Thousands of people from different sectors of the community gathered and marched on the long stretch of Commonwealth Avenue bearing banners, flags and effigies to demand accountability, transparency, and fairness during this year's State of the Nation address.
Wage hikes, education, health workers, science driven groups, women's rights, concerns regarding Pax Silica (a US lead project that will enable the building of Data Centers and facilities in the country), ghost projects, the impeachment trial of the Vice-President, indigenous people's rights and other issues are highlighted on this day on the fourth of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The march on Commonwealth Avenue of yours truly, started on the offices of the Commission on Human Rights. There, I met the teachers from asking for increased and better benefits for their sector. Rowena Peñalosa, a teacher whom I met whilst marching towards Wilcon Depot stated that teachers are being overworked and are being underpaid. “50k dapat ang pasweldo sa amin.” One of the problems that they are facing is the lack of benefits despite teachers giving out materials from their own pockets. “Kulang rin po tayo sa mga classrooms at mga libro.”
Jimbo Sihonin and Anthony Medriano of National Orthopedic Health Workers Union biggest concern for heath workers is the lack of proper wages “Ipinaglalaban po natin dito at 33k minimum wage across the board. Hindi sapat ang sahod.” Jimbo hopes that the Marcos government be fair to everyone, to hold his allies accountable for the issues that they (officials) are facing. Anthony Medriano added that health workers shares his concerns regarding the water usage of the Pax Silica project where millions of gallons of water that should be used for cooling the facilities. He also added that the lack of infrastructures and support for the services that they give for the public. “May mga tao sa government facilities na hindi na nabibigyan ng serbisyo dahil kulang sa kagamitan at mahaba ang mga proseso upang sila ay matanggap.”
Beverly Longid a member of the Igorots and the current convenor of Katribu raised her prop spear in protest “Naandito po tayo ngayon upang ipakita na ang mga pambansang minorya at mga mamayang Moro ay bahagi ng sambayanan sa pagdurusa sa ilalim ng rehimeng Marcos, kasama narin ang opisina ng Bise Presidente.” The native tribes of the Aeta are the most affected sector in the Pax Silica Project since the land where the facilities would be built upon their land and its resources. “Ito pong protektong ito ay walang pahintulot at consent mula sa mga apektadong mamamayan.” Many native leaders have also been red tagged, and have disappeared and they seek justice for it. She hopes that in 2028, people would learn from the mistakes of the past, and that officials would not use the indigenous people as a way to get seated in government offices.
Cici Jueco, founder of Divorce Philippines Now. An international lobbyist advocating for the Divorce Law since 2014 and have been working since then for 12 years. “Pagdating sa Congress, naipapasa, pero pagdating sa Senado, naisasang-tabi kasi natatabunan ng mga ibang issues.” Many goverment officials have given their stances such as President Marcos Jr., Senate President Win Gachalian and many others are Pro-Divorce. She hopes that before the Marcos regime ends, the Divorce Law will be passed, and that solo parents would have benefits that will help them in their day-to-day living with their children.
Alab of AGHAM - Advocates of Science and Technology called for discrepancies on the data that the government has been putting out do not provide the while picture. “Pax Silica as an initiative is not for the Filipino people. It is made by American people for the American industries. Kung magkakaroon ng projects regarding jobs and welfare for Filipinos, it should be the initiative of the Filipino people. What we need is National Industrialization.” Although she does see the inclusion of local scientific groups for consultation a step to the right direction in moving projects forward to identify the needs of society and putting resolutions for it. “Science and technology should serve the people.”
During one of the interviews on the women’s sector, a scuffle between some of the protesters and the police happened, and a reported 45 people (50 as of the last report) were arrested and has been detained in different places. Despite the unfortunate incident, the rally went on an organized fashion until the program was over.
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an annual event where the President of the Philippines reports its accomplishments and plans for term. But the divide between the common people and the officials in power can be felt through the streets. A common criticism is the showcase of extravagance which mirrors the wealthy lifestyles of politicians as opposed to those who are supposed to serve: The Filipino People.
For a short moment, under the currently constructed MRT station near Ever Gotesco, flocks of people ranging from PUV drivers, teachers, students, artists, scientists, paralegals, to small business owners who are united through the struggles of daily life, banded together and loudly chanting in unison: “Ikulong nayan, mga kurakot.” and “Lahat sila panagutin.” as they marched was a surreal moment for yours truly. It was electric and there was a feeling that the entire place was vibrating from the passion emanating from the people.
Under the scorching sun, to the cast covered skies. They will not be deterred and they will never stop. And for as long as there are people voicing out, these concerns will never fall on deaf ears.