Local reactions to SONA: "Powerful," "Fairy tale"

Yesterday's rains failed to dampen the expectant moods of the Cebuanos, either for or against, as President Gloria Arroyo delivered her annual state of the nation address during a joint session of Congress at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City.

Militant groups, along with former senator John Osmeña and representatives from other sectors, staged protest actions in Cebu City assailing Arroyo's SONA and describing it a "fairy tale" that did not reflect the true condition of the country.

The pro-Arroyo people, on the other hand, ignored the protests and hailed the President for delivering a very "powerful message" that would restore the people's confidence in her leadership.

Local officials of the Gloria Step-Down Movement, Bayan Muna, and Laban ng Masa, among other militant groups, led their members in marching down the city streets to the Malacañang sa Sugbo and the Capitol condemning Arroyo's SONA and asking for her resignation instead.

But Robert Go, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the SONA has the support of local government officials.

Cebu City Reps. Raul del Mar and Antonio Cuenco also said it was "well received."

Cuenco said, "The trust and confidence in her leadership have been strengthened.

Laban ng Masa and Freedom from Debt Coalition official Lito Vasquez said it has no clear economic agenda and thus could not solve the country's problems.

GSDM's and Bayan Muna's Arman Perez said, "It's the same SONA in the past and people are now frustrated, sick and tired of her lies."

However, Souie Mercado, president of the Association of Concerned Commuters and Consumers, said it had "Lesser rhetoric, lesser euphoria!"

But what drew more reactions from the Cebuanos in the SONA was the call to change the Constitution for a federal system of government, via a constituent assembly, or Con-Ass.

Osmeña said Con-Ass is "doomed to defeat" saying it is anathema to senators. "This brings us to question her sincerity. This is vintage Gloria."

The former senator lambasted Arroyo for this "diversion intended to deflect the attacks against her administration."

Vasquez and Perez added that Arroyo only wanted to protect herself from the current political upheaval. "Con-Ass is a way for her graceful exit. If it prospers, the Senate will cease to act on the impeachment."

Del Mar agreed that a Con-Ass could lead people to suspect that congressmen will do it only to advance their personal interests but he said it is the "speedier and less expensive" way to change the Constitution.

It is not to skirt the impeachment proceedings, Del Mar said. "I don't feel this is a diversionary tactic."

The business sector saw it right for Arroyo to press for charter change but would rather have a Constitutional Convention than Con-Ass to avoid vested interests, Go said.

The protest rallies yesterday were staged with the usual prayers, burning of effigy of Arroyo, and speeches.

A battle of sounds happened at the Capitol grounds however. Capitol officials put up giant and powerful speakers playing loud music that effectively drowned the chants and voices of the protesters there calling for Arroyo's resignation.

Rev. Father Rey Geloagan, of the Independent Catholic Church, tried to ask Capitol officials to turn off the loud music so the protesters could go on with their activities but this plea fell on deaf ears.

Human rights lawyer Alfonso Sinco criticized Governor Gwen Garcia for such "irresponsible actuation" saying the governor did not respect the rights of the people to express their grievances against Arroyo.

Wennie Badayos of Kadamay then asked for the resignation of Garcia who, she said, is afraid that Arroyo will be ousted because she would lose whatever benefits she got from the present administration.