Cory starts RP-wide prayer crusade for Estrada resignation

TARLAC CITY — Former President Corazon Aquino rallied more than 8,000 anti-Estrada protesters here yesterday to start a nationwide "prayer crusade" for the resignation of President Estrada.

After a novena at the San Sebastian Cathedral, Aquino also renewed her call for the people to "adopt a senator" and influence them "in a respectful manner so that they will listen to their conscience" as they sit as judges in the impeachment case against President Estrada.

Aquino told reporters she will be touring schools in the country’s different provinces to assemble people and discuss with them why the President should resign.

Joining Aquino were her brother, former Tarlac representative Jose "Peping" Cojuangco; her son, Tarlac Rep. Benigno Aquino III; and former House Speaker Manuel Villar Jr. The novena was officiated by Tarlac Bishop Florencio Cinense.

In Metro Manila, thousands of leftist demonstrators led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) take to the streets today for a nationwide anti-Estrada mass action that they intend to hold until Thursday next week.

Rafael Mariano, Bayan chairman, told reporters yesterday the "Isang Linggo ng Protesta" is aimed at forcing Mr. Estrada to step down immediately.

"This the next round of people’s action for Estrada’s ouster," he said. "The first round was the Nov. 4 EDSA prayer rally, the second round was the Nov.14 Welga ng Mamamayan. If (President) Estrada does not fall after the third round, there will still be a fourth round and a fifth until he is knocked out."

Former Sen. Alberto Romulo, who is a leader of the anti-Estrada protesters, said the week-long protest action is intended to show that the President has "lost" the people’s trust.

"‘Isang Linggo ng Protesta, Pabilisin ang Pagpapatalsik kay Erap’ will be launched for the President to ‘feel the growing wrath of an indignant nation in the days ahead’."

Vicky Garchitorena, who heads Kompil II, said business groups will join the labor and academic communities on Wednesday as part of the week-long mass action. –With reports from Pia Lee-Brago, Nestor Etolle, Sandy Araneta