Youth groups launch "text" drive vs. PGMA

A new form of protest against President Gloria Arroyo has taken shape among some youth organizations by texting messages for her ouster reportedly direct to the mobile phone numbers in Malacañang.

The Akbayan Youth, Movement of Student Power, and the Student Council Alliance in the Philippines, among other youth organizations, yesterday joined together in launching this form of anti-Arroyo protest they named as the "text campaign."

Members of these groups, mostly student leaders from various schools and colleges, said they have agreed to contribute a portion of their allowances to fund this campaign.

Ernie Edralin, of the Akbayan Youth, said the campaign is a renewed call for the ouster of Arroyo from her post, adding that the method of the protest is not only cheaper and convenient but also a unique version of the parliament of the streets.

Edralin said the youths can use their cellular phones in sending their protests against the Arroyo administration directly to the numbers in Malacañang that the President herself had reportedly provided.

"We are urging the public to send the messages like "Ayoko na Sayo" or "Di Na Ko Nimo" to 0917-8398462 and 0917-8985462 for Globe users, and 0918-8984621, 0919-8984622 and 0919-8984623 for Smart," Edralin said.

Edralin further said there will be virtual text rallies where youths will text their anti-Arroyo messages at the same time. - Ferliza C. Contratista