Demonstrations in support of Rodrigo Duterte
A series of protests are taking place across the Philippines in response to the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte, a former president, by the Philippine government. Protests began on March 11, the day of Duterte's arrest and subsequent surrender to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands via a government-chartered Gulfstream G550 jet that departed Manila at 23:03 PHT (UTC+08:00).
Duterte was arrested amid an escalating feud between the Marcos and Duterte political families, although President Bongbong Marcos himself expressed melancholy regarding the arrest. Analysts have described Duterte's arrest and surrender to the ICC as remarkably quick and trouble-free, as well as a victory for the Marcos faction in their feud with the Dutertes.
With less than two years in office, more Filipinos have become dissatisfied with the administration of Bongbong Marcos, according to the survey conducted by Publicus Asia from November 29 to December 4, 2023. Economic concerns, rising inflation, joblessness, low wages, and a perceived lack of productivity are some of the emerging factors behind the drop in pro-administration support. The survey also noted that the "Duterte effect" still persists, with opposition parties grappling with the discreditation of the previous administration. By 2025, a new survey by Publicus Asia showed growing anti-admin sentiment, and a growing pessimism about the country's state, leadership direction, and economic and financial outlook. Pro-administration support dropped steeply from 28% in Q1 2024 to 15% in Q1 2025. Meanwhile, the national outlook is at its weakest since 2022, with all economic indicators on a decline.
Other anti-government protests were also held in relation to the alleged corruption in the 2025 national budget, PhilHealth budget cuts and the impeachment of Sara Duterte.
Protests
January 13: National Rally for Peace and prelude
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The National Rally for Peace were a series of demonstrations organized on January 13, 2025, led by the Iglesia ni Cristo in support of the statement of President Bongbong Marcos in opposition to the impeachment efforts against Vice President Sara Duterte. It was primarily held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on January 13, 2025. Other cities or municipalities served as secondary venues.
February 11: Mandaue city protests
At least 20,000 people protested against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte in Mandaue, Cebu.
March 11: Arrest of Rodrigo Duterte
March 15: Metro Manila motorcade and prayer rally
A series of motorcade were held in different parts of Metro Manila, culminating in a prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Ermita, Manila. It was attended by around 2,000 people. Among those who were present in the rally are Apollo Quiboloy, the controverisal pastor and founder of Kingdom of Jesus Christ, as well as Senators Bong Go and Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, all of whom were critical of the Marcos administration.
March 16: Araw ng Dabaw protests
On March 16, during the annual celebration of the Araw ng Dabaw (lit. 'Day of Davao'), thousands of citizens of Davao City marched the city's street wearing black in protest of Duterte's arrest. The citizens also called for Duterte to be repatriated back to the Philippines.
March 24: Protests at The Hague
Thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from across Europe gathered at The Hague for a peaceful rally to protest the arrest and detention of Duterte, which was viewed as an attack on Philippine sovereignty and they called for Duterte's release.
March 28
Duterte's birthday protests
On March 28, during the birthday of Rodrigo Duterte, thousands of citizens of Davao City took to the streets to celebrate his birthday and protests his arrest. An estimated 60,000-100,000 crowd were present at the protests.
Police also blocked a convoy of at least 100 motorcycle riders near Malacañang Palace in the capital city Manila, who were brandishing posters that reads "Bring Him Home".
In Qatar, several Filipinos were arrested by the Qatari authorities for unauthorized political demonstrations.
In Canada, the Archdiocese of Montreal revoked its permission to use Roman Catholic churches in its jurisdiction for gatherings in support of Duterte due to accusation of human rights violations by Duterte as well as his prior contemptuous remarks against the church. Gatherings were moved to other venues such as the Mackenzie King Park.
Overseas Filipino Workers zero remittance week (March 28 to April 4)
Overseas Filipino Workers are organizing a protest called "zero remittance week" from March 28 to April 4 to show their disapproval of Duterte's arrest. Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Claire Castro appealed to the OFW Duterte supporters to be "level-headed" and more "understanding" to the situation, as the Philippine government is only complying with its obligations to the international community.