Groups rally for Sara Duterte's impeachment, Bato Dela Rosa's arrest

Several groups held protests in front of the Senate building in Pasay City on Monday, urging action on different issues such as the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

According to Oscar Oida’s report in “24 Oras” on Monday night, the Power for People Coalition gathered in the morning to press for a solution to the ongoing power crisis.

“Ang pinaka-main na objective namin dito ay tumino ang Senado, maglingkod sa sambayanang Pilipino, sa halip na mag-agawan sa kapangyarihan,” said Leody de Guzman.

(Our main objective here is for the Senate to shape up and serve the Filipino people, instead of fighting over power.)

Meanwhile, a group of followers of the Vice President showed their support for her amid the impeachment proceedings.

“Kasi maraming nagbibigay ng naratibong mali tungkol sa Duterte family, and I am so disappointed,” said Marilyn Doctolero, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW).

(Because there are many who are pushing a false narrative about the Duterte family, and I am so disappointed.)

Later in the day, the “Alab ng Bayan” – composed of progressives and various sectoral groups – trooped to the Senate to support the convening of the impeachment court for Duterte’s trial.

Other groups like BAYAN also made the same call.

They also called for Dela Rosa’s arrest, as well as accountability from the Senate from letting him slip away.

“Ang sabi ni Senate President Alan Cayetano, ‘the Senate is under attack’. Ang sabi natin, ‘the Senate is under atat.’ Atat na ma-kontrol ang kapangyarihan, ata na maprotektahan ang mga kurakot, atat na mapatakas ang mga berdugo,” said BAYAN Secretary General Mong Palatino.

(Senate President Alan Cayetano says, ‘the Senate is under attack.’ We say, ‘the Senate is under ‘atat.’ Desperate to control power, desperate to protect the corrupt, and desperate to help executioners escape.)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) was on alert as they already expected Monday’s rallies. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA News