The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) joins the Filipino people, and their democratic and patriotic forces, in condemning the Marcos regime for its brazen attempt to prevent the people from marching and demonstrating near the Batasan Pambansa, where he is set to deliver his state of the nation address tomorrow.

Marcos is displaying mortal fear of people’s protests by mobilizing at least 23,000 police personnel in the National Capital Region, including sniper-backed riot police. He wants to make sure that the collective grievances and demands of the people will not reach his ears or his sights (even banning protest outfits in congress). Like his dictator father, Marcos Jr only wants to hear hallelujahs to his Bagong Pilipinas, a fraud worth hundreds of millions of pesos being foisted on the people.

The broad masses of the Filipino people are suffering immensely under the Marcos regime. Prices are skyrocketing while wages are extremely low. There is widespread joblessness and loss of livelihood. People are burdened by onerous taxes. Human rights are wantonly violated in the vain attempt of Marcos to stifle the people’s dissent. Marcos is acting as an American stooge, allowing all-out US military intervention, to use the country as base for its war preparations and provocations.

The Filipino people have a long history of resistance against fascists and dictators. They draw lessons from the past, and inspiration from their heroes. They are as determined as ever to fight for their national democratic aspirations.