MILITANTS marched during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday and burned an effigy of the Chief Executive, but the protests were generally peaceful, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Generally peaceful as no untoward incident was recorded,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, citing information from the National Capital Region Police Office.
Fajardo said the protesters dispersed at around 5:15 p.m. when the President ended his address.
“(The) rallyist self-dispersed at about 5:15 p.m.,” she said, adding the number of protesters monitored on Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City was around 4,000 individuals.
Some 23,000 personnel from the PNP and other government agencies were deployed to secure the SONA.
Maj. Hazel Asilo, spokesperson of the National Capital Region Police Office, said: “Our security coverage for SONA 2025 was generally peaceful. No one (was hurt), there was no untoward incident.”
Asilo attributed the feat to the early preparation of the NCRPO, in collaboration with other PNP units and “partner agencies.”
“Our early preparation was the key to the successful and peaceful (SONA),” said Asilo.
She also acknowledged the cooperation of the protesters, saying they complied with the rules set in rally permits issued to them by local government officials.
“They stayed in the area where they were allowed to hold their protests and their programs,” said Asilo.
“No one burned an effigy and they did not go beyond the time they are allowed to hold their program. Based on the report that we received, no one burned an effigy,” said Asilo.
Reports, however, showed the protesters burning an effigy of President Marcos during their program.
“They dispersed minutes after President Marcos finished his SONA,” Asilo said.
The protesters, including members of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan or Bayan, raised several issues, including the implementation of a genuine housing and land reform program.
They also called for equal access to the P20 per kilo of rice, respect for human rights, and more jobs for workers, among others.
Progressive groups also held protests in Davao City calling for housing for the people, accountability of corrupt government officials, and the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
Hours before the President’s address, PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced that authorities implemented a “no-fly/no drone” policy in the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa complex.
“We are on full alert status and the PNP is implementing a no-fly zone and no-drone zone around Batasan,” Torre told a press briefing at Camp Crame.
Torre said some 23,000 policemen and personnel from other agencies were deployed to secure the SONA.
He also cited the risk of burning an effigy. He said embers from such activity may lead to vehicles catching fire.
Torre said they have not monitored any threat but justified the deployment of the 23,000 personnel to secure SONA.
Torre said it was better if policemen were on the ground, ready to respond to any possible untoward incident.
“We hope for the best, but we are prepared for the worst,” said Torre.
Torre later went to Commonwealth Ave. to check on the status of policemen tasked with maintaining peace and order during the President’s fourth national address.
Torre reminded policemen to observe maximum tolerance and allow the protesters to air their grievances against the government.
Quezon City Police District officer-in-charge Col. Randy Glenn Silvio said no untoward incidents, arrests or confrontations occurred between the protesters and policemen during the SONA.
The QCPD, in a statement, said the SONA “concluded peacefully and orderly.”
“This was made possible through the cooperation of protest leaders who strictly followed our security protocols. All protest activities were conducted peacefully,” said Silvio.
Silvio thanked the protesters “for their understanding and discipline, which greatly contributed to the smooth and safe conduct of the SONA.”
He also commended policemen and force multipliers who continued to man their posts despite rain “to ensure public order and safety throughout the event.”
“Their unwavering commitment and professionalism were instrumental in the success of our security operations,” said Silvio.
Silvio also attributed the peaceful SONA to the “collaborative and unified efforts of all agencies and security units.”
WAGE DEMAND
Hours before the SONA, the labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) renewed its call for decent wages.
In a statement, PM said Marcos must push for decent worker wages if the administration intends to showcase “Bagong Pilipinas.”
“A growing economy must have provided workers with decent jobs, but low pay dominates the workplace,” said PM.
“The workers’ demands are clear: Immediate wage hike to a level that assures a life of dignity for all workers,” it added.
The labor group said the current situation of Filipino workers is actually in contrast with what is being projected in the SONA.
It pointed out how the cost of living continues to rise, while worker wages lag far behind to prove that it is actually a “Bigong Pilipinas.”
“In all 17 regions, the minimum wage remains below the outdated poverty threshold, forcing workers to live on starvation pay,” said the group.
“In short, workers are drowning under the weight of high prices for food, utilities, transportation, and basic services,” PM added. – With Gerard Naval
