Luxury vs. poverty: Filipinos protest Marcos’ $17,000-a-night hotel in NYC

NEW YORK - Filipino activists staged a noisy protest outside The Pierre Hotel on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, calling out Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for staying in a luxury hotel suite reportedly costing up to $17,000 a night, while many Filipinos struggle with rising prices and economic hardship back home.

Community members gathered outside the hotel, beating drums and playing instruments in what organizers described as a “wake-up call” protest aimed at confronting the Philippine leader during his visit to New York for United Nations events.

Protesters accused the Marcos administration of living in luxury abroad while ordinary Filipinos face inflation, rising oil prices, and a weakening peso in the Philippines.

During the action, demonstrators attempted to confront members of the Philippine delegation, including Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, as they entered vehicles outside the hotel. Activists shouted demands for officials to address concerns affecting Filipinos in the Philippines and overseas.

Critics also questioned Marcos’ participation in discussions at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, arguing that the Philippine government has yet to adequately address issues such as gender-based violence and the economic exploitation of women.

Later in the afternoon, protesters held a second demonstration featuring a “protest theater” program, highlighting issues such as rising fuel prices, the inflation crisis, and concerns over increased U.S. military presence in the Philippines.

The demonstrations marked the second day of protests against Marcos’ visit to New York. On March 8, International Women’s Day, more than 200 Filipino community members and allies marched from the Philippine Consulate General in New York to The Pierre Hotel to protest the president’s presence in the city.

Activists also raised concerns about the safety of more than 2 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Middle East amid escalating tensions involving Iran, saying the Philippine government should prioritize the protection of Filipino workers abroad.

Despite the protests, Marcos is expected to continue his official engagements in New York, including attending sessions of the United Nations and promoting the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council for 2027.