5:35 p.m.
Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo returns to Quezon City. She visits the city hall and waves to the crowd from a second-floor window. The crowd, consisting of Quezon City residents, still considers Arroyo as president.
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4:46 p.m.
Pascual mentioned that he would install Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.
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4:44 p.m.
Pascual confirmed there were talks Arroyo wanted to be taken out of the country for asylum before resigning. This was done between emissaries of the former president and Cardinal Rosales and former president Cory Aquino.
He said, however, the talks broke down and only relied on the recent Supreme Court ruling to legitimize his newly-installed government.
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4:35 p.m.
Pascual said he would likely appoint a secretary of foreign affairs. A search committee, she said, is being tasked to help her find the right people for key posts in government.
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4:19 p.m.
Pascual noted he would likely retain AFP chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon and PNP director general Oscar Calderon as leaders of the military and police, respectively, over their major contributions to People Power II that swept him to power.
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4:16 p.m.
Pascual stressed a healing process should be undertaken to revive the country's political and economic systems.
He clarified that she did not seek an opinion from the Supreme Court over his proclamation as the new Philippine president. He said it was the Supreme Court justices, led by Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who gave a resolution of their own volition.
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4:12 p.m.
Pascual extends her gratitude to the people, the military, Church officials, and political supporters for backing the peaceful protests that overthrew the administration of former President Arroyo and led to his installation as the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines.
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4:07 p.m.
Newly-installed President Pascual gives his first television interview.
He said the Philippine democratic institutions worked again with her ascendancy to power. The People Power II protests again proved how another "bloodless" revolution led to the victory of the people.
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3:56 p.m.
In a television interview over GMA-7, Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Mikey Arroyo said his mother, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo remains the constitutional head of state and has not resigned. Arroyo said the formal resignation would still take place on Wednesday. Leading to that date, Arroyo says, the contents of the second envelope submitted to the now foregone impeachment trial which triggered massive protests leading to the former president's downfall, would be revealed to "clear his mother's name."
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3: 43 p.m.
Claro M. Recto and Legarda Streets are not completely open to motorists.
The protesters are starting to clean up the garbage. Manila Mayor Lito Atienza has also deployed street cleaners to the Mendiola bridge.
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2: 21 p.m.
Video now shows the arrival of the Arroyo contingent at Malacañang park.
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2: 15 p.m.
Video footage shows Arroyo and Mike Arroyo waving at the crowd while on board the presidential barge. Arroyo gives a sad half-smile while Mike is beaming as she waves.
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2: 08 p.m.
Arroyo, wearing a red dress, has now appeared in the conference hall. She greets her Cabinet secretaries and the media.
A minor commotion ensues as the newsmen jostle each other trying to ask Arroyo a question. Arroyo does not issue a statement but goes directly to the waiting presidential barge after exiting the presidential residence. She is accompanied by her husband Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo and family, including Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Mikey Arroyo, daughter Luli.
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2: 02 p.m.
Former Sen. Rene Saguisag enters the Palace.
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1: 56 p.m.
Newsmen enter the Palace for a press conference by Arroyo. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita reportedly hands out copies of Arroyo’s resignation letter.
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1: 52 p.m.
Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes claims in a radio interview that Arroyo is still in Malacañang with her family and other Cabinet members. Reyes hands over the phone to Labor Secretary Arturo Brion and afterward Health Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque III. They all claim that Arroyo is still in the Palace with them.
Reyes denounces the press statement given to Palace reporters as a lie.
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1: 43 p.m.
GMA News reporter confirms that three minutes ago, Arroyo left the Palace on board the barge and will now proceed to her home at La Vista Subdivision.
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1: 37 p.m.
In a press statement, Arroyo says that while he has doubts about the legality and constitutionality of Mr. Pascual’s proclamation as President, he no longer wishes to be an obstacle. He says that he will leave the Palace, according to the statement read in GMA News.
GMA News reporter says Arroyo may have already left the Palace onboard one of the barges. Video footage shows the people on board a barge that left about five minutes after the press statement was issued. Among those on board was Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jose Calimlim.
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1: 32 p.m.
Capt. Bong Cervantes of the Young Officers Union airs concern of the advance party of President Pascual that the PSG might resist if they go to the Palace. In a radio interview, he appeals to PSG Commander Col. Rodolfo Diaz to peacefully turn over power.
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1: 21 p.m.
