Duterte loyalists draw the line at Sara as ‘Marcos resign’ rings out in Mendiola

MANILA, Philippines – Just a few minutes’ walk from the Mendiola Peace Arch, the message was unmistakable, whether from pro- or anti-Duterte groups: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should resign.

The plea for Marcos to step down is a major point of discord among various opposition groups rallying against corruption on Sunday, November 30, which was why separate protests were held in two major locations in the metropolis — one in Manila area, and another along the historic EDSA. 

In the Philippine capital, two major groups traversed Recto Avenue but on different time slots: leftist groups who urge both President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte to resign, and pro-Duterte supporters whose call for accountability spares the second top official. 

“The program cannot end without pointing the issue toward Marcos. He is the target of our anti-corruption campaign,” Bayan secretary general Raymond Palatino said.

“The investigation reaches all the way to Malacañang,” he added, likely referring to former congressman Zaldy Co’s claim that Marcos himself had requested kickbacks from public works projects.

The Bayan-led protest in Mendiola was cut short; they dispersed after a malfunctioning truck generator hampered their use of microphones. Originally, they told the police around 10 from their ranks would deliver speeches, but only Bayan president Renato Reyes spoke on the coalition’s behalf. 

After destroying a Marcos-Duterte effigy, which marked the end of their program, the leftist protesters did not go to the EDSA rally. Bayan said there was a deadlock in negotiations with the EDSA rally organizers, who are reluctant to specifically ask the President to step down.

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Security was tighter than usual, as police sought to prevent a repeat of the September 21 protests, where violence broke out in Mendiola. The Department of the Interior and Local Government said minors had been paid to infiltrate protesters and cause disturbance.

Mendiola is an important landmark for Philippine uprisings, and its close proximity to Malacañang — the seat of the Philippine presidency — makes it the most ideal and symbolic venue for protests. 

This time, authorities did not take second chances, deploying 12,000 policemen in Manila to curb any sign of unrest. 

Fences and barbed wires were installed in various parts of Mendiola, with policemen on standby wearing full battle gear. 

No protester made it to the peace arch, as police-installed barricades had only allowed them to protest some 300 meters from the landmark. 

“The deployment is overkill. What a waste of money,” Palatino said. “The president looks paranoid, afraid of people demanding accountability.”

More than two hours after the leftist groups’ dispersal, the pro-Duterte contingent from Liwasang Bonifacio arrived in Mendiola.

They questioned calls to include Duterte in the call for Marcos’ resignation.

“Is she involved in the corruption President Marcos mentioned? If it can be shown that she is involved, then we too will call for her resignation,” said Jaime L. Miralles, president of the Association of Genuine Labor Organizations, part of the newly formed Save the Philippines coalition.

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But what about Duterte’s alleged mishandling of confidential funds? This controversy was among the reasons cited by House lawmakers when they impeached her in February.

“That’s an old issue,” he said.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stood at a distance, separated by a fence, as leftist groups and pro-Duterte supporters held their respective demonstrations. Stone-faced with his arms crossed, Remulla drew heckles from agitated protesters.

“The nerve you have! Addict! You’re such a—!” one pro-Duterte protester with a megaphone yelled.

“It’s okay. I can take it,” Remulla said in response to the heckling.

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A few warm bodies loyal to the President made it to Recto Avenue Sunday morning, before the “Marcos resign” calls dominated the rough edges of Manila.

“Calling for his resignation is a shallow reason,” Omar Akbar, convenor of Sulu for BBM, told Rappler. “They should just wait for the 2028 elections.”

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Their demonstration lasted only less than 30 minutes. – Rappler.com