Organizers expect 30,000 to participate prayer rally

CEBU, Philippines — Organizers of the anti-Charter Change prayer rally in Cebu City are expecting 20,000 to 30,000 participants on Sunday.

The Cebu Coalition for Transparency, Accountability, Peace, and Security has confirmed the attendance of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his two sons—Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte.

Vice President Sara Duterte was invited to the activity but she has not confirmed her presence yet. Aside from the Dutertes, popular television host Willie Revilla, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and lawyer Vic Rodriguez are also expected in the prayer rally on Sunday, February 25, at the South Road Properties (SRP).

Lawyer Irene Anne Caballes, one of the lead convenors, said they are expecting massive crowd on Sunday. In fact, they have prepared at least 50,000 food packs for those who will join the prayer rally.

Businessman Ruben Virtucio, lead convenor of Professionals for Sara Nation, said they will also be holding a caravan from Carcar City in the South and Carmen in the North. The participants will converge at the north reclamation area in Mandaue City before marching together to the venue of the prayer rally.

Actress Vivian Velez of the Citizens Coalition for Transformation Movement said the prayer rally is not a political activity but simply a call for transparency and accountability of the current administration. She also clarified that it is not an anti-Marcos rally.

Earlier,   Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama confirmed his attendance to the prayer rally. Other mayors in Cebu were also invited to join the event but none has confirmed their attendance yet.

King Belimac, president of Tabang Mindanao, said that starting on Thursday until Saturday his group will be holding a free t-shirt printing at the Plaza Independencia.

Supporters are encouraged to bring their own t-shirt for printing.

“Pero pwede sad naay mo donate og white shirts unya amo-ang printahan for free,” said Belimac.

The shirts will be printed with a statement, “Filipinos are not for Sale”. This is in response to the recent initiative to amend the Constitution thru People’s Initiative.

Other groups joining the rally include Kilusang Pagbabago, Duterte Riders Team, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte-Youth Cebu, Delivery Riders Group, Ordinaryong Lungsoranon-Mandaue, Tabang Mindanao, Masada Group, Cebu Plumbers Association, Habal-Habal South Bus Backriders, and Unified Muslim Christian Association of the Philippines. — (FREEMAN)