US Embassy Tells Americans in the Philippines: Don't Join Tomorrow's EDSA Rallies or Risk Your Visa Status
The United States Embassy in Manila just issued a pointed warning to American citizens in the Philippines: do not participate in the February 25 rallies marking the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. The embassy made it clear that foreign nationals caught engaging in protests or mass demonstrations could be considered in violation of their immigration status.
The advisory comes ahead of what's expected to be a massive day of demonstrations, with the Trillion Peso March Movement, Bayan, and other groups planning separate rallies along EDSA and surrounding areas. Church leaders, EDSA veterans, civil society organizations, social movements, and youth groups are all expected to converge at multiple sites in Quezon City starting Wednesday morning.
The US Embassy's concern isn't unfounded. Philippine immigration law is strict about foreigners participating in political activities. Joining a rally or protest — even peacefully — can be grounds for deportation or denial of future visas. It's a legal gray area that most tourists and expats probably aren't aware of, and the embassy clearly doesn't want any of its citizens finding out the hard way.
The embassy also advised Americans to monitor local media for updates, avoid areas with large gatherings if they're not participating, and exercise general caution throughout the day. With 13,000+ police officers being deployed across Metro Manila and traffic expected to be a nightmare near EDSA, the advice to stay away seems practical even beyond the legal concerns.
For the thousands of American expats, retirees, and tourists currently in the Philippines, the message is simple: watch from your TV, not from the streets. Democracy is great to celebrate, pero not if it gets your visa revoked.
Source: Inquirer.net
