Protests staged in Metro Manila on PH Independence Day 2026

Protest actions were launched across several locations in Metro Manila on Friday morning as various groups marked Philippine Independence Day 2026 with calls to eradicate corruption and address key social issues.

In its 10 a.m. update, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that at the National Library of the Philippines in Manila, a protest gathering was recorded with around 300 participants.

Participating groups were from Bayan, Anakbayan, PISTON, Karapatan, and allied organizations.

Their protests focused on opposition to imperialism, calls for just peace, withdrawal of United States troops, and the repeal of defense agreements, while also denouncing alleged foreign military aggression and demanding to "junk EDCA."

Signed in 2014, EDCA or the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement grants American troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to construct facilities, and to pre-position equipment, aircraft, and vessels, but does not allow permanent basing.

Call for housing

In the vicinity of Isetann on Quezon Boulevard along CM Recto Avenue in Manila, some 50 protesters held a rally led by groups including Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD), KAISA KA, among others.

They called for action against imperialism, corruption, and alleged government neglect, with demands centered on housing rights and accountability.

At the Elliptical Road near the National Housing Authority in Quezon City, around 20 members of Kilusan ng Pambansang Demokrasya and Youth for Nationalism and Democracy (YND) staged a protest.

“𝗣𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗵𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝘆 𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗸𝗼.”

Grupo ng kababaihan, nagprotesta kaugnay ng usapin ng pabahay sa harap ng National Housing Authority (NHA). | via @SurfaceCarlo pic.twitter.com/9QCHZpx5X5

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) June 12, 2026

They called for social justice, increased social spending, and opposition to war and corruption. Their chants included calls to "labanan ang korapsyon (fight corruption)" and prioritize funding for education, jobs, and food.

At Globo De Oro corner Quezon Boulevard in Manila, about 100 members of SULU for PBBM Forever gathered for a protest action.

Spray paint

Meanwhile, at the intersection of Elliptical Road and East Avenue, some 50 marchers from the Philippine Alliance and Human Rights Advocates raised concerns over political dynasties and corruption.

A protester allegedly sprayed paint at a police officer after being confronted for vandalizing a center island near Kalaw Avenue, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo told reporters that the police tried to arrest the individual but the latter reportedly resisted and managed to flee.

Authorities have yet to determine whether the perpetrator is affiliated with any protesting group. However, Asilo said police obtained photographs of the individual and are working to identify them.

GMA News Online has sought comment from Asilo after protesters complained about the use of barbed wire to block them from going to the United States embassy. She has yet to respond as of posting time.

The PNP reported a total nationwide deployment of 77,020 police personnel, supported by 1,975 other units and 10,478 force multipliers, bringing the total to 89,473 personnel deployed for security operations.

Activist groups also marched along Recto Avenue in Manila on Friday to stage a rally marking the 128th Philippine Independence Day.

According to a report by dzBB Super Radyo’s Manny Vargas, the protesters criticized what they described as the country’s worsening “circus politics” amid the rising prices of basic commodities in the country.

“𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲.”

Grupo ng mga raliyista, nagsagawa ng pagkilos sa Recto Avenue sa Maynila. | via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/Qc0uaypyjR

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) June 12, 2026

The protesters also carried symbols such as chains and padlocks, which they said represented the struggles of Filipinos affected by political issues and failed government policies.

Authorities were monitoring the protest, which was being held along a portion of the underpass near Quezon Boulevard and Recto Avenue, the report said. — with Sundy Locus/VDV/RSJ, GMA News