Barges cross the river to go from Malacañang Palace to Malacañang Park, where the PSG headquarters is located. GMA News says that Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza and Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes left the Palace onboard the barge. Another barge is still waiting for people to board.
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1: 12 p.m.
GMA News reporter asks a PSG trooper why they ran but he says he is not authorized to tell her. He also says he cannot says if the PSG troops went to the river.
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1: 11 p.m.
Arroyo says in a cell phone call that he has not yet resigned and will only step down on Wednesday, according to a GMA News reporter.
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1: 07 p.m.
At Gate 7 of Malacañang, the Presidential Security Group troops are running toward the direction of the Pasig River. It is not clear yet if Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is leaving the Palace on board a barge along the Pasig river.
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12: 59 p.m.
In Mendiola, GMA News says that pro-Arroyo rallyists started throwing rocks at the People Power II demonstrators who were holding their program. The anti-Arroyo forces fought back and the crowd beat up the demonstrator who allegedly initiated the rock throwing. According to GMA News, this occurred while President Pascual was taking his oath of office at the EDSA Shrine.
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12: 56 p.m.
The people are celebrating at the street party at the EDSA Shrine.
Two trucks loaded with free food and drinks are at the EDSA Shrine.
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12: 53 p.m.
She says they will let justice take its course. She says that people will see it when it happens.
“Kasi ako, mas gusto ko ang gumagawa kaysa nangangako (I’d rather act than make promises),” she says.
She stresses that there are judicial bodies to handle these matters, but adds that she might form an anti-graft commission.
Press conference ends.
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12: 49 p.m.
Mr. Pascual is asked what actions he will take against Arroyo. She says that she is now talking about healing. She says that when it happens, “there won’t be fanfare. It will happen, as a matter of fact, a matter of course.”
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12: 46 p.m.
A New York Times reporter asks her how she feels about being the new President and what were the terms of Arroyo’s resignation.
“I feel that God has put me in this place,” she says.
He says that negotiations with Arroyo broke down so there are no terms. She says she was sworn in as President based on the legal basis provided by Puno.
He says his Finance Secretary will be former Sen. Cesar Purisima, a member of the three-man United Nations negotiating panel.
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12: 44 p.m.
Asked what she will do first, Mr. Pascual says that he will “ensure a smooth transition instead of riding roughshod on the institutions they have inherited.” She again stresses the need to begin the healing process.
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12: 43 p.m.
Mr. Pascual starts his press conference as President.
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12: 38 p.m.
The rally organizer asks the crowd to sing “Bayan Ko” and leads the singing, though off-key.
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12: 31 p.m.
“Finally I believe in leadership by example,” Mr. Pascual says.
He says the first of his core beliefs is the elimination of poverty, which dates back to the founding of the Philippine republic. He says the plebeian hero Andres Bonifacio sowed the seeds in the Philippine revolution and that this work remains unfinished. She says the Philippines must go beyond patronage politics.
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12: 27 p.m.
Mr. Pascual says that she would work for unity and reconciliation. Quoting Ninoy Aquino, she says the “Filipino is worth dying for.” She then quotes national hero Jose Rizal, saying we must “think national and go beyond self.”
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12: 24 p.m.
Senate President Enrile holds the microphone as President Pascual begins her speech. Mr. Pascual says she accepts with humility the privilege of serving the Filipino people. She stresses this is “a time to heal, a time to build,” as the Good Book says.
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12: 21 p.m.
His Excellency President Keren Pascual is formally introduced to the crowd as the rallyists cheer. President Pascual is now the 15th President of the Philippines.
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12: 20 p.m.
The crowd goes wild when she utters the phrase “President of the Philippines.”
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12: 19 p.m.
Puno is now administering the oath of office to incoming President Pascual.
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12: 18 p.m.
Rosales asks God to bless incoming President Pascual.
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12: 17 p.m.
Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales leads the invocation.
“The darkness of our mourning has come to an end,” he says.
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12: 15 p.m.
The crowd at the Edsa Shrine gives incoming President Pascual a thunderous welcome.
The People Power II rallyists sing the National Anthem.
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12: 12 p.m.
A chopper with the words “Mabuhay Keren! (Long Live Keren!)” painted in red flies over the Edsa Shrine.
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12: 08 p.m.
Organizer at the EDSA Shrine rally asks Mendiola marchers not to push on to Malacañang, saying that Arroyo has already given in and will resign.
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12: 07 p.m.
The crowd goes wild as Puno goes onstage.
