Nuns, priests join counter-SONA protest

Groups of nuns and priests took part the in Monday's protest rally along Commonwealth Avenue during President Rodrigo Duterte's fourth State of the Nation Address.

According to protesters, their demonstration was called the United People’s SONA, and was in support of  issues that concerned the poor and the alleged injustices under Duterte Administration.

“Bilang taong simbahan kami ay nakikibahagi sa mga mahihirap. Hindi lang sila ang may karapatang magpunta dito, pati kami rin,” Order of Carmelites priest Fr. Rio Sindac told GMA News Online.

Sindac added that Duterte needed to uphold the rights of the poor in the war on drugs, and protect the welfare of indigenous people who were affected by the dam construction projects under the "Build, Build, Build" program.

A group of Franciscan sisters meanwhile enthusiastically chanted along with progressive group protesters during the rally.

“Nakikiisa ako sa ating mga kababayan dahil lahat ng nangyayari sa gobyerno ay laban sa dukha talaga,” said Franciscan Sister Susan Esmile.

The Franciscan nun was protesting against the "collateral damage" in the war on drugs, and the lack of due process for drug suspects.

”Katulad nyan, na bakit niya pinapaburan yung mga Instik kaysa sa mga kababayan niya,” she added.

Esmile also said Duterte was close-minded when it came to criticisms against his leadership. 

“Alam naman namin kung ano ang nangyayari. Napapakingan namin. Nasusundan namin ang nangyayari. Personal ito,” she emphasized. “Kasama ko ang mga madre. Mulat naman kami.”

Sister Liza Ruedas of the Daughters of Charity said that it was important for them to participate in demonstration like the anti-Duterte SONA rally.

“It is part of our evangelizing mission to participate, to be involved in any political realities and engagement,” Ruedas poined out.

As to what Duterte needed to do in the remaining years of his term, Ruedas said, “Makinig, makinig, makinig. Diyalogo, diyalogo, diyalogo.” — DVM, GMA News