In celebration of the International Women’s Day, a national alliance of women, Gabriela, organized this year’s "biggest" women’s protest action against President Marcos’ regime and Charter change.
The protest runs under the banner call “Kabuhayan, Karapatan at Kasarinlan, Hindi Chacha ng Dayuhan at Iilan!” (Livelihood, Rights, and Independence, not the charter change of foreigners and a few).
"Granting 100 percent foreign ownership in the country is not the remedy for the pressing issues afflicting the nation, such as rampant corruption, the absence of national industries, limited access to education, and low wages," Gabriela secretary general Clarice Palce said in a statement on Friday, March 8.
The group emphasized that this year's protest by Filipino women holds particular significance, as it aims to denounce the "fervent" push for Charter Change by the Marcos administration.
"Ang panawagan ng kababaihan ay kabuhayan, karapatan, at kasarinlan, hindi Charter Change para sa dayuhan at iilan (The call of women is for livelihood, rights, and independence, not Charter Change for foreigners and a few),” Palace said.
“We refuse to be bystanders in the face of such blatant disregard for our nation's sovereignty and the welfare of our people. GABRIELA stands firm in our commitment to resist and oppose any attempt to undermine the rights and dignity of Filipinos," she added.
In the mentioned program, the group “presented an art installation symbolizing President Marcos Jr.'s "gift" to Filipino women: A box filled with snakes, representing the horrors of Charter Change—100 percent foreign ownership, increased foreign military bases in the country, and term extensions for public officials—all wrapped in a U.S. (United States) flag.”