Interfaith rally moved to Makati

Organizers of Friday’s interfaith rally on Thursday said the anti-Arroyo protest would take place in Makati instead of holding it at the Luneta Park. Fr. Joe Dizon, convenor of Solidarity Philippines, said organizers have already anticipated that the National Park Commission would deny their application for a permit to hold a program at the Luneta. “This has happened before, we could not trust them. In Makati, at least we’re assured that we’ll be given a permit," Dizon said after meeting with representatives of groups that have committed to attend the prayer rally. It was the groups’ second meeting after their dialogue with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) last Tuesday. Representatives from about 50 religious groups, civil society, businessmen and activists attended a dialogue with the bishops in response to the clergy’s call for “communal action." Dizon said they did not bother seek permission to hold the program from the commission since it is under the Office of the President. “We had an experience before when we planned to hold a similar activity in Luneta. We were told that the venue has been reserved for a week but after checking, we found out that we have been blocked," he recalled. Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III, spokesman for the CBCP, was also at the meeting but clarified that he was representing the organization’s Commission on Ecumenical Affairs, which is headed by Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias. “I don’t think any of the bishops will attend. If there is one, it would be in an individual capacity," Quitorio told reporters after the meeting held at the Barbara’s restaurant in Intramuros. Lingayen Archbishop Oscar Cruz earlier committed to attend the prayer rally, which he hopes would spark more calls for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s resignation. Although prayer organizers are not expected to sound the call for Mrs Arroyo’s ouster, Cruz said protestors carry anti-administration banners. Dizon added that organizers would not bar groups that would hold anti-Arroyo banners but reminded them to maintain silence during the prayer. “Even if they bring streamers saying ‘Gloria resign’ that’s OK with us. But since this is a prayer rally they should also behave during the prayer," he said. - GMANews.TV