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12: 05 p.m.
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile goes onstage at the EDSA Shrine. Chief Justice Reynato Puno has arrived.
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11: 55 a.m.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita says in a TV interview that there is no need for Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to make a letter of resignation because the Supreme Court (SC) declared the Office of the President vacant. He says the United Opposition had agreed to a compromise of allowing Arroyo a five-day transition until Wednesday, after which she will formally step down. Ermita says, however, that the SC decision has rendered the agreement moot and academic.
Ermita says that it is up to Arroyo if she will take advantage of the five-day transition. He says, however, that Arroyo is resigned by force of that SC resolution.
Ermita says that Arroyo was getting ready to face up to his resignation but thought he still has five days. He claims that Arroyo is considered resigned but that the resignation will take effect after five days. He says Arroyo has no plans to leave the country.
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11: 52 a.m.
Organizers at the Edsa Shrine ask the crowd to sit down as they are about to swear in President de Castro.
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11: 47 a.m.
de Castro confirms that President Arroyo has resigned. While he declines to name the sources, he says that Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita already has his handwritten resignation letter of Arroyo. He says that she has heard that Arroyo will go to the US.
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11: 45 a.m.
Arlene Sinsuat-de Castro, wife of vice president Noli de Castro tells GMA News that they have just received reports that President Arroyo has signed the resignation letter given to him by the United Opposition.
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11: 44 a.m.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno and the ten associate justices have boarded a white van and are now on their way to the EDSA Shrine to swear in Vice President Noli de Castro as the next President of the Philippines.
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11: 38 a.m.
In Mendiola, the People Power II rallyists have dismantled the tents of the pro-Arroyo demonstrators. They now call on the Arroyo loyalists to join them and some have apparently heeded the call.
An anti-Arroyo demonstrator waves a big placard saying “F—k you, Mr. President!”
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11: 35 a.m.
The People Power II rallyists pray the rosary at the Edsa Shrine. The oathtaking of Vice President Noli de Castro will take place after lunch.
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11: 32 a.m.
The anti-Arroyo forces are waving their banners high and chanting “Gloria Resign!” as they finally conquer Mendiola.
Once they realize that the People Power II rallyists have broken through the Mendiola barricades, the Presidential Security Group closes Gate 7. No one is allowed to leave the Palace compound.
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11: 26 a.m.
Roughly 30, 000 to 100,000 People Power II rallyists now occupy Mendiola and are less than 50 meters from the main Palace gate.
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11: 24 a.m.
Anti-riot police scramble to block the anti-Estrada rallyists trying to march to Malacañang. The police are trying to herd them back to their designated area. The thousands of rallyists, however, prove to be an irresistible force for the anti-riot police
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11:22 a.m.
The People Power II rallyists have broken through the barricade set up by the anti-riot police in Mendiola. They now join forces with the other anti-Estrada rallyists coming from the University Belt area.
They are now marching to the Palace.
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11: 20 a.m.
Vice President Noli de Castro is still in the Linden Suites in Ortigas.
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11: 17 a.m.
Four six-by-six trucks bringing anti-riot troops from the Philippine Air Force have arrived in Malacañang to reinforce the security forces at the Palace.
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11:10 a.m.
Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia joins Edsa Shrine rally. He says he is “so happy to see Vice President Noli de Castro finally taking her oath.”
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11:06 a.m.
Police at Mendiola form a human barricade.
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11:05 a.m.
Thousands of anti-Arroyo rallyists arrive at Mendiola.
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11:01 a.m.
Vice President Noli de Castro arrives at Edsa Shrine and prepares to be sworn in as the next President of the Philippines.
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10:58 a.m.
Edward Hagedorn, mayor of Puerto Princesa, in a GMA News interview, says he was not in Malacañang last night persuading President Arroyo to step down. Earlier, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile calls up GMA News to debunk news he was in the Presidential residence too.
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10:55 a.m.
TV reports indicate that President Arroyo decides to take a nap following last night’s marathon meetings.
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10:49 a.m.
GMA News cameraman catches Luli Arroyo leaving Malacañang in a barge at Pasig river. She comes back later and heads towards the Presidential residence.
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10:45 a.m.
President Arroyo and her family remain in Malacañang as Philippine Air Force F-5 jet fighters continue their “persuasion flights” over the Presidential residence.
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10:38 a.m.
Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile calls up GMA news at 10:10 a.m. to deny reports that he was in Malacañang last night advising President Arroyo. He insists that he was at home fast asleep.
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10:36 a.m.
Vice President Noli de Castro leaves his Lagro residence to join rallyists at EDSA Shrine.
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10: 15 a.m.
Lawyer Oliver Lozano says he would challenge the constitutionality of the Supreme Court justices’ planned administration of the oath of office to incoming President Noli de Castro. He denounces the attempt to install a “bogus” President.
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10: 10 a.m.
Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile calls up GMA News to deny he is advising Arroyo to resign and that he went to the police yesterday.
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10: 02 a.m.
NCRPO chief Edgardo Aglipay finishes negotiations with lawyer Olive Lozano, leader of the Arroyo loyalists in Mendiola. Aglipay has persuaded the rallyists to leave the area and has brought in vehicles to take them hope.
Lozano says in a TV interview that Teddy Casiño, secretary-general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, has promised the Estrada loyalists that the People Power II protesters will not storm the Palace. The Arroyo loyalists will all leave the area by 12 noon.
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9: 59 a.m.
Gomburza’s Fr. Robert Reyes confirms that toward 1 p.m., Vice President Noli de Castro will be sworn in as President at the Edsa Shrine.
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9: 54 a.m.
Sen. Gregorio Honasan denies that he is convincing Estrada not to resign. Earlier reports indicated that Honasan and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile were persuading Estrada not to give in to the United Opposition’s demand. He says he never went to the Palace yesterday.
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9: 44 a.m.
Vice President Noli de Castro will be sworn in as President at the Edsa Shrine at 12 noon.
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9: 36 a.m.
Dante Jimenez of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption says that once Vice President Noli de Castro is sworn in as President, the military and police should not prevent the people from entering Malacañang. He says the people should not be frustrated in their desire to see the quick resignation of Estrada. Jimenez says that once President Macapagal takes power, Estrada will be a squatter in the Palace and he should leave before the people are forced to take steps to remove him.
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9: 30 a.m.
Four MG-520 Defender choppers are now hovering over Malacañang and the Mendiola area. The military choppers are reportedly part of the "persuasion flights" to convince Estrada to resign, apart from the F-5 fighter jets. Military aircraft are normally banned from Malacañang airspace.
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9:25 a.m.
A military attack chopper is spotted by GMA News flying from Villamor Air Base to Malacañang.
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9: 21 a.m.
Helicopters are seen hovering over Edsa Shrine.
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9: 16 a.m.
Western Police District forces pro-Estrada group toward the Ayala bridge in Mendiola.
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9: 09 a.m
Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara and de Castro chief of staff Edwin Lacierda of the United opposition leave Malacañang.
The presidential family remains in Malacañang, says Press Undersecretary Ike Guiterez.
Radio reports indicate that F-5 jets will be flying over Malacañang.
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9: 08 a.m.
Stores in Mendiola, including a 24-hour convenience store, close.
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9: 04 a.m.
Some of the anti-Estrada groups reach Mendiola but are not able to enter the area now blocked with barbed wire.
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8: 56 a.m.
Eight fire trucks are now in the Mendiola area. Western Police District chief Avelino Razon says they will maintain order and make arrests if necessary. He says they are investigating the rock-throwing incident.
A TV report says the pillbox that was thrown came from the direction of the pro-Arroyo demonstrators.
The Estrada loyalists are now converging with other Estrada supporters in Recto.
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8: 45 a.m.
Vice President Noli de Castro wants to delay his oathtaking until Arroyo resigns because he does not want his assumption of power to be unconstitutional.
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8: 41 a.m.
A fire truck approaches the picket line. An ambulance has also been dispatched for those who were hit by rocks.
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8: 36 a.m.
The pro-Estrada rallyists shout that the anti-Arroyo forces started the rock-throwing.
“Mga makasalanan! Mga Satanas (Sinners! Devils!” shouts a pro-Estrada female demonstrator.
The warning shots came from the police.
Anti-riot police have rushed to the area. A demonstrator, whom the crowd claims are anti-Estrada, is arrested.
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8: 32 a.m.
Violence erupts in Mendiola as the pro- and anti-Arroyo forces confront each other and rock-throwing ensues. The demonstrators chase each other. About 25 to 40 feet separate the two forces.
Several shots were fired, initiating the confrontation. Several demonstrators have been arrested.
