Rain dampens SONA protests, reduces rally numbers

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Rain showers during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) were viewed either as a blessing or a curse, depending on one’s perspective.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 reported on Monday, July 22, that fewer rallyists than anticipated staged protest actions, as rain showers from the enhanced southwest monsoon brought by Carina forced many to cut their protests short.

Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis, PRO-6 spokesperson, noted that the unfavorable weather conditions apparently impacted the turnout and duration of the protest actions.

Police records indicated that at least two protest actions occurred in Bacolod City. The morning rally gathered around 50 rallyists at Rizal Elementary School in Araneta Avenue, Barangay 16.

The afternoon rally, staged by the transport group Manibela, took place at the Fountain of Justice, Bacolod Old City Hall, with approximately 40 participants.

In Kalibo, Aklan, about 30 protesters gathered on Osmeña Avenue, Barangay Estancia. Their protest started at 3:53 p.m. and ended at 4:06 p.m.

A group of farmers from the towns of Pontevedra, Maayon, and Pilar also held a protest Monday morning at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Capiz at Amado Lim Building in Roxas Avenue, Roxas City.

In Iloilo City, two rallies—one against and another in favor of the government—were conducted in the morning.

Colonel Joeresty Coronica, Iloilo City police chief, reported that around 100 protesters led by Bayan-Panay held a protest action, while a similar number from the Alliance for Peace, Environment and Sustainability – Panay showed their support for the government. Rain showers likely shortened these events as well.

Protesters aired similar issues and demands, including topics on PUV phaseout, salary increases, the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC, contractualization, and the resumption of peace talks.