Philippine activist slams government’s red-carpet plans for Trump’s Manila visit

In Manila, Christine Joy Riego Catequista, secretary-general of the Gabriela Women’s Party, launched a fierce attack on the Marcos government’s plan to roll out a red-carpet welcome for U.S. President Donald Trump during his upcoming visit for the ASEAN summit. She highlighted that more than 100 flights, including 106 Cebu Pacific services, have been cancelled and that extensive roadblocks in Pasay City will create severe traffic problems for commuters and workers.

Catequista further charged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with advancing the “Pax Silica” defence cooperation with the United States solely to secure Washington’s support, putting American interests ahead of Filipino citizens. She condemned Trump’s foreign-policy record on war, racism and attacks on vulnerable groups, insisting diplomatic ties must not override human rights and dignity. The remarks underscore domestic opposition to the high-profile visit slated for mid-November. The controversy reflects broader tensions over foreign influence and domestic priorities in the Philippines.