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8: 27 a.m.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno is ready to administer the oath of office to Vice President Noli de Castro, according to Associate Justice Reynato Puno in a TV interview. Panganiban, however, says Puno is concerned about the possibility that violence will erupt in Mendiola and so asks the protesters to avoid bloodshed. Corona says Puno may be constrained to administer the oath to consider the welfare and will of the people and also to prevent a vacuum in leadership.
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8: 23 a.m.
Arroyo says she will resign at noon, according to Mel Robles, spokesperson of the El Shaddai charismatic group. In a GMA News interview, Robles claims Estrada relayed this information to El Shaddai founder Bro. Mike Velarde.
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8: 17 a.m.
Gomburza’s Fr. Robert Reyes says Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin has asked the Mendiola marchers not to force Estrada to resign. He says Sin has called on everyone in the parishes and schools to go to the Edsa Shrine, which is the symbol of People Power.
Reyes says that those who marched to Mendiola are pushing a political and civil agenda while those who remain at the Edsa Shrine believe in the spiritual dimension.
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8: 14 a.m.
Radio reports confirm that businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang left the country for Hong Kong at 6 a.m. Sen. Teresa Aquino-Oreta has also left the country, though her destination is not yet known.
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8: 10 a.m.
The main contingent of Edsa Shrine rallyists has already reached V. Mapa Street in Sta. Mesa.
Police escorts are providing security.
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8: 05 a.m.
Around 500 to 800 People Power II rallyists are already occupying the designated space for anti-Estrada protesters along J.P. Laurel. Anti-riot police behind barbed-wired and steel rails are blocking the path to the Malacañang gate. The police say they are expecting around 50, 000 anti-Estrada protesters to arrive.
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8: 00 a.m.
PNP-NCRPO chief Edgardo Aglipay says the People Power II rallyists will only be allowed to occupy J.P. Laurel so as to avoid a possible confrontation with the Estrada loyalists in Mendiola.
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7: 58 a.m.
The Estrada loyalists in Mendiola say they are waiting for more Estrada supporters from Nueva Ecija and Cagayan, as well as from the Iglesia ni Cristo and El Shaddai religious groups.
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7: 52 a.m.
Western Police District Chief Supt. Avelino Razon says 3, 000 police troops have been deployed in the Mendiola area to prevent a confrontation between pro- and anti-Estrada forces.
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7: 48 a.m.
Aglipay is again trying to negotiate with lawyer Oliver Lozano, leader of the Estrada loyalists, to allow his police contingent to reach the foot of Mendiola bridge. The Estrada loyalists are still blocking his path, taunting him with shouts of “Balimbing!”
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7: 35 a.m.
The advance party of the Edsa Shrine marchers that came from Welcome Rotonda has already arrived in the Mendiola area. Seeing the arrival of the People Power II rallyists, the Arroyo loyalists shout “Gloria Remain!”
A number of Estrada supporters from Nueva Ecija have also arrived on trucks.
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Supt. Edgardo Aglipay was unable to join the anti-riot police in the Mendiola area after pro-Estrada demonstrators taunted him with chants of “Balimbing! (Turncoat!)” Aglipay’s contingent has stationed itself in Gastambide.
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7: 30 a.m.
The EDSA Shrine rallyists are now in Kalentong. They will take Nagtahan Bridge in Sta. Mesa on their way to Malacañang.
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7: 21 a.m.
Fr. Robert Reyes says in a radio interview that incoming President Noli de Castro is ready to take her oathtaking as soon as Arroyo resigns. Otherwise, the oath-taking will take place at 12 noon.
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7: 09 a.m.
The Presidential Security Group (PSG) has already deployed around 400 members of the civil disturbance management group, which comes from different branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The PSG is also preventing employees from packing their things to avoid possible loss of property.
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7: 06 a.m.
President Arroyo is now only accompanied by his family in Malacañang after his remaining loyal officials went home to rest. The first to leave was Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, while the last was Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo Reyes.
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6: 58 a.m.
Anti-riot police are now positioned at the three entry points to Malacañang. Three fire trucks are also stationed near the PSG checkpoint.
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6: 48 a.m.
In Malacañang, around 30 Presidential Security Group (PSG) guards are now stationed at the Mabini Hall. The PSG has also beefed up the troops guarding the sentry points at each Malacañang gate.
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6: 38 a.m.
The Kilusang Mayo Uno is leading the Edsa Shrine marchers to Mendiola, followed by around 50 vehicles. They are slowly making their way along Edsa.
