Critics of President Rodrigo Duterte marked the 120th anniversary of Philippine independence on Tuesday with calls to assert the country’s sovereignty in the territorial dispute with China and to protect democracy against authoritarian rule. Hundreds of activists, including women’s rights advocates, rallied in the rain at Liwasang Bonifacio for an “HINDIpendence Day” celebration. “The fight against (Charter change) is a fight for our future, a fight against a dictator and a fight for freedom,” former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said. “Even if you only have your nails and teeth, if your rights are trampled on, you have to fight! Speakers during the brief rally took turns criticizing the Duterte administration for failing to protect Filipino fishermen being harassed by the Chinese in the West Philippine Sea.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 12, 2018 23:26 UTC