Thousands protest against constitutional changes in Philippines

Asia-Pacific News

Jun 10, 2009, 7:40 GMT

Manila - Thousands of protestors marched to the financial district in the Philippine capital Wednesday to denounce efforts to amend the country's constitution. The demonstrators converged on Ayala Avenue in Makati City, where about 5,000 police officers were deployed to guard the rally. Organizers said up to 30,000 people were expected to attend the rally against charter change, popularly called 'cha-cha' in the Philippines. 'I know a lot of people are very angry now, and this is the time for indignation,' said Leah Navarro, a convener of the Black and White Movement, one of the organizers. 'Let us all be counted and show our support against cha-cha,' she said. Last week, the House of Representatives passed a resolution calling for the chamber to be turned into a constituent assembly to draft amendments to the 1987 constitution. The resolution ignored opposition by the Senate to moves to amend the constitution. Senators have warned they would challenge the House in the Supreme Court if it continues with its steps. Critics have warned that the charter-change efforts could be aimed at postponing presidential and national elections in May 2010, allowing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to cling to power. Arroyo has vowed that the elections would go ahead next year despite moves by her allies to amend the constitution.

Your Talkback on this Story

Older Talkback

Latest Headlines in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific: Index

: News; Features

Latest Pics

From Sites We Like

The Fine Print

© 2003 - 2009 by Monsters and Critics.com, WotR Ltd. All Rights Reserved. All photos are copyright their respective owners and are used under license or with permission. * Note M&C cannot be held responsible for the content on other Web Sites.

Servers supplied by Servint

USA

Asia-Pacific

Thousands protest against constitutional changes in Philippines

Asia-Pacific News

Your Talkback on this Story

Older Talkback

Similar articles

Latest Headlines in Asia-Pacific

From Sites We Like

Latest Tech Herald News

Latest from Fark

Latest Cinema Blend News

In Monsters and Critics

Corporate

The Fine Print