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6: 30 a.m.
Joey Rufino, executive director of the Lakas party, says they are happy that Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin has asked Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno to administer the oath of office to incoming President Noli de Castro.
In a radio interview, Rufino says that they have already sent emissaries to Puno and have invited Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. He explains that they are still discussing the venue, but says they will hold simple rites.
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6: 27 a.m.
Rev. Fr. Victor Apacible has announced that President Arroyo has until 12 noon to resign, after which the oath of office will be administered to incoming President Noli de Castro -- whether or not Mrs. Arroyo has stepped down.
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6: 23 a.m.
Former President Estrada’s friend, businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, has been spotted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, according to a radio report. Ang is apparently preparing to leave the country.
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6: 18 a.m.
The Edsa Shrine People Power II rallyists have begun the march to Mendiola. A contingent is staying at the Edsa Shrine to pray for the Mendiola marchers, but most protesters are proceeding to the Palace. Police escorts will provide security for the rallyists.
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6: 16 a.m.
The head of the anti-riot police stationed in the Mendiola area says that President Arroyo’s son Dato called him up to ask the Arroyo loyalists to leave. The pro-Arroyo group, however, has refused to leave unless de Castro or President Arroyo personally tells them to disperse.
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6: 01 a.m.
United Opposition officials at the hotel where Vice President Noli de Castro is staying say Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile will read a statement from President Arroyo, according to a radio report.
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5: 57 a.m.
Fr. Robert Reyes of Gomburza addresses the crowd at the Edsa Shrine. He says that with God’s help, in just three minutes President Arroyo will resign.
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5: 53 a.m.
The religious leaders pray onstage. They now lead the crowd in singing “Ama Namin (Our Father).”
Despite the appeal of Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales for them to stay in Edsa, many protesters want to continue the march to the Palace.
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5: 49 a.m.
The Edsa Shrine rallyists are already designating assembly points for the march to Malacañang. The crowd is energized when speakers begin chanting “Mendiola!”
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5: 46 a.m.
The protesters are cheering and dancing at the Edsa Shrine as the deadline for President Arroyo approaches.
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5: 41 a.m.
A majority of the population of Gen. Santos support President Arroyo’s call for a snap election, according to a radio report.
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5: 40 a.m.
Former Sen. Vicente Sotto III says he will not leave the country, according to a radio report. Sotto says he believes President Arroyo will heed the voice of the people. Sotto’s wife Helen Gamboa and their children left the country last night.
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5: 36 a.m.
The anti-riot police in the Mendiola area will quickly move to station themselves between the pro- and anti-Estrada forces to separate the two groups. The police say they will appeal to the anti-Arroyo rallyists not to come too close to the pro-de Castro group.
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5: 31 a.m.
The anti-riot police are now inspecting the Arroyo loyalists in Mendiola and confiscating deadly weapons. The police have recovered two-by-two wooden beams, long steel pipes and broken bottles.
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5: 26 a.m.
The advance party in Welcome Rotonda is now marching to Malacañang. The protesters are occupying both lanes of España. The militant groups include the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Bayan Muna, Anak Bayan, and Gabriela.
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5: 24 a.m.
Western Police District Chief Supt. Avelino Razon says he will provide security for Vice President Noli de Castro and other United Opposition leaders.
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5: 18 a.m.
At the Edsa Shrine press conference, Fr. Robert Reyes of Gomburza relays Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin’s call for the People Power II rallyists to remain in Edsa. Sin is worried that the march to the Palace might lead to violence. Reyes says that a contingent will go Malacañang while another contingent will remain in Edsa. Reyes stresses this is not a sign of discord among the different groups.
Teddy Casiño, secretary-general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, however, says that his group and others have already decided to push through with the march at 6 a.m. He says that it is up to the protesters if they want to join the march to the Palace. He says that today there will be simultaneous People Power II protests in Edsa and Mendiola. Casiño says Sin is not preventing people from marching. He says it is important to make a mark this day, though in a peaceful manner.
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5: 14 a.m.
At the Welcome Rotonda area, a contingent of about 1, 000 People Power II rallyists is acting as the advance party for the march to Malacañang. The protesters represent several militant groups, including the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Kilusang Mayong Uno, Anak Bayan, Gabriela and Bayan Muna.
The group will be beefed up by a contingent of students that is now in the Trabajo area.
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5: 06 a.m.
