Various progressive groups staged a protest along Recto in Manila to raise significant issues over the first 100 days of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos in the office on Saturday, Oct. 8.

The protesters were originally set to march from Morayta to Mendiola Peace Arch but police authorities blocked their way in front of San Sebastian College.

Police personnel reasoned that the rallyists do not have a permit to hold a gathering and that the Mendiola Peace Arch is not a freedom park.

The rallyists were urged to proceed to Liwasang Bonifacio, one of the considered freedom park in Manila.

In a statement, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), one of the protest groups present in the rally, said that the first 100 days of Marcos were “more about posturing, rhetoric, and image-building, rather than actual problem-solving.“

The group said amid the sinking economy, high public debt, inflation, and poverty, they did not see “real, comprehensive solutions“ from Marcos but only “speeches aimed at pleasing foreign interests and the local elite.“

It stressed that a president’s first 100 days should set the government’s direction while also addressing the urgent issues from the previous administration.

“Mr. Marcos has exhibited a knack for lavish living amid an economic crisis and a stubborn refusal to be held accountable for this. Demands for transparency are dismissed as irrelevant. Meanwhile, in-fighting appears to affect the administration as we see early exits, resignations, and unfilled cabinet positions,“ it added.

Today marks the first 100 days of Marcos after his presidency began on June 30.