THEY joined marches, staged noise barrages, and even held concerts.
This was how Filipinos in various parts of the country showed their anger, displeasure and disgust over the passage of House Resolution 1109 which will transform Congress into a constituent assembly or “Con-ass” without the participation of the Senate.
Con-ass is expected to result in the shift to parliamentary form of government, and an extension of Gloria Arroyo’s stay in power beyond 2010 when she is scheduled to relinquish the presidency. Leaders from various sectors—business, the Church, civil society and the studentry, among others—have already spoken out in protest.
The focal point of the activities in Metro Manila was in Makati City, where a crowd of about 15,000 gathered to register their disapproval. Photojournalist Mario Ignacio immersed himself in the crowd and captured the ways by which Filipinos expressed their feelings over HR 1109.