On Monday, hundreds of women gathered in Manila to voice their opposition to the upcoming visit of former US President Donald Trump, who is set to attend the 49th ASEAN summit in the Philippine capital. The protest, organized by women's rights groups and civil society coalitions, saw demonstrators carrying placards reading "Trump Out" and chanting slogans against US foreign policy in the region.
The rally, which took place along a main thoroughfare in Manila, was not merely a symbolic gesture. Protesters explicitly denounced a US-led initiative aimed at boosting semiconductor production and securing access to critical minerals in Southeast Asia. Many speakers argued that such economic frameworks are designed to serve American strategic interests rather than foster genuine regional development.
Economic concerns and sovereignty
"We are not against trade or technology," said Maria Santos, a labor organizer and one of the rally's lead convenors. "But these deals are being negotiated over our heads, without consulting local communities or addressing the environmental and social costs. We see the same pattern as in the past: the US comes in with promises of investment, but the benefits flow out as quickly as they arrive."
The protesters also linked their concerns to broader issues of national sovereignty. They pointed to the presence of US military bases and the recent expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) as evidence of a growing American footprint that they say undermines Philippine independence. "We want a foreign policy that puts Filipinos first, not one that turns our country into a pawn in great-power rivalry," added Santos.
The ASEAN summit, which brings together leaders from the ten member states, is expected to focus on economic integration, maritime security, and regional stability. Trump's participation has been a point of contention, with critics noting his history of inflammatory remarks about the region and his administration's withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
While the protest was largely peaceful, it underscored the deep divisions in Philippine society over the country's alignment with the United States. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pursued a policy of balancing ties with Washington and Beijing, but many activists argue that the current trajectory favors the former at the expense of national autonomy.
The semiconductor initiative, which the US has promoted as a way to diversify supply chains away from China, has been met with skepticism in some quarters. Analysts point out that the Philippines, while a significant player in the global semiconductor packaging industry, could be drawn into a tech cold war that offers limited benefits to local workers.
"We are not opposed to foreign investment," said Liza Ramos, a university professor who joined the rally. "But we want investments that create decent jobs, respect labor rights, and protect our environment. The current proposals do not meet those standards."
The protest also drew attention to the role of women in shaping the region's future. Organizers emphasized that women are often the most affected by economic dislocation and environmental degradation, yet they are rarely included in high-level negotiations. "We are here to remind the leaders that our voices matter," said Santos.
As the summit gets underway, the images of women marching in Manila are likely to resonate beyond the Philippines. They serve as a reminder that the region's engagement with global powers is not just a matter of diplomatic maneuvering but also of grassroots resistance and alternative visions of development.
