Those who violate the rights and well-being of women and children are not welcome in the Philippines.
By Roselle Ochobillo
MANILA – “Stop the rape of our motherland! Kick Trump out!”
This is the call of progressive women’s group Gabriela during a protest near the US Embassy, November 9. The women’s group asserted that there should be no red carpet welcome to warmongerers like Trump.
Jacq Ruiz, spokesperson of Kilusan ng Manggagawang Kababaihan (KMK) said, “There is no special treatment for us women workers, who remain mired in extreme poverty, while billions of pesos are being allocated solely for preparations for the signing of the Pax Silica agreement.”
Read: Economic insecurity of women workers worsen
While Filipino culture is known for warmly welcoming visitors with a feast, they said Trump is an exception as many Filipino households are struggling to put even a decent meal on their own tables.
For a mother like Lanie Buena, 54, it is a struggle to get through the day. She is working as a manicurist and pedicurist in their house in Quezon City for eight years while her husband is working as a barber.
She earns P400 or about $6 for three clients in a day. But this is not enough, she said, as there are no guaranteed clients every day.
What she earns, she said, is not adequate for a family of seven with two students still going to school. There are still household expenses such as electricity and water bills.
Meanwhile, Gabriela Women’s Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago said, “Those who violate the rights and well-being of women and children are not welcome in the Philippines.”
Photo by Roselle Ochobillo/Bulatlat
Elago condemned Trump, calling him a macho-fascist and a war criminal, citing his role in waging and escalating wars that have claimed countless civilian lives, including children in Palestine. She added that Trump’s links to the Epstein files makes him less welcome in the country.
The Trump administration’s war against Iran and its support to Israel has contributed to a global oil price shock, with its effects now being felt by Filipino families from rising fuel costs to increasing cost of goods in the market.
The women’s group said they are determined to ensure that Trump will not receive a warm welcome but instead will be faced by massive protests rejecting his visit and the proposed Pax Silica Initiatives.
“What we will present is a flaming protest, because individuals like Donald—a rapist, molester, and war criminal—are utterly shameless and devoid of any moral compass,” said Elle Buntag, spokesperson of Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns. (AMU, RVO)
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