Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Allison Co

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) led a protest along Kalaw Avenue in Manila on Saturday, July 4, to denounce the expanded presence of the United States military in the Philippines. The demonstration coincided with Philippine-US Friendship Day, with protesters attempting to march toward the US Embassy. However, they were stopped after police personnel formed human barricades to block their path.BAYAN Secretary General Mong Palatino rejected the notion of celebrating the country&#x27;s ties with the United States. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2026/7/2/manila-symphony-orchestra-marks-80-years-of-fil-american-friendship-with-july-4-concert-1204">Manila Symphony Orchestra marks 80 years of Fil-American friendship with July 4 concert</a></div>“Hindi tunay na kaibigan ang pamahalaan ng US. Dahil walang tunay na kaibigan na tayo ay kakaladkarin sa giyera… Kinokondena natin ang gobyerno ni Marcos Jr. dahil pumayag siya na paramihin ang base militar ng US, kaya po walang friendship na dapat nating kilalanin ang relasyon natin sa US,” Palatino said.The progressive groups likewise urged the Marcos administration to end what they described as the country&#x27;s dependence on the United States, arguing that the alliance should not dictate the Philippines&#x27; response to its territorial dispute with China.Since taking office, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has strengthened the Philippines&#x27; stance in asserting its maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea, pushing back against Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia activities while deepening security and defense cooperation with allies, particularly the United States. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/7/4/heat-wave-temporarily-shuts-down-trump-s-american-state-fair-on-national-mall-1218">Heat wave temporarily shuts down Trump&#x27;s American State Fair on National Mall</a> </div>Among the speakers at the protest was ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, who claimed that the expanded military cooperation and joint exercises between Manila and Washington are intended to prepare for a possible conflict with China.&quot;Gagamitin ito para sa binabalak at pinaghahandaan nilang giyera laban sa Tsina para mula sa Pilipinas, tatargeting ang China. Meron tayong agawan, inaagaw ng Tsina ang ating karagatan pero gigiyera ba tayo sa mamamayan ng Tsina? Papayag ba tayo na ang lupain natin ay gamiting lunsaran ng US para sa kanilang giyera?” Tinio said.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) led a protest along Kalaw Avenue in Manila on Saturday, July 4, to denounce the expanded presence of the United States military in the Philippines.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) led a protest along Kalaw Avenue in Manila on Saturday, July 4, to denounce the expanded presence of the United States military in the Philippines.

Protesters denounce expanded US military access during PH-US Friendship Day

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Protesters denounce expanded US military access during PH-US Friendship Day

Allison Co,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 04, 2026 04:46 PM PHT

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