Protesters destroyed effigies of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and United States President Donald Trump along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2026 rally on Monday, July 27.

According to a report by RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort, the effigies, called “The Puppet and the Puppet Master”—illustrating Marcos’ subservience to America—stood 10 feet tall before it was torn down.

The effigy depicting Trump was placed on a prop missile launcher—with ordinary Filipinos as canon fodder.

Alyansang Makabayan Secretary General Mong Palatino explained that the effigy intended to show how Marcos and Trump were dragging ordinary citizens through the onslaught of war to suffer its severe effects, like the soaring prices of basic goods.

Furthermore, Palatino said this may also serve as preparation for Trump’s scheduled visit to the country in November.

After dismantling the effigy, Bayan and its allied groups proceeded to march to New Capitol Estate along Commonwealth Ave., where the People’s SONA is slated to take place at the same time as the President’s SONA in Batasang Pambansa Complex from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

An estimated 5,000 participants have been taking part in demonstrations since 1:00 p.m., said Palatino, who expects the number to surge to up to 20,000.