Protesters assure 'peaceful' march to PICC as ASEAN Summit starts

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Several protest actions are expected to be held on Sunday, November 15 as the ASEAN Summit 2026 officially kicked off today at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

The All Workers Unity, an alliance of labor groups representing private and public sector workers, said it will march from Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila to the PICC.

Jerome Adonis, chairperson of the Kilusang Mayo Uno, questioned as to why protests are only limited to freedom parks.

"Hindi kami papayag na ikulong lang sa mga freedom parks. Ang gusto namin ay makarating sa PICC. Tandaan niyo ho, kami ay magma-martsa lang, kami ay magre-raise lang ng aming legitimate demands, wala hong panganib," he told Super Radyo dzBB.

(We will not agree to just being confined to freedom parks. What we want is to reach the PICC. Please remember, we are just going to march, we are just going to raise our legitimate demands, there is no danger.)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier said that although it respects the people's right to assemble, heightened security arrangements are in place for the international event. The police urged protesters to make use of "freedom parks," as the Public Assembly Act of 1985 also mandated the need for permits to hold public assemblies.

The PNP also instructed its personnel to maintain a professional, courteous, and measured approach when dealing with rallyists.

The workers' groups are protesting against the worsening economic crisis and the visit of US President Donald Trump.

"Alam naman na ang pag uusapan sa ASEAN Summit ay hindi ito makakabuti sa lumulubhang economic crisis natin na nagre-resulta sa mataas na presyo ng bilihin, mababang sahod, kontraktwal na paggawa," said Adonis.

(We know that what will be discussed at the ASEAN Summit will not be good for our worsening economic crisis, which results in high prices of goods, low wages, and contractual labor.)

"Mahigpit ‘yung ating protesta sa pagdating ni Donald Trump....Lalo na ang issue ng Pax Silica," he added.

(Our protest against the arrival of Donald Trump is strong... Especially the issue of Pax Silica.)

Adonis said that there are also other groups holding a protest, adding that they are expected to merge with them on Monday.

"Libo ang inaasahan natin. Bukas po, inaasahan natin na magme-merge 'yan," said Adonis.

(We are expecting thousands [of people]. Tomorrow, we expect them to merge.)

In Quezon City, a large number of uniformed police officers were deployed near the University of the Philippines Diliman campus wherein several groups are gathering. There are also cops on standby near the Mabuhay Rotonda at the boundary with Manila. —RF, GMA News