Protesters swarmed Ayala Avenue in Makati City on Wednesday for the biggest rally yet to pressure President Arroyo to resign over vote-rigging allegations, as security forces went on full alert amid rumors of a coup d’état and fears of [Muslim] terrorist attacks. But the crowd, estimated by police to be less than 35,000, was far below the one million claimed by the rally organizers.
The rally was seen as a final test of public sentiment and an indicator of whether the opposition could muster enough support to oust the President in a people-power revolt similar to those that deposed Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and Joseph Estrada, Arroyo’s predecessor, in 2001. On both occasions, the Catholic Church and the powerful military withdrew their support from the presidents - but not this time.
The demonstration was aimed at uniting a broad spectrum of opposition groups and parties in the biggest show of force since the political crisis erupted last month over allegations that Mrs. Arroyo rigged the 2004 election and her family received illegal gambling payoffs.
“We want this rally to be big enough to jolt her,” said opposition Mayor Jejomar Binay of Makati, adding that protest leaders were targeting a crowd of one million. “We want a resignation, we want changes, we want reforms now.” Left-wing groups and supporters of Estrada—who has volunteered to serve as a transitional leader if Mrs. Arroyo is ousted—transported protesters by bus and jeeps from the provinces.
Organizers complained that protesters were stopped before entering Metro Manila. About 6,000 policemen, backed by 1,000 soldiers, were guarding against possible attacks by al-Qaeda-linked militants from the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiah terror network, Metro Manila police chief Vidal Querol said.
Officials also were concerned that communist infiltrators would create trouble, recalling the bombing of a political rally in Plaza Miranda in 1971 that killed nine people and wounded dozens, he said. Communist rebel spokesman Gregorio Rosal said the military and police were raising the communist bogey to discourage a potentially huge rally. “It’s the biggest lie and act of desperation,” Rosal told DZBB radio.
It was the largest gathering so far in a seven-week-old campaign to depose Mrs. Arroyo. Te prominent political personalities at the rally included Sen. Panfilo Lacson, former senators Vicente Sotto and Ernesto Maceda, Rep. Imee Marcos of Ilocos Norte, the House of Representatives minority leader, Francisco Escudero, Mayor Jose Victor Ejercito of San Juan, Mayor Tobias Tiangco of Navotas, Rep. Agapito Aquino of Makati and former Quezon City mayor Ismael Mathay Jr. Joining them were movie celebrities Lorna Tolentino, Sheryl Cruz and film director Joel Lamangan.
Most politicians and groups who joined the rally demanded the resignations of Mrs. Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro followed by a transition government that would overhaul the presidential system. Manny Portes of the Freedom, Peace and Justice Movement said opposition groups have closed ranks to strengthen efforts to force Mrs. Arroyo out of Malacañang.
The crowd roared as Susan Roces, the widow of former presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr., thanked all who joined the demonstration. The crowd was a mix of leftist factory workers, students and supporters of Fernando Poe as well as of Estrada. But the stars owned the stage, complete with drums, electric guitars, synthesizers and a sophisticated sound system. The Manila chanteuse Cris Villongco belted out “Ang Bayan Ko” (My Country), the de rigueur protest anthem since the 1960s.
Near the stage flitted a giant papier-mâche fly bearing the likeness of the President. “Drive the Pest Away from Malacañang” read a sign below it.
There was a sudden stampede when a van opened its doors, revealing a large supply of salted bread offered as snacks. Afterwards small groups of protesters began drifting away. “We all have to attend,” said a 60-year-old Makati food vendor.” If we don’t attend, we could lose our vending slots.”
Radio reports said police set up roadblocks on the two expressways leading to Metro Manila to prevent protesters from nearby provinces from joining the Ayala rally.
Justice Secretary Raul M. Gonzalez said his department deployed “secret agents” to monitor the speeches at the rally. He warned that if the statements go beyond freedom of expression, charges of inciting to sedition could be filed.
