7,000 cops to secure Makati, Manila rallies (By TJ Burgonio and Cynthia Balana)

Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (INQUIRER) - TRAFFIC will be rerouted. But to ensure that there will be no untoward incident, a total of 7,000 policemen will be deployed in Manila and Makati to secure the rallyists.

In Makati City, Chief Supt. Edgardo Aglipay, Metro Manila police chief, said that at 6 a.m. October 26, Sunday, the Ayala Avenue, from Herrera Street to Manila Peninsula on Makati Avenue will be closed to all vehicular traffic. Paseo de Roxas, from de la Rosa Street in front of Enterprise Center, Banco Filipino, and BPI Family will likewise be closed.

At 10 a.m. the entire stretch of Ayala to Rustans Buendia will be closed to all vehicular traffic.

The traffic re-routing plan will give way to participants to the pro-democracy rally. The participants will converge at the Ayala-Paseo de Roxas intersection for the main program which will start at 1 p.m.

Alternative routes will be designated by the Makati Parking Authority, Traffic Management Group-PNP, MAPSA, and the Ayala Security Force.

No parking for all vehicles along Ayala Avenue.

Rally organizers have been advised to police their own ranks.

No operation dikit or Operation pinta will be allowed within the Central Business District or the places where the buses are parked.

Another group policemen will be deployed to the Rizal Park to secure the expected mammoth crowd who will attend the DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International Family Appointment with El Shaddai - annual founding anniversary celebration of the Evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious movement Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide on October 25 to 27 in time for the five-day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines.

Chief Supt. Efren Fernandez, Manila police chief, said that some 1,000 policemen will come from the Western Police District while the rest were augmentation force from the National Capital Regional Police Office.

He added that an additional police force would be deployed in the area in case the crowd swells to 5 million. He also raised the red alert from 6 a.m. Saturday, October 25 up to 9 a.m., October 27, Monday.

“We're putting up our own security precautions because the crowd expected will be a bit big now compared to the other El Shaddai gatherings,” Fernandez said in another briefing.

Some 3 million people, consisting mostly of El Shaddai followers, are expected to attend the gathering.

President Benigno Aquino III and other government officials, Church leaders, foreign dignitaries and showbiz personalities are expected to show up at the celebration because Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva is also celebrating his birthday on October 6. Mr. Aquino is expected to address the rally at 5 p.m.

Fernandez downplayed reports that certain groups would bomb the gathering, saying this was a raw information that needed to be validated.

“At any rate we always adopt the principle of considering the worst-case scenario. We have incorporated that in our plan and we are prepared,” he said.

Fernandez pointed out that their main concern was traffic. “Some people will be coming from Manila and going to Makati and vice versa,” he said.

He however said that he was not implementing any re-routing in Manila, unless necessary.

“Initially, we feel that there's no need for re-routing. Our traffic plan is very flexible. Just in case there's a need for a re-routing, we have contingency plans for these,” he said.

Fernandez said the 58-heactre Rizal Park can accommodate 2 million people.

In Manila, both North and South bound lanes of Roxas Boulevard will be kept open to traffic despite the projected crowd of 2 to 3 million expected to attend the El Shaddai rally.

The T.M. Kalaw, P. Burgos, Calle Muralla, Bonifacio Drive, and the inner streets of the Port area were the designated parking zones.

Pope Francis will preside over the 6:45 p.m. thanksgiving Mass, which will be broadcast live on TV and video streamed to an audience of millions around the country and abroad.

Twelve giant LED screens mounted in the field will give participants a better view of the liturgical rites unfolding in the templete, an elevated concrete-and-bamboo structure.

In the 61-hectare site, a national park backfilled with dirt and limestone for the annual grand historic event, most of the participants will have to stand throughout the series of activities which start before noon with foot processions

Only vehicles with passes issued by the Archdiocese of Manila as well as shuttle buses which would ferry people to the site are allowed to enter the area.

President Benigno Aquino III and Vice-President Jejomar Binay are among several government officials, Church leaders, foreign dignitaries and showbiz personalities who will grace the event.

Expect tighter security in coming to the 61-heactre national park where the celebration will be held.

At 2 p.m., a fluvial procession along the Pasig River: from Guadalupe, Makati City to Intramuros, Manila will bring the image of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Saint Pedro Calungsod to the templete or little temple which houses the main altar.

An hour before the sea parade, 76 carrozas carrying patron saints of various parishes in Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Isabela, Cagayan, Batanes, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, Kalinga, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Aurora, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Samar, Leyte Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Bukidnon, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Camiguin, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Zamboanga City, Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will make their way to the venue.

“We are basically ready although there are still somethings that need fine-tuning,” Msgr. Dennis Villarojo, the overall chairman of the Cebu celebration for Calungsod’s sainthood, said.

He urged the people to make use of the celebration to get closer to the Lord.

“We should continue the spirit of penance and prayerful atmosphere so that we will be able to experience the spiritual fruits of the occasion,” Villarojo told Cebu Daily News.

“This is a celebration of the Eucharist. We should keep a solemn demeanor,” he added.

There will be no Masses in all parishes in 81 provinces from 12 noon onwards.

Anyone who can’t go to the Rizal Park can watch the thanksgiving Mass through GMA Channel 7 and other stations. Internet users can also log on to www.gmanews.tv  for a live streaming of the activities.

Radio stations will also broadcast the events live.

