Groups to hold freedom march on June 12

MANILA, Philippines — Various groups will hold a freedom march on Independence Day in solidarity with the #BabaeAko movement against sexism and misogyny. 

Noemi Dado, a coodinator for the movement, said at least 20 groups will gather at the Rizal park on the afternoon of June 12 in support of the movement. 

They will march to Liwasang Bonifacio, where a rally will be held to protest issues involving national sovereignty, social justice, human rights and democracy. 

“Using the hashtag #BabaeAko (I am a woman), Filipino women are taking to social media to fight the President’s sexist and misogynistic behavior,” Dado said. 

Among the groups expected to join the freedom march are the Movement Against Tyranny, Voices of Women for Justice and Peace, Let’s Organize for Democracy and Integrity, Win for Freedom and Coalition Against Darkness and Dictatorship.

Also taking part are Gabriela, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Kalipunan ng Kilusang Masa, World March of Women, Pakisama-Kalipunan, Filipino Cultural Creatives, Alitaptap, Bantay Pilipinas and Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas.

According to the organizers, the protest rally after the march will focus on the major issues hounding the country under the Duterte administration. 

“In the face China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea and growing presence of US troops on our soil, our leaders ignore calls to defend national sovereignty,” read the unity statement issued by the participating organizations. 

“In the wake of thousands of extrajudicial killings and similar atrocities, our leaders persist in trampling on our most basic human rights,” it added. 

They also noted the heavier taxes imposed under the present administration, as well as the alleged efforts to undermine judicial independence.

“We cannot sit quiet in the face of such an abusive government. With the spirit and will shown by our ancestors, our heroes let our voices ring this Independence Day for true love of country and fealty to democracy,” said the groups. 

Meanwhile, ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is expected to join a gathering of opposition groups in UP on Independence Day. 

In an advisory, Tindig Pilipinas said Sereno will join the solidarity gathering of groups opposing the supposed incompetence of the Duterte administration. 

“This gathering of forces fighting for the country’s democratic freedoms is given even greater significance by – and will provide a richer and deeper perspective on –our country’s commemoration of our 120th Independence Day,” the group said.