diplomacy section told GMA Integrated News. Similar protests are expected to be held in various parts of the U.S., just days before the birthday of U.S. President Donald Trump. Law and order The New York Police Department is expecting a large turnout at the protest, which is why thousands of officers will be deployed to Bryant Park, one of Midtown Manhattan's tourist spots, where protesters will initially gather. In a press briefing earlier, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced that a joint operations center would be activated starting Saturday morning in view of the rallies. "Our executives will be monitoring the protests throughout the day and will be ready to move resources as needed at a moment's notice. Our Joint Operations Center will be activated starting Saturday morning, where we will work in close coordination with the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and other state, local, and federal partners. I have been personally speaking with federal law enforcement leadership over the course of the last week, and I will continue to do so," Tisch said. While the NYPD will enforce maximum tolerance, they warned those planning violent acts that they will be arrested and jailed. "For those who seek to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights tomorrow, we are ready to help you do just that. For those who intend to commit crimes—who are coming here to incite violence, to cause property damage, to attack our cops—you will be met with the full strength and determination of the greatest police department in the world. And for those of you peacefully protesting who see others engaged in unlawful activity, my message is clear: Do not join them. Do not turn your exercise of cherished First Amendment rights into criminal conduct, because my orders are clear: If individuals at the protest tomorrow are committing crimes, they will be arrested, and those orders are going to be followed," Tisch added. Similar protests are expected to be held in various parts of America, just days before Trump's birthday. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
