While President Marcos on July 27 enjoined the nation not to yield against those who disrespect us apparently referring to the insult that Chinese-government controlled media made related to the West Philippine Sea maritime conflict, protesters not so far from the 2026 State of the Nation venue, were burning the American flag and effigy of Donald Trump.

Surveys show that Filipinos trust highly the United States. But to members of the militant group, Bayan, that positive feeling does not extend to President Donald Trump and State Secretary Marco Rubio who was here in Manila for the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers and their dialogue partners July 20 to 24.

It was an ordeal for thousands of commuters June 30 when traffic stalled along EDSA because of the “surprise” rally by members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo held a at the People Power Monument in Quezon city to express their support for fellow member, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta following an announcement by the Office of the Ombudsman that he would be charged with plunder for having received P75 million in campaign contributions during the 2025 mid-term elections when he was a senatorial candidate.