The Filipino-American legacy of fighting for freedom is taking on Trump

February 10, 2026

Filipino American activists in Los Angeles are drawing on lessons from the 1986 People Power Revolution that overthrew Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to organize resistance against what they view as authoritarian trends in the current U.S. administration. Led by figures like Myrla Baldonado, a survivor of torture under the Marcos regime who now advocates for domestic workers, and nurse Joe Arciaga, who founded the Filipino American Lakas Collective, they have organized "No Kings" rallies in Historic Filipinotown.

Who is affected

Myrla Baldonado (torture survivor and community engagement director)
Filipino American caregivers and domestic workers in Southern California
Middle-aged single Filipino women immigrants
Detained Angelenos facing ICE actions
Joe Arciaga (nurse, veteran, and activist)
Filipino health care workers (who suffered disproportionate deaths during COVID-19)
Jollene Levid (union organizer and feminist activist)
Rosary Castro-Olega (Levid's aunt, first LA County healthcare worker to die from COVID-19)
United Teachers of Los Angeles members
Filipino American communities in Los Angeles and Historic Filipinotown
Immigrants and communities of color in Los Angeles
Rally attendees and volunteers

What action is being taken

The Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California is hosting immigrant rights trainings and supporting detained Angelenos
AF3IRM is protesting ICE actions and organizing new women to join them
Jollene Levid is working as an organizer for the United Teachers of Los Angeles
Joe Arciaga is gearing up for the third No Kings rally planned for March 28
Community groups are mobilizing to support their community as ICE actions increase across the city

Why it matters

This movement matters because it demonstrates how immigrant communities are applying historical lessons from successful anti-authoritarian struggles to contemporary American challenges. The Filipino American community, particularly women in caregiving professions, represents a significant and often vulnerable population that faces workplace exploitation, immigration enforcement, and disproportionate health risks (as evidenced by their COVID-19 death rates). Their organizing efforts preserve democratic values and civil liberties while building collective power among marginalized workers. The connection between past and present authoritarian resistance provides both tactical knowledge and moral inspiration, showing that nonviolent people-powered movements can successfully challenge concentrated power and create meaningful change.

What's next

A third No Kings rally is planned for March 28 at Unidad Park
United Teachers of Los Angeles will potentially strike if benefits negotiations stall out (94 percent voted in favor)

Read full article from source: The 19th