'Never Again': Filipino migrants in Sydney protest government corruption on Martial Law anniversary

A rally led by progressive Filipino groups, including Bayan Australia, Migrante, and AnakBayan, and joined by international human rights organisations, was held at Sydney Town Hall on Sunday, September 21, to mark the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines and to protest government corruption.

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Key Points

• Chanting “Never Again,” the demonstrators highlighted both historical lessons from Martial Law and contemporary issues of alleged misuse of public funds.
• Aside from corruption, protesters also called for accountability for past and present leaders, including former President Rodrigo Duterte and current President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
• A Duterte supporter carrying a handwritten “Free Duterte” placard briefly joined the crowd before being asked to leave by other protesters at Sydney Town Hall.
• Protests were also held in Blacktown and Rooty Hill, organised by other Filipino community groups, showing broad participation across Sydney.

The rally in Sydney drew support from different organisations and international human rights groups. Source: SBS Filipino

Protesters carried inflatable crocodiles lunging toward bags of money as a symbol of corruption and greed in government. Source: SBS Filipino

A Duterte supporter with a “Free Duterte” sign joined the rally of groups demanding accountability for past and present leaders of the Philippines. Source: SBS Filipino

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