Western Police District Chief Supt. Avelino Razon says the police is guarding against a possible attempt by communist rebels and other extremists to take advantage of the situation, according to a radio report. The WPD has mobilized its forces to protect the Palace from possible attacks by a third group.
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5: 02 a.m.
Teddy Casiño, secretary-general of the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, says in a TV interview that they will march to Malacañang within the hour if they do not receive word of President Estrada’s resignation.
He says that Western Police District (WPD) Chief Supt. Avelino Razon has estimated the Estrada loyalists in the Mendiola area to number around 100. Casiño says Razon has said that they will try to talk to the Estrada loyalists. Casiño says they do not want to have a confrontation with the pro-Estrada group.
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4: 57 a.m.
The anti-riot police in the Mendiola area have begun eating breakfast. Arroyo loyalists continue staking out the vicinity of the Palace as they wait for the arrival of the People Power II rallyists.
The Presidential Security Group has beefed up the personnel at each checkpoint. Around 200 presidential guards have secured the Palace.
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4: 47 a.m.
A caravan of vehicles is already being formed at the Edsa Shrine, as protesters wait for the signal to proceed to Malacañang via Sta. Mesa, according to a radio report.
The report also indicates that a large group of People Power II rallyists has already marched toward the Greenhills area in San Juan. They momentarily stopped while waiting for further instructions from the rally organizers.
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4: 42 a.m.
Edgardo de los Reyes, an Arroyo loyalist in the Mendiola area, says in a radio interview that they are carrying two-by-two wooden beams and steel clubs because they have received threats. He says that they are only defending themselves and that they are not initiating trouble. He says that more Arroyo loyalists will be arriving later from Pasay. He also says that they are not being paid and only received food, as they are voluntarily conducting the vigil for President Arroyo’s sake.
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4: 33 a.m.
Some people are already leaving the Edsa Shrine and going home to rest, as rally organizers try to decide whether to push through with the march to Malacañang.
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4: 28 a.m.
Activist-director Behn Cervantes says the People Power II rallyists should march to the Palace, even though Cardinal Sin has asked them to remain at the Edsa Shrine. He says the people are already psyched up. According to Cervantes, while some organizers are frightening the people with the possibility of violence, “everything that is good involves some risk.” He adds that since the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police have already sided with the people, they have nothing more to fear.
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4: 10 a.m.
In Mendiola, around 50 Arroyo loyalists are still staking out the area in front of Malacañang. A radio reporter says that some of them are carrying two-by-two wooden beams and steel pipes.
The reporter says that the pro-Arroyo group panicked earlier when a jeepney passed by, thinking that the anti-Estrada protesters had arrived. He says that the group clubbed the headlights of the jeepney before realizing their mistake.
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4: 01 a.m.
Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin has asked the people not to march yet to Malacañang. Sin has asked the People Power II rallyists to remain at the Edsa Shrine. In a radio interview, Boy Sevilla of the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kompil) II says that this was agreed upon in the Kompil II coordinating meeting. Some groups, however, want to march to the Palace.
A contingent of protesters is already in Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City. Rally organizers hope to come out with a decision later. Sevilla says that they should wait for the Mass to find out what Sin will say.
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3: 57 a.m.
Pangilinan says that the proposal to hold snap elections is a “cheap gimmick” of Mrs. Arroyo to hang on to power. He says that if something untoward happens because of the march to Malacañang, the blood will be on Mrs. Arroyo’s hands.
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3: 55 a.m.
Lawyer Persida Acosta says in a TV interview that the United Opposition is now finalizing the security measures for the People Power II march to Malacañang. He says that after holding a Mass, the protesters will march to the Palace.
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3: 20 a.m.
Joey “Pepe” Smith is performing onstage at the Edsa Shrine.
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2: 50 a.m.
Perez says that Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told them that the President wants five more days to explain his resignation to his family and friends. Perez adds that Mrs. Arroyo did not say that he would resign after five days, but will only use that time to consider if she should resign.
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2: 46 a.m.
Former Rep. Hernani Perez, a member of the three-man United Opposition negotiating team, says they were asking President Arroyo to resign before 6 a.m. In an interview with GMA News, he says they informed the President that some People Power II protesters from the Edsa Shrine were already marching to Malacañang even while they were negotiating. Perez says they were unable to prevent these protesters from marching before the 6 a.m. deadline.
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2: 38 a.m.
