‘PNP to handle SONA protesters with empathy’

MANILA, Philippines — With four days left before President Marcos delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. yesterday asked PNP personnel to deal with anti-government protesters with empathy and understanding.

Acorda said security measures are in place for the SONA.

“The safety and well-being of every citizen, regardless of their political beliefs, must remain our top priority,” he said during a civil disturbance management (CDM) competition at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

At least 22,000 police officers and other force multipliers will secure the SONA.

Of the number, up to 6,000 police officers will be deployed around the Batasang Pambansa Complex where Marcos will deliver his report to the nation.

Acorda reminded police officers to maintain law and order during the event.

Militant groups led by Bagong Alysanang Makabayan (Bayan) vowed to mobilize a bigger rally, which they called the People’s SONA along Commonwealth Avenue.

Bayan president Renato Reyes chided the PNP over the CDM exercises using scenarios of dealing with violent protesters.

Acorda appealed to the protesters to respect lawmen who will secure the SONA.

He had appealed to rallyists not to throw paint at police officers.

Acorda said while they are preparing for a worst-case scenario, he remains hopeful that the protest actions will be peaceful.

He instructed police officers to exercise maximum tolerance and to use force only when necessary.

Acorda warned demonstrators police will not hesitate to arrest them if they resort to violence.

Asked for their preparedness, Acorda said: “We are 100 percent ready for deployment.”

Anti-SONA protest

Workers from various labor organizations are gearing up for protest actions during the SONA.

Labor coalition Nagkaisa said their members are joining the People’s SONA protest to press their demands for a legislated wage hike, an end to contractualization and better protection for workers.

Nagkaisa chairman Sonny Matula lamented that for ordinary workers, there is a daily struggle for survival amid high prices and deteriorating employment conditions.

Employees from Marikina are staging their own State of the Workers Address tomorrow.

The workers are also signing a petition calling for the rollout of the P200 wage hike as well as the implementation of a family living wage amounting to P1,163 a day.

Meanwhile, Caritas Philippines chairman and Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo appealed to President Marcos to find and offer solutions to address the country’s economic problems.

SONA fashion

Two female members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives will wear gowns showing the “dismal and classic failure” of the Marcos administration’s first year in office.

Rep. France Castro of party-list ACT Teachers said she would be wearing a Filipiniana terno designed and hand-painted by Michael Joselo of Altermidya, who is also an Arts teacher in Manila.

Castro said her attire highlights an urgent call for the government to increase the salaries of public school teachers, nurses and government workers.

Rep. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela party-list vowed to wear a statement outfit for the SONA opposing the Maharlika Investment Fund. – Mayen Jaymalin, Evelyn Macairan, Delon Porcalla