Thousands join SONA rally

MANILA,   Philippines - Thousands of protesters marched along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City toward Batasan Pambansa for the 5th State of the Nation Address of President Benigno Aquino III.

As early as 8 a.m., a small group of protesters from various people's organizations marched from Quezon City Memorial Circle toward Commonwealth Avenue.

They were, however, prevented going any further when they reached a shopping mall in the area where  concrete railings, barbed wires, and a phalanx of anti-riot policemen are positioned.

Protesters settled near the barricaded part of Commonwealth Avenue and conducted a mini-program, scoring the Aquino government's defense of the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program which has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

During the program, the group burned one of the effigies.

Shortly before noon, a larger contingent of protesters marched to join the first group of rallyists, bringing along with them bigger effigies, including the "holDAPer" effigy which depicts President Aquino as the pork barrel king.

Rally organizers estimated that there were around 30,000 people who participated in the rally but police only placed the number of protesters at 7,500.

As of this posting, the protesters are conducting a program and waiting for the SONA of the President this afternoon.