The U.S. Embassy in Manila has issued a demonstration alert warning American citizens to steer clear of mass protests expected across the Philippines on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
According to the advisory, rallies will be staged in Rizal Park (Luneta) at 9:00 a.m. and at the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City at 2:00 p.m. The Embassy cautioned that while demonstrations are expected to be peaceful, they still carry the risk of sudden violence and disruptions.
“U.S. citizens should avoid these demonstrations due to the potential for violence. Exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, as even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to turn violent without warning,” the statement read.
The mass actions are timed with the 53rd anniversary of martial law and are part of the so-called “Trillion Peso March,” organized by students, church groups, labor unions, and civic organizations. Protesters are rallying against alleged large-scale corruption in flood control projects, which has become a flashpoint issue in recent months.
The Philippine National Police has placed units on full alert, while local and foreign authorities are advising commuters to expect road closures and heavy traffic near protest sites.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier assured the public that the government supports the right to protest and that the investigation into the flood control mess will move forward under an independent committee. He stressed that “no one will be spared” if wrongdoing is proven.
