Metro Manila protests call for Sara impeachment

National

THOUSANDS of protesters on Friday, January 31 gathered at key locations in Metro Manila, including the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City and Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, calling for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The mass rallies, organized by the Magdalo group, Akbayan, and other allied organizations, were a show of public frustration over Duterte's actions and the slow pace of impeachment proceedings in Congress.

At the EDSA People Power Monument, demonstrators, dressed in white shirts, carried placards demanding Duterte’s removal.

Protesters criticized the House of Representatives for not acting on the impeachment complaints filed against the Vice President.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña expressed frustration over the lack of progress, highlighting the urgency of moving forward with the impeachment to prevent further corruption within the government.

The rally, which began with a mass officiated by Fr. Bong Sarabia and Fr. Joel Saballa, included speakers such as Akbayan Youth’s Chel Diokno and Magdalo’s Eugene Louie Gonzales.

Diokno emphasized that the movement was focused on justice and good governance, not political rivalry.

He warned that voters would remember who stood for accountability as the 2025 elections approached.

Gonzales, a former military officer, called for immediate action from lawmakers, stating that Duterte’s alleged corruption, including the misuse of millions in confidential funds, made her unfit for office.

Later in the day, another rally was held at Liwasang Bonifacio, where participants not only called for Duterte’s impeachment but also demanded accountability for issues under the Marcos administration.

Speakers criticized rising living costs, health service inefficiencies, and the government's handling of the jeepney phaseout, among other concerns.

Protesters also called for the International Criminal Court to prosecute former President Duterte for his war on drugs.

The demonstrations caused traffic disruptions but remained largely peaceful, with police providing security throughout the day.(CMM)