Makati rally causes massive traffic jam

Heavy traffic gripped Makati’s financial district for almost two hours yesterday afternoon when scores of rallyists led by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay converged on Ayala Ave. and Paseo de Roxas to denounce President Arroyo and her allies for attempting to force Charter change through a constituent assembly.

Rally speakers called on the public to remain vigilant despite the unsuccessful Cha-cha bid saying Mrs. Arroyo’s allies might spring another surprise to push Charter change.

The protesters marched along Ayala Ave. carrying mock Christmas trees and lanterns emblazoned with anti-Arroyo slogans.

Some office employees joined the protest march led by Binay, former senators Ernesto Herrera and Ernesto Maceda and representatives of the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) and the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino.

National Union of Bank Employees president Jun Umali said it was the first time office workers joined an anti-Arroyo rally in large number adding it indicated "the beginning of the awakening of white collar workers.’’

Umali said 2,000 employees from various banks in the Ayala area were supposed to join the rally but only a fraction showed up because many were holding Christmas parties.

He said despite the low turnout, the rally was still a success because each bank was represented in the protest action.

Binay said the same crowd will join tomorrow’s prayer rally against Charter change, which he will attend despite reports that political figures will not be allowed to mount the stage or issue political statements.

"Why, is there such a law that says we can’t join a prayer rally?" he asked.

Herrera, for his part, said there is still no need to change the Constitution. — Michael Punongbayan