In the loudest display yet of public outrage over the controversial $329-million broadband deal, thousands of protesters Friday demanded the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Spurred by the exposés of Senate whistle-blower Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., the rally brought together people of clashing ideologies, from opposition politicians and leftwing militants to office workers and robed seminarians. Some 10,000 demonstrators, by police estimates and wire agencies AP and Reuters, took part in the protest, waving banners, singing songs, praying and chanting slogans. The rally had one theme: The people have had enough. “People, act now and we’ll join you. That’s our duty as members of the clergy: To be with the people as they walk toward a better future,” Fr. Joe Dizon of Solidarity Philippines said. Similar protest rallies were also held in Mindanao, including in the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos, as well as in the Visayas, including Bacolod and Cebu cities. In Makati City, confetti rained down on Paseo de Roxas from the Philippine Stock Exchange Tower and another building. Office employees watched from windows. Some of the placards and banners read: Lozada, di ka nag-iisa (You’re not alone). Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said he hoped Friday’s rally would sow the seeds of bigger protests “in the tradition of people power.” Students also came by the busloads. (Inquirer.Net)

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