Anti-SONA rallies to be ‘bigger’ this year

MANILA, Philippines - A militant organization on Wednesday vowed that the rallies planned for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) would be "bigger" than in previous years." Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes told GMANews.TV that their group alone would muster around 15,000 protesters, which he said is the biggest number in recent years, along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City to hold what they call the people's version of the SONA on July 27. "The number may even become bigger. We'll see. But what we're sure of is that the protest will be bigger than in previous years, this being her [Arroyo's] last SONA," he said. President Arroyo will finish her term in 2010, but her critics said she is seeking an extension through Charter change, which is being pushed by her allies at the House of Representatives. Reyes said efforts to amend the Constitution to favor the current administration would drive more people to join the anti-SONA protests this year. He added that he had met with members of the clergy, concerned citizens' movements and youth groups last Saturday, and that they all vowed to join the activity. "We have to make it known to her and her allies that we are not in favor of any attempts to change the Constitution," Reyes said. - GMANews.TV