Manila - Thousands of people took to the streets in the Philippine capital on Friday to protest efforts to amend the constitution that would extend the term of scandal-tainted President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The rally at Manila's financial district of Makati City was the biggest demonstration so far to denounce moves by Arroyo's allies in Congress to form a constituent assembly to make changes to the 1987 Constitution.
"We are here to let our lawmakers know we do not want charter change, we don't need charter change that would just extend Arroyo's term," said Corazon Soliman, an estranged ally and former social welfare secretary of the embattled president.
"What we need are reforms and help for those who are suffering, not charter change," she added as an estimated 10,000 activists, workers, students, members of religious groups and opposition politicians gathered along Ayala Avenue in Makati City.
The demonstrators carried various placards, some posted on Christmas lanterns in the spirit of the holiday season, expressing their opposition to constitutional changes.
"Food, not charter change," one star-shaped placard read. Others read "No to term extension," "Knock out charter change" and "All we want for Christmas is to oust Gloria."
More than 4,000 policemen were deployed to guard the site of the demonstration, government buildings and key installations against sabotage.
At the Malacanang presidential palace, additional security forces were deployed while container vans and barbed wire were used to block a main road leading to the sprawling compound in case protesters marched to the area.
Organizers initially estimated that up to 50,000 people would join the rally, but authorities had expected less than 15,000 people to come out.
"Today is payday and everyone is more likely inclined to think of their holiday shopping," said Superintendent Rommel Miranda, a spokesman for the Manila police command.
Despite widespread public opposition, Arroyo has not asked her allies to stop the efforts - a move that critics said was an indication the 61-year-old leader is seriously considering extending her term in office.
"I challenge Mrs Arroyo to state her position on charter change and to tell her allies to stop if she really does not support these moves," said opposition Senator Francis Escudero, who was among dozens of politicians who joined the rally.
Escudero added that any moves to change the constitution should occur after elections in May 2010 and after Arroyo steps down to ensure that "rightful and meaningful changes" are implemented.
An Arroyo ally has also filed a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking a postponement of the May 2010 elections.
Many Filipinos do not want to see Arroyo extend her term beyond 2010 amid continued allegations of corruption and other anomalies in her administration. She has also been accused of large scale cheating in the 2004 presidential elections.
