Militant groups held a lightning rally Saturday morning at the historic Mendiola Bridge in Manila as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. capped his first 100 days in office.
The Manila Police District estimated the number of protesters at more than 300, dominated by members of Bayan who marched from Claro M. Recto. Avenue.
“100 araw ng kawalang tugon sa krisis. Marcos, hirap na ang mamamayan (100 days of no response to the crisis. Marcos, the people are already suffering),” read the protesters’ streamer.
Police blocked the group from breaching the barricades at Mendiola Bridge which would have taken them to the gates of Malacañang Palace, the seat of power.
Tension grew when the protesters and the police engaged in a pushing match.
The first 100 days of the President in the Philippines is considered as a “honeymoon period” after which the incumbent is treated as fair game for criticisms.