BAGONG BABAE! FILIPINO WOMEN RISE TO FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES, LIVELIHOOD, AND RIGHTS! GABRIELA USA Statement on Trump’s Presidential Win

BANGON BABAE! FILIPINO WOMEN RISE TO FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES, LIVELIHOOD, AND RIGHTS! GABRIELA USA Statement on Trump’s presidential win

We reiterate that genuine change will not come from a politician, but by the power of our mass movement! It is through collective struggle which we’ve been able to continue to fight and make change. We’ve struggled through fascists in the seat of power, we have struggled through the Marcos Sr. dictatorship, the following Philippine puppet Presidents and current U.S.-Marcos II regime while also facing an economic crisis at home and abroad. We have struggled through Trump’s first presidency in the United States and can expect to prepare to collectively fight for pro-women, pro-immigrant, and pro-LGBT+ interests.

Working women suffer the brunt of the economic crisis. Filipino women work endlessly to ensure that their families here in the US and abroad in the Philippines are provided for which in turn forces them into exploitative working conditions. They take on jobs as healthcare workers, service workers and still manage to take care of their families and communities. Trump claims that he will address the issues of the economic crisis – he says that he will put an end to inflation when in reality he plans to increase tariffs on imported products, placing the brunt of the burden on consumers which will in turn spike inflation. He continues to stoke fear in women by claiming that migrants are criminals preying on them and that he will “protect women whether they like it or not” when those that actually prey on women are people like Trump who objectify women and promote violence against women. He is actively deceiving the people and scapegoating immigrant and migrant communities for the worsening economic and political crisis. 

We must reject the rhetoric that puts the blame on immigrant communities, we cannot blame others for the conditions which were already set in place throughout the previous administrations and under this capitalist system. It is in fact the continued influence and domination of US imperialism that creates forced migration in the first place. Countries like the Philippines are prohibited to industrialize and advance so that countries like the U.S. can extract from their natural resources and labor. Marcos Jr. congratulating Trump on his presidency is an example of the Philippine government’s continued subservience to US imperialism and a testament to their “alliance” that we expect to worsen the conditions for the Filipino people.

GABRIELA USA and pro-people organizations continue to fight and organize to show that our strength comes from coordinated action. By coming together we can turn our fear, grief and hope into collective change! Let us take lessons and be inspired by the continued struggles and campaigns happening in our communities. We support ILPS Peoples’ Platform and the Filipino American Agenda and the need for the issues facing the Filipino American community to be addressed by the next administration.

It is the people who are taking collective action and making changes on the ground - we see this in the community rising in seeking justice for Melissa Jubane, a Filipino Woman murdered this past September. And we see this in the struggle for Amity caregivers, workers seeking justice for wage theft and exploitative working conditions. And we see this in the crucial role that women play to advance the struggle for National Democracy in the Philippines.

We call on all Filipino women and gender non-conforming people to join a GABRIELA USA organization near you! Take to the communities, organize, and look out for each other - protect each other against the rising division and violence – and RISE TO FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES, LIVELIHOOD, AND RIGHTS!

Take action

1. Become a member, join GABRIELA USA! gabrielausa.org

2. This week: Join us as we mobilize alongside other progressive organizations all across the country this week - find an action near you: ilps.us/nov-actions

3. Learn about the Filipino-American Agenda: tinyurl.com/faa2024toolkit

4. November 10: Attend the Filipino-American Agenda Post Elections Community Debrief on Nov 10: tinyurl.com/FAA-nov10