Arroyo, con-ass lawmakers ridiculed, stomped on at Makati rally

MANILA, Philippines - Con-ass characters, how do we score thee? Let us count the ways. Militant and political groups each had their way of showing disgust at lawmakers who passed a resolution allowing Charter change via constituent assembly last June 2. During the rally against con-ass in Makati City, the groups carried placards and streamers blasting Mrs. Arroyo, who they claimed gave her blessings to the con-ass move. The Liberal Party and Sen. Manuel Roxas II brought placards portraying Mrs. Arroyo as an aswang (vampire-like monster), with the slogan "No to Con-Asswang (No to Con-ass the monster)!" LP supporters also gave "Boy Bawang" kornik (corn snacks) to bystanders. In a privilege speech at the Senate last week, Roxas had likened the con-ass resolution to a "Con-Asswang," and wore a garland of bawang (garlic), which is believed to repel such creatures. Militant group Alab Katipunan brought a placard that portrayed Mrs. Arroyo as a snake, with the slogan "Itakwil ang Con-Ahass (Reject the Con-Ass snake)!" On the other hand, militant umbrella group BMP-Sanlakas carried a streamer with images of members of the House of Representatives who approved the con-ass resolution. After presenting to photographers and TV cameramen the streamer titled "Altar of Traitors," the Sanlakas members took turns stomping on the streamer. The Bagumbayan movement of Sen. Richard Gordon taunted the Arroyo government with a pun, carrying streamers with the slogan, "Don't Con Ass!" - GMANews.TV