Thousands protest Arroyo regime in Manila

On Feb. 15, 15,000 people poured into the streets of Manila, Philippines, to demand the resignation of President Gloria

Macapagal Arroyo. Activists, students, teachers and religious leaders protested a government kickback scandal in a telecom deal.

Protesters wore red to show their anger towards corruption and greed. Banners and placards with “Gangster regime” and “Out Gloria” could be seen throughout the crowd.

Arroyo, a loyal puppet of U.S. imperialism, denies all allegations of corruption and says every administration faces these kinds of rumors.

The demonstration was the largest since 2005, when it was revealed that Arroyo cheated in the presidential elections.

Seven years ago, President Joseph Estrada was ousted by militant street protests. In 1986, a people’s power movement ended the brutal military dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

The people of the Philippines are still determined to end decades of U.S.-backed neo-colonial oppression.