Pipol Power

Allover the Philippines, tens of thousands of Filipinos took to the streets yesterday to register their protest against the visit of US president Bush. His speech in Congress was delayed by one hour because of the crowd of protesters that had assembled on Commonwealth avenue in Quezon City. Seven congressmen and -women, including Bayan Muna Reps. Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza and Crispin Beltran, walked out on Bush as soon as he entered the session hall. I was not allowed to join the rallies (see below) but joined the courageous rallyists in spirit. Many of them came from as far as Occidental Mindoro in a 5-day "lakbayan," holding protest marches along the way. Last night, while Bush was boarding Air Force One at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I saw them board their convoy of decrepit buses and jeepneys in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform. The contrast couldn't be bigger. The moral victory, however, was for those weary, poor farmers, workers and youth who came to Manila on slippers, only armed with an enviable determination. In spite of the draconian security measures, including a bulletproof limo and hordes of heavily armed US security agents, they were able to disrupt Bush's schedule and get the message across: warmongers are not welcome here. Check out the Ban Bush website for the latest news.