Allies, critics of Arroyo snarl traffic at Mabuhay Rotonda

MANILA, Philippines - Traffic at the Mabuhay Rotonda at the boundary of Manila and Quezon City was snarled before noon Friday as pro- and anti-Arroyo groups converged there for their respective activities. Radio dzBB reported that as of 11 a.m., only one lane was passable to vehicles, as militants seeking President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's ouster occupied one side while supporters of the President occupied the other. Anti-Arroyo groups were due to proceed to the Liwasang Bonifacio for a rally for "truth and accountability" in the afternoon. Authorities had given them until 8 p.m. to conduct their activities at the Liwasang Bonifacio area. On the other hand, pro-Arroyo groups positioned themselves at the Rotonda for a "peace camp" and were expecting "reinforcements" from Manila. During the February 29 interfaith rally staged by anti-Arroyo groups in Makati City, supporters of Mrs Arroyo likewise held their own activity also at the Mabuhay Rotonda premises. Critics of the government have been calling for the resignation or ouster of Mrs Arroyo over the controversy surrounding the botched national broadband deal with China's ZTE Corp. The President, however, vowed to finish her term until June 2010. - GMANews.TV