Susan sees peaceful end to crisis

The widow of defeated presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. urged the public yesterday to join and support peaceful means of attaining a better future for the country.

"Buo ang aking paniniwala at pananampalataya na malalampasan natin ang mga pagsubok sa isang mapayapang paraan bilang isang bansa at bilang isang lahi (I wholeheartedly believe that we will overcome these challenges in a peaceful manner as one nation and one people)," actress Susan Roces said in a statement read in public by House Minority Leader Francis Escudero during a quick press briefing at a rally held by members of the United Opposition along Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

Roces said the country is going through a critical stage in its history and Filipinos must do what is right.

"It is important that Filipinos, particularly our country’s leaders, keep in mind the welfare of the country and set aside their personal interests," she said.

In her statement, she also acknowledged the Cabinet officials who resigned yesterday and other sectors who joined her call for President Arroyo to resign "because she does not have the right nor the capability to govern the country."

The Makati rally was only one among several demonstrations held in various parts of Metro Manila yesterday.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and other opposition leaders — such as San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito, Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos, and Poe supporter Rez Cortez — led the Makati rally.

Militant groups Bayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno and Bayan Muna joined the rally, which closed Ayala Avenue to vehicular traffic.

The protesters used a truck as a stage on which the leaders gave speeches calling for Mrs. Arroyo’s resignation.

Poe’s brother, Conrad Poe, and actor Niño Muhlach, another supporter of the late actor, also joined the rally. — Michael Punongbayan