MANILA, Philippines – A small group of protesters temporarily interrupted Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr's opening speech during the vice presidential debate at the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, April 10.
The protesters were from the Youth Alliance Against the Return of the Marcoses. They are the youth army of the anti-Marcos coalition, Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses in Malacañang (Carmma).
"Never again, never again to Martial Law!" they shouted.
They were quickly drowned out by the chant of Marcos supporters: "BBM! BBM! BBM!"
CNN Philippines anchor Pinky Webb, one of the debate anchors, quickly prompted security to escort the protesters outside the debate hall.
Some members of the media knew beforehand that the protesters were able to enter the venue proper even if the organizers said they were prohibited.
Asked how they were able to enter, one of the protesters Kate Yamzon told Rappler that they were able to sneak themselves in the debate hall.
Marcos earlier said he had prepared himself for mudslinging during Sunday's debate.
In the provinces, small anti-Marcos youth groups have tried but failed to disrupt his sorties too. – Patty Pasion, Mara Cepeda, LeAnne Jazul / Rappler.com