Use rally for reflection, not to force GMA resignation Palace

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang appealed yesterday to participants in today’s interfaith rally in Makati City to use the occasion for reflection to determine the truth in the controversy rocking the administration and not as a venue to force President Arroyo to step down.

Various groups have signified their intentions to join the rally which is expected to be used as a medium to demand for Mrs. Arroyo’s resignation over allegations of corruption in the scrapped national broadband network-ZTE deal.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) had already called for “discernment and prayerful reflection” and it would be best for rallyists to heed the call.

“This will be the best time for all concerned to open their hearts and minds to seek truthful understanding of the current events,” Fajardo said.

She also warned that some “unseen hands” might use the rally to sow hatred, distrust, and chaos.

“We must heed the warning of the Holy Book of false prophets in our midst. While we all enjoy the blessings of our democracy, we must all protect the same from scheming groups or individuals who are bent on destroying our democratic way of life,” Fajardo said.

The political opposition, civil society groups, students and left-leaning organizations have joined hands in calling for the resignation of the President after hearing the testimony of former Philippine Forest Corp. president Rodolfo Lozada Jr. on alleged kickbacks and overpricing of the $329-million NBN-ZTE contract.

A group of lawyers, the Concerned Lawyers for Civil Liberties, has also joined the calls for the President’s resignation.

In a press conference at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines office in Pasig City yesterday, the lawyers claimed that the President suppressed the truth on the controversial deal.       – Marvin Sy