Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and other progressive groups have announced their readiness for rallies ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
Rally Preparations
Bayan President Renato Reyes stated that various groups will gather along Commonwealth Avenue to present their perspective on the true state of the nation, which they believe differs significantly from the official address delivered inside the Batasang Pambansa. “The SONA we will hear on the road reflects the citizens’ viewpoint,” Reyes remarked during an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
Reyes confirmed that they have secured a permit from the Quezon City local government but still need to discuss with local authorities to ensure the rally is conducted peacefully.
Farmers’ Rally
In a related rally held in Cubao, farmer groups including Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, and Bantay Bigas called on Marcos to fulfill his promise to lower the prices of rice and other agricultural products. They accused the administration of misleading the public regarding lower rice prices and urged the repeal of Republic Act No. 11203, known as the Rice Tariffication Law, which they claim negatively impacts farmers and the agriculture sector.
Government Response
GMA News Online has reached out to the Presidential Communications Office for comment but has yet to receive a response.