Groups protest Duterte's final SONA, criticize pandemic response

On Monday, July 26, various groups across the Philippines held protests ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte's final State of the Nation Address (SONA), criticizing his handling of the pandemic and human rights abuses.

In Metro Manila, around 2,750 protesters gathered along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, carrying placards and protest art inspired by Tarantadong Kalbo’s Tumindig artwork.

Protesters marched to the Batasang Pambansa complex, chanting 'Ang tao, ang bayan, Duterte wawakasan' and demanding an end to what they perceive as Duterte's mismanagement of the crisis.