VARIOUS GROUPS PROTESTS HOURS BEFORE PBBM’S 3RD SONA

Heavy traffic is expected along the Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City as anti-government groups are conducting street protests (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News)

Various groups protested today hours ahead of the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) this afternoon. The groups expect that the President will discuss the issues they are fighting for. 

In Commonwealth Avenue eastbound lane in Quezon City, the effigies of President Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte was burned.

"The effigy intends to demonstrate that the non-stop bickering and maneuver for power and influence of the Marcos and Duterte dynasties is a public nuisance. It reflects the greed of politicians who seek to gain more power instead of addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens," the group said.

The militant group of Bayan Southern Tagalog have call for abolition of Anti-Surgency Task Force, Protection of Agricultural Lands. While at the University Avenue, members of the National Wage Coalition are calling to certify as urgent the passage of pending wage bill. The group denounces the recent P35 wage order and presses the House to pass the P150 wage hike bill.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) early deployed personnel for the security of SONA, it said that they will enforce maximum tolerance on rallyists. Protesters are only allowed to march up to Diliman Doctors Hospital.

PNP is not monitoring any serious threat that could disrupt the President’s SONA, but will remain on red alert while coordinating with other law enforcement agencies. 

Outside the Los Angeles Philippine Consulate in USA, several Filipino-American activists gathered protesting ahead of PBBM SONA. 

Meanwhile, A 27-year-old woman from Camaligan, Camarines Sur, has been selected to sing the Philippine National Anthem at the SONA. Blessie Mae Abagat won gold medals in five vocal styles at the 2024 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).

Source: ABS-CBN News 

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