5,000 students rally against constituent assembly

MANILA, Philippines - Some 5,000 students from different universities and colleges opposed to constituent assembly (con-ass) held a rally at the Liwasang Bonifacio yesterday afternoon.

Students from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), Adamson University, University of the Philippines (UP) Manila and Diliman, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), De La Salle University (DLSU)-St. Benilde, St. Scholastica’s College and  Arellano University raised their fists and chanted slogans against Charter change by way of con-ass.

Militant groups like Bayan, party-list group Bayan Muna, Gabriela and Anakpawis also joined the rally of the students in a show of support.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who is strongly against con-ass, showed up in the rally.

Lawyer Harry Roque started the program with the singing of the Philippine national anthem.

Anti-Charter change (Cha cha) advocates also attended the rally to mark the one-year countdown before President Arroyo steps down from Malacañang.

Sister Mary John Mananzan, co-chairperson of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP), said they would exercise caution in their demonstrations in light of reports of bombs found in Metro Manila.

She said they are also willing to be flexible and change their plans to avoid any danger. 

“We would take everything into consideration and we would be on alert. During the march, we could change our route or make changes in the program. We could even stop,” if the need arises, she said.