The Philippine Online Chronicles

Manila archbishop Gaudio Cardinal Rosales has encouraged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to “tell the truth” at her ninth and last State of the Nation Address to be delivered at 4pm today.

“She (has) also done something good, and people will not take it against her if she mentions them,” he said on Sunday. “Next year will be different, that’s why she has to tell what is true—that’s what people want to hear.”

University of the Philippines professor Randy David however, voiced his doubts that this would happen. “She’s expected to be dishing out the good news, those that she has done for the economy. But it is better that she tells the real state of our nation than speak on the accomplishments of her administration.”

Militant action

Around 15,000 protesters from various groups, led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), began rallying along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City at six in the morning to demonstrate against President Macapagal-Arroyo and Charter change.

Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes, Jr. believes that pushing for Charter change will be included in the president's speech.

“A pitch for Charter change will cement Arroyo’s legacy as the most power-obsessed president since Marcos. That is how she will be remembered. That's her legacy,” he said. “The applause she will receive in that chamber will be meaningless for the thousands gathered outside Batasang Pambansa.”

Security measures

In anticipation of the protests, 10,000 policemen have been deployed.

“Personnel will be appropriated depending on the need,” said Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Senior Superintendent Leonardo A. Espina. “We will be deploying personnel in the area of Batasan, where the SONA will be held...”

“Water cannons will be used only as a last resort and that is when the crowd becomes unruly. Organizers promised to police their own ranks. We will exercise maximum tolerance.”

As an additional measure, classes in all levels have been suspended for the day. The vehicle number coding scheme was also lifted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.