Rallyists converge in UP Diliman for protest action vs. Duterte's last SONA

Members of militant and progressive groups gathered early at the Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines on Monday to stage a protest action hours before President Rodrigo Duterte's final State of the Nation Address.

Carrying tarpaulins, flags and streamers and wearing face masks, the protesters arrived before 8 a.m. from various areas, according to a report by Mark Makalalad on Super Radyo dzBB.

One group came from Southern Tagalog. Another was a religious group while still another was a group of indigenous peoples.

Among the messages on their streamers were "Duterte, inutil na, pahamak pa, wakasan na," "Uphold prophetic faith," and "Hustisya."

Members of a group representing indigenous peoples said they are calling the government's attention to the poverty brought about the Marawi siege, harassment of Lumad, extrajudicial killings, Anti-Terrorism act, and approval of mining projects.

The Rise Up for Life and Human Rights group meanwhile led a prayer.

Rallyists were seen observing health protocols such as physical distancing and wearing of face masks. Some were even wearing face shields. 

Meanwhile, just before 9 a.m., members of the urban poor group Kadamay and the transportation group PISTON left the area in front of the National Housing Authority on Elliptical Circle to proceed to UP Diliman, according to a report by Manny Vargas on Super Radyo dzBB.

The group Sanlakas stayed in front of the NHA.

#SONA2021: Ilang militanteng grupo, nagtipun-tipon sa harap ng tanggapan ng National Housing Authority sa Quezon City. | via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/3jLsNLV3xp

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) July 26, 2021

According to Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes Jr, the groups will observe minimum health standards in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the University of the Philippines, the protesters will proceed to Commonwealth Avenue at 11 a.m.

The protest dubbed as “WakaSONA” will parade “50 comics” including the 2D effigy “Duter-tuko mural” created by UGATLahi Artist Collective which depicts Duterte holding onto power.

The Duter-tuko 2D effigy mural is shown at the UP Diliman campus on Monday, July 26, 2021.  Photo courtesy: Renato Reyes Jr.

 Against Duterte's running 

Reyes said the groups are opposing Duterte's plan to run in the May 2022 polls and supposedly create a political dynasty.

In a statement, Reyes said they want Duterte's SONA on Monday to be his last.

“Hindi na sya dapat mabigyan ng panibagong 6 na taon sa pwesto at magtatag ng Duterte-Duterte dynasty sa Malacanang,” he said.

(He should not be given another six years in office and establish a Duterte-Duterte dynasty in Malacañang.)

Reyes cited the government’s failure in COVID-19 response, bloody human rights record, poor economy, bowing down to China, and corruption.

He also said Duterte will only tell lies and exhibit arrogance during his SONA.

Duterte will deliver his last SONA late Monday afternoon. 

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has assured the public that the Chief Executive’s final address will detail the roadmap to the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. —with a report from Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News