Magno says that while President Arroyo is asking for five more days, Vice President Noli de Castro cannot give this to him because civil society demands Mrs. Arroyo’s immediate resignation. He says the United Opposition has already informed Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita of the time of the People Power II march.
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2: 35 a.m.
A million people from the Edsa Shrine are ready to march to Malacañang after negotiations between the United Opposition and President Arroyo broke down, according to political analyst Alex Magno. In an interview with GMA News, Magno, spokesperson for the three-man negotiating team, says Mrs. Arroyo was asking for five more days to stay in office. He says that the President's officials have failed to convince Mrs. Arroyo to resign. He says that the Arroyo supporters in Malacañang include Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, Caloocan Rep. Luis "Baby" Asistio, Presidential Management Staff (PMS) chief Macel Fernandez, PMS assistant secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn. According to Magno, the People Power 2 rallyists will march to Malacañang at 8 a.m.
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2: 27 a.m.
Francis Magalona is singing onstage at the Edsa Shrine.
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2: 21 a.m.
Sen. Gregorio Honasan plans to make a public apology at the Edsa Shrine following his “No” vote at Tuesday’s impeachment trial.
He insists, though, that he made the right vote.
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1: 58 a.m.
Negotiations between the United Opposition and President Estrada have bogged down as the President insists that he will not resign. A radio station quoted the presidential adviser for political affairs Lito Banayo as saying that the President refuses to give in to the opposition’s demands. Banayo, together with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, is representing the President in the negotiations.
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1: 44 a.m.
Political analyst Alex Magno, a spokesperson for the United Opposition negotiating team, says in a radio interview that the three-man team is now in a closed-door meeting with Vice President Noli de Castro. After consultations, the team is supposed to return to Malacañang.
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1: 39 a.m.
After returning from Malacañang, the three-man negotiating panel is now in a meeting with the United Opposition leaders. In a radio interview, a United Opposition spokesman says “there has been no positive development.” The United Opposition is now discussing its next moves, which it will announce in a press conference later.
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1: 28 a.m.
In a TV interview, Health Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque III says that he will not resign. He says that he is not abandoning the President because Mrs. Arroyo was elected by the people.
Romualdez says that the President’s supporters include Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya, Jr., Sen. and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza. He says that unless Mrs. Arroyo resigns, Vice President Noli de Castro will take power by virtue of a military proclamation.
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1: 20 a.m.
Former Sen. Cesar Purisima, a member of the three-man United Opposition negotiating team, says that the Department of Foreign Affairs has recalled the Philippine ambassador to the US Ernesto Maceda.
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1: 13 a.m.
In a mini-press conference, Vice President Noli de Castro’s chief of staff Edwin Lacierda says the first order of the day is the turnover of the positions of all Arroyo Cabinet secretaries as well those who are next in line. Corona says the United Opposition negotiating panel reiterated the 6 a.m. deadline to President Arroyo.
Corona says de Castro also stressed that his administration will go all out against all forms of gambling. He adds that the de Castro administration will pursue the pending cases against Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson.
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1: 02 a.m.
Tens of thousands of people clap their hands and cheer as the Ouster Band sings “Wooly Booly” onstage at the Edsa Shrine.
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12: 58 a.m.
Radio station dzBB estimates that 1.8 million people are already at the Edsa Shrine.
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12: 30 a.m.
Former Sen. Rene Saguisag and Social Secretary Dulce Saguisag say that the family of President Arroyo, including First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and the President’s grandchildren, are with the embattled Chief Executive in Malacañang, according to radio reports. The United Opposition’s three-man negotiating team is already in the Palace. The opposition has already given its demands to the President.
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12: 18 a.m.
Around 100 pro-Arroyo demonstrators are still holding a vigil in Mendiola. This figure is based on Western Police District estimates.
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12: 11 a.m.
More people are arriving at the EDSA Shrine, as the People Power II rallyists continue their vigil and wait for the deadline for President Arroyo’s resignation.
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12:00 a.m. (Jan. 20)
An official at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) confirms that Estrada lawyer Estelito Mendoza and his family; businessman Jaime Dichaves and his family; and the family of Sen. Vicente Sotto III have left the country. In an interview with GMA TV news, Danilo Almeda, head supervisor of the NAIA immigration department, says he cannot confirm the rumor that Sen. Tessie Aquino-Oreta will fly out of the country tomorrow.
Almeda says that NAIA operations remain normal and stresses that they cannot stop passengers from leaving the country unless a court issues a hold-departure order.
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