Women protest in Manila ahead of Trump's ASEAN summit visit

Protesters oppose presidential visit

Women protesters gathered in the streets of Manila on Monday, 9 November, to voice their opposition to the planned visit of US President Donald Trump. The demonstration took place along Kalaw Avenue in the days leading up to the 49th ASEAN Summit, which the Philippine capital is set to host in mid-November. The White House and the Malacañang Palace have confirmed that Trump will attend the summit, marking his first visit to the country since 2017.

The rally was organized and led by the women's rights group Gabriela. Participants carried banners with slogans such as "Trump Out!", "Trump Out Now!", and "Resist US-Led Wars!". In a symbolic act of rejection, several demonstrators were seen sweeping images of the US president along the road with brooms while other marchers followed behind them. One participant, speaking in Tagalog, urged the public to reject the visit and refrain from welcoming the US leader as a guest of honour.

Background

The protest was not limited to opposition against the president's physical presence in the country. The demonstrators also targeted specific US-led initiatives, most notably the Pax Silica pact. This agreement focuses on securing supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. The Philippines joined this framework in April 2026, becoming its 13th signatory.

A central component of the Pax Silica initiative is a proposed 4,000-acre hub located in New Clark City, Tarlac. Activists argue that this project primarily serves American interests rather than those of the Filipino people. During the rally, a participant told AFP that the group is rejecting the framework because it fails to prioritise national interests. Additionally, the Gabriela group called for the scrapping of the Visiting Forces Agreement, a treaty governing the presence of US military personnel in the Philippines.

Why it matters

The protests highlight significant domestic tension regarding the Philippines' engagement with the United States, particularly in the realms of technology and security. The demand to cancel the Pax Silica pact reflects concerns among activists that the country's participation in this US-led initiative does not align with local priorities. The proposed hub in Tarlac is a focal point of this criticism, with opponents asserting that it benefits foreign entities at the expense of national benefit.

The timing of the rally, just days before the ASEAN Summit, underscores the political sensitivity surrounding Trump's visit. As the first trip to the Philippines since 2017, the event carries substantial diplomatic weight. The visible opposition from the Gabriela group and other demonstrators indicates that the visit will be met with significant public scrutiny and dissent, potentially complicating the diplomatic atmosphere surrounding the summit.

What happens next

The 49th ASEAN Summit is scheduled to take place in Manila in mid-November. Both the White House and the Malacañang Palace have confirmed that Donald Trump will attend the event. The outcome of the summit and the reception of the US president will be closely watched, particularly in light of the recent protests and the ongoing debate over the Pax Silica agreement and the Visiting Forces Agreement.