The Philippine Online Chronicles

Protests against Charter change continue not just in the streets outside  Batasang Pambansa but within as well, an hour before President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's ninth State of the Nation Address.

Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile issued strong words against changing the constitution without the participation of the Senate, and against any impediments to the 2010 elections, during his speech at the opening of the 3^rd regular session of the 14^th Congress.

“To those who wish to provoke further division and turmoil in the land by advancing their own agenda, I say that the Philippine Senate will stand firm and steadfast in performing its duty to safeguard and preserve our liberties, our democratic rights, and our political institutions,” he said.

Other politicos protested charter change by walking out before the SONA even began. Among those taking part in the boycott are Quezon Representative Eric Tanada; Representatives Rafael Mariano, Neri Colmenares, Teddy Casino and Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna; Joel Maglunson of Anakpawis; Raymond Palatino of Kabataan; and Luzviminda Ilagan and Liza Maza of Gabriela.

Maza walked out dressed in a white Filipiniana gown hand-painted with anti-con-ass imagery.