WASHINGTON, D.C.— President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. had a spirited meet-and-greet event with Filipinos here on Monday afternoon in which the attendees virtually mobbed him in their excitement to exchange plesantries with him.
As he stepped outside, however, the chilly weather was matched by the cold reception that he was given by a different group.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. meets with the Filipino community in Washington D.C. on Monday, May 1, 2023. (KJ Rosales/PPA POOL)
Protesters outside the venue voiced their opposition to the Philippine leader.
As the crowd from the "meet and greet" event headed out, they were met with resounding chants coupled with drum beats from rallyists criticizing the current administration.
Holding placards, megaphones, and a huge Philippine flag, activists yelled "Marcos is not welcome here."
Standing face to face just a few meters away from the rallyists, Marcos supporters retaliated by chanting "BBM" as they waved their mini Philippine flags.
The two groups continued trading chants from there.
SITUATION HERE: Protesters and Marcos supporters throw exchanges here in front of the venue of President Marcos' meet with Filipino community. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/XtqibQQZjI
— Betheena Unite (@MB_unite) May 1, 2023
Rallyists also assembled in front of the White House as Marcos met with US President Joe Biden on the same day.
They were there to oppose the bilateral talks between the two leaders and Marcos' other engagements while in the US.
The activists alleged that the Marcos administration would "sell out Philippine sovereignty in exchange for US aid, investments, and political legitimacy despite the brutal history of the Marcos family."
They claimed that Marcos' meetings with Biden and other state officials "will only put the Filipino people in more danger of poverty and war."
They then called on Filipinos and supporters to "join the people's movement to fight for the sovereign and democratic rights of the Filipino people."
WATCH: Protestors assemble outside the White House as President Marcos meets US President Joe Biden. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/ctSSsApqsj
— Betheena Unite (@MB_unite) May 1, 2023