Cebu groups soften ‘Protesta’ participation

Cebu, long known as a stronghold of the opposition, is this time embarking on a laid-back participation in the nationwide Isang Linggong Protesta to force the resignation of President Estrada.

But it is not that Cebuanos have suddenly softened their stand against Mr. Estrada, only that the expected protesters who often form the backbone of protests have chosen to heed the pleas of the business sector not to stage work stoppages or transport strikes.

Instead, only prayer rallies and educational fora are expected to be held this week.

The Associated Labor Unions gave assurances of normalcy in port operations while transport groups confirmed that they are taking part in the nationwide strike.

Gerard Lavadia, Estrada Resign Movement spokesman for Cebu, said the lack of support from the business sector will mean less attendance by labor in protest actions.

Barug Sugbo, a broad business-initiated coalition, has also been discouraging workers from engaging in civil disobedience as proposed by opposition leaders, saying it will only worsen the economic crisis.

In other developments:

• In its first official act since the jueteng scandal, the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia in Ilocos Sur spearheaded an anti-Estrada rally in Tagudin town yesterday, preceded by a provincewide motorcade and noise barrage.

• While Mr. Estrada is busy inaugurating projects in San Carlos City, Pangasinan today, a Church-led multisectoral group called "Erap Agco" (which means "I don’t like Erap") will hold a caravan with assembly points in Asingan, Bayam-bang and Alaminos towns which will converge at the Dagupan City plaza for a massive rally in the afternoon.

• Caviteños will mark National Heroes’ Day today with protest rallies in different parts of the province such as in Bacoor and Dasmariñas towns.

• The Presbyteral Council of the Catholic Church has formed an Ad Hoc Vigilance Committee for Crisis Response in view of the current political, economic and social uncertainties resulting from the scandals hounding the Estrada presidency. — Freeman News Service, Teddy Molina, Cesar Ramirez, Sandy Araneta, Eva de Leon and Wilfredo Suarez