Progressive Filipino groups rally outside the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., on the 53rd anniversary of martial law. The vigil, organized by BAYAN DMV and others, echoed protests in the Philippines denouncing corruption, alleged ghost projects, militarization in Southern Tagalog, and Ambassador Jose Romualdez’s alleged failure to address migrant workers’ concerns. Photo by Anakbayan Montgomery County
NEW YORK – Filipino American activists staged a “national day of action” in several cities on Sunday to protest the “corrupt system” in the Philippines on the 53rd anniversary of martial law declared by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on Sept. 21, 1972.
Protesters demanded accountability for human rights abuses, corruption tied to flood-control projects and neglect of Filipino migrants in the United States.
Sept. 21 “National Day of Action” rally in New York | CONTRIBUTED
Rallies outside Philippine consulates and at major landmarks were held in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle.
Sept. 21 protest march in Washington, D.C. | Photo by Anakbayan Montgomery County
Organizers from Malaya Movement USA, BAYAN US and migrant rights advocates called for an end to the “corrupt, fascist system” and condemned the lack of support for Filipino migrants detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Sept. 21 protest rally in Chicago | CONTRIBUTED
Labor attaché Macy Maglanque
The demonstrations come amid growing frustration following the recall of Los Angeles labor attaché Macy Maglanque, who faces investigation for alleged ties to “ghost” flood-control projects worth billions of pesos in Bulacan, Philippines.
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Migrant advocates said Maglanque’s case highlights both systemic corruption and insufficient support for Filipinos overseas.
Filipino migrants across the US have voiced grievances over what they describe as Maglanque’s dismissive treatment of those seeking help with labor abuses, deportation fears and trafficking.
Nerissa dela Cruz of Migrante San Diego, whose husband was deported in May, said, “I didn’t feel any support from Macy. It felt she doesn’t even care what’s going on in our community, especially for Filipinos detained here.”
Tanggol Migrante Movement called for Maglanque’s permanent recall and accountability for all officials “abusing positions for personal gain.”
Other migrants have alleged similar neglect.
Lack of support for migrants
Lewelynn Dixon, detained earlier this year, described being “frustrated by Maglanque’s inattentiveness,” while the United 6, a group of Filipino fishermen in Washington, recounted lackluster efforts to address their labor violations.
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Jom Dolor of Migrante USA said, “It’s unacceptable that officials assigned to protect our rights end up being investigated for corruption, while ignoring urgent needs of migrants in crisis.”
Advocates stressed the controversy escalated demands for broad government reforms.
Migrante USA, BAYAN USA, and TMM demanded an impartial investigation of embassy and consulate officials and called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take immediate action, especially as Filipino migrants remain vulnerable to unjust detention, medical neglect in detention centers and wage theft.
This “Week of Action” precedes upcoming protests at the United Nations General Assembly, with slogans such as “US Out of Our Homelands! Unite to Fight Fascism, War & Militarization!” echoing through marches nationwide.
Organizers vowed to sustain mobilizations, saying unity and advocacy remain crucial to achieving justice for migrants and democratic reforms in the Philippines.
USNewsRank has reached out to Maglanque’s office for comment. This story will be updated with her response.
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