Students push for Arroyo trial

CALLING FOR justice and the prosecution of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Ateneo students, faculty, and non-government organizations (NGOs) staged two noise barrages at Gate 2.5 last November 25 and 28.

Called “Busina para Litisin si Gloria,” the protests were spearheaded by Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) together with the Christian Union for Socialist and Democratic Advancement (Crusada), Sanggunian, the Council of Organizations of the Ateneo (COA), the Ateneo Resident Students Association (ARSA), The Assembly, and political groups Akbayan! Youth and Change Politics Movement.

The Ateneo protesters met with sectoral groups at the CODE-NGO office along Esteban Abada last November 24 to discuss possible scenarios for the first protest, which was held the next day at 5:30 PM.

Noise for justice

Sanggunian senior School of Humanities Executive Officer Jenica Dizon said the demonstrations expressed the youth’s desire to see Arroyo face charges of corruption and electoral sabotage during her term.

“Because nobody is taking it to the streets… we’re making noise for the public to realize that we don’t want GMA to leave so we have to stand up… We are also stakeholders; it’s been said that the youth will be the future leaders. Why not act on it now?” she said.

Sanggunian Secretary-General Ian Agatep added, “How can we [spread] the word out, how can we say that people care? This is one way [to show] that people have a say on it. One way to show it is through noise.”

Crusada Coadjutor to the Premier, Brian Llamanzares, said in his speech, “I did not forget what happened in 2004. We’re here, out in public and now yearning for justice. Finally, we’re this close to justice and we can’t let it slip away. And that’s why I’m happy… For me this is really heartwarming because, finally, it’s the chance for my grandpa to finally rest in peace.”

Llamanzares is the grandson of the late actor Fernando Poe Jr., who lost his presidency bid in the 2004 national elections and was among those accusing Arroyo of electoral fraud.