Protests Planned in Metro Manila on 53rd Martial Law Anniversary

Numerous protest actions are set to take place across Metro Manila on Sunday, September 21, 2025, as citizens mark the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. A broad coalition of students, church leaders, labor unions, civil society organizations, and political groups has announced plans to mobilize, citing ongoing allegations of government corruption and concerns over democratic backsliding.

Major Protest Venues and Schedule

organizers  have confirmed two large gatherings, with additional smaller rallies expected throughout the day:

• Rizal Park (Luneta), Manila – 9:00 a.m.
  Thousands are expected to gather in the historic park to hold a rally featuring speeches, cultural performances, and symbolic acts of remembrance for martial law victims.

• People Power Monument, EDSA, Quezon City – 2:00 p.m.
  Protesters plan to march to the monument, a historic site of the 1986 uprising that ended the Marcos dictatorship, to highlight parallels between past authoritarianism and current governance issues.

Other demonstrations may take place at university campuses, church plazas, and government offices, as groups encourage broad participation from citizens demanding accountability and reforms.

Organizers’ Message

Coalition leaders have framed the protests as both a commemoration and a call to action. Many groups are using the anniversary of martial law to draw attention to allegations of corruption, impunity, and weakening democratic safeguards.

“September 21 is not just a date in history—it is a reminder that unchecked power and corruption erode our democracy,” one student organizer said in a statement. Church representatives echoed these concerns, calling on the faithful to join peaceful assemblies as a moral stand against injustice.

Security and Public Safety Concerns

Authorities are preparing for heavy traffic and potential disruptions near major protest sites. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stated it will deploy additional officers to monitor the demonstrations and ensure order.

While most protests are expected to remain peaceful, officials have warned that large gatherings can create opportunities for infiltration by agitators, raising the risk of clashes.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila has issued an advisory to American citizens in the Philippines:

• Avoid all demonstrations, as they carry the potential for violence.

• Monitor local media and government advisories for real-time updates on protest-related disruptions.

• Exercise caution when in the vicinity of large gatherings, even if they appear peaceful, and follow instructions from local authorities at all times.

Broader Context

September 21, 1972, marks the day Ferdinand Marcos Sr. signed Proclamation 1081, placing the Philippines under martial law. The period was characterized by widespread human rights abuses, political repression, and corruption allegations.

More than half a century later, the martial law anniversary continues to serve as a rallying point for activists, particularly amid renewed scrutiny of government transparency and governance.

For many Filipinos, Sunday’s demonstrations represent both remembrance of past struggles and renewed vigilance against perceived authoritarian tendencies in the present.