On site 12 giant LCD screens will be mounted in different parts of the vast field to allow the crowd to see at is going in the altar.

At least 20 golf carts and three electric cars from Mandaue City will transport the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Bishops who will be brought from the Manila Cathedral to the Quirino Grandstand through vans. The Hotel serves as their holding area before the Mass.

Although there are 12,000 monobloc chairs for guests, people are urged to bring their own portable chairs.

Sixteen medical stations can also be found in the venue. Each medical station has one standby ambulance. At least three firetrucks will also be stationed at the Rizal Park.

Portalets and comfort rooms are located at the sides of the templete.

In going to the SRP, people can take the free shuttle buses. Bus stops are located in front of the Talisay City Hall and a block away from the SRP tunnel.

Liturgy

The Holy Mass will start at 8 p.m.

It will be presided over by Pope Francis.

The 76-year-old Pope, who has been the leader of the Worldwide Roman Catholic Church, was requested by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma to lead the thanksgiving Mass.

Other than Palma Vidal, the other cardinals who will be present in today’s liturgy include Cardinal Angelo Amato, the prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints; Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle; Manila Archbishop Emeritus, and Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.

Agana, Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron; Most Rev. Giuseppe Pinto; the apostolic nuncio in the Philippines; and Rome-based priest, Fr. Fernando Rojo, the main postulator for Calungsod’s cause will also be around. Msgr. Villarojo said at least bishops, cardinals, deacons and around 10,000 priests have confirmed to attend the event.

During communion, Villarojo advised the people not to flock to the main altar.

“They should stay put until they see a communion distributor marked by umbrellas,” he said.

Villarojo said there are 2,000 communion distributors. Of the number 1,600 are lay ministers. They will be augmented by priests and nuns.

After the communion, Pinto, the papal nuncio, will deliver a message.

President Aquino, who sought the permission of the archdiocese so he can deliver his message to the Filipinos, will have to make his piece after the Mass.

Fr. Raul Gallego, chairperson of the committee on venue, urged the people to bring along radios, water, flashlights, food, candles, portable chairs, and umbrellas.

On the other hand, people are prohibited from bringing guns and bladed weapons.

After the Mass and the message of the president, a cultural presentation will be made. This will be participated in by Pasigarbo sa Sugbo contingents from Minglanilla, Talisay City, and Mandaue City. The Lumad Basakanon, who has reaped awards during the Sinulog festivities, will also be part of the presentation.

Dinner for the special guests will be served at the Manila Hotel.

Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s birthday pary world’s annual biggest and grandest

Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (INQUIRER) - “THEY will be shouting at Ayala while others will be praying at Luneta,” said El Shaddai founder and servant-leader Bro. Mike Velarde yesterday as he stood firm on his group's plan to hold a gathering to celebrate Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva on October 6 and the 36^th anniversary celebration of evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious group movement “Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide”, and pro-democracy rallies are set in Makati City and other cities nationwide in time for the pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines on October 26 to 27.

Asked if a change of schedule was possible in the interest of unity within the Catholic Church, Velarde said it was not, adding that a number of El Shaddai members from the provinces and all over the world were coming or had arrived for the gathering.

The birthday “party” at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila threatens to break records in terms of lavishness and numbers, what with the promised handaan (feast) of roast pig, chicken and calf, as well as the expected attendance of President Benigno Aquino III and his political allies, foreign dignitaries and show biz friends.

Velarde was in Malacañang yesterday, October 25. “I'm just going to check whether the appointment of the President with us--which is in the afternoon of Sunday--did not change,” he told reporters.

Asked if Mr. Aquino would be given the opportunity to deliver a speech on the administration’s proposed Charter amendments, he said: “I don't know what the President has in mind, but normally he gives his inspirational message and informs the people on what is happening in government.”

As of last night, there was no official word from Malacañang whether Mr. Aquino would attend the El Shaddai party for the anniversary celebration of rival religious group Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide in time for the pastoral visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines today.

But earlier, he said he would attend as he had done for the past years. The President is also scheduled to speak between 5:05 and 5:30 p.m. according to the El Shaddai program of activities.

Like the President, to whom he serves as spiritual adviser, Velarde is for amending the Constitution now.

Asked if there would be expressions of support for Charter change at the El Shaddai gathering, Velarde chuckled and said: “Why is our focus on Charter change?”

“I think we should look into positive changes, not only concerning our Charter, but you know, I have a different view.”

He added, still speaking in Taglish: ''Even if we change that Constitution repeatedly, if change does not occur in men's hearts, nothing will happen.

''So I think what we should look and pray for is a change within ourselves. All of us are involved--the media, the Church, the government, the ordinary people. We should all help in changing ourselves because we are the ones who will suffer.''

‘Perception’

“Our celebration will not be destructive… That is only the perception of observers,” Velarde said.

He appealed to journalists not to “color” their gathering, adding: “The results of (the Makati rally and the El Shaddai gathering) could be beneficial to us--they'll be shouting at Ayala while others will be praying in Luneta.”

Asked if the El Shaddai gathering would serve as a vehicle to promote Charter change, he said: “I have expressed my views that I am in favor of change.”

“Anything that is growing must experience change. In our country, we should open ourselves to change, but that change should benefit the majority.”

While he opposed the initiative of the Ramos administration to amend the Constitution, he believes that now is the “proper time” for the undertaking, he added.

Velarde also said the El Shaddai gathering would not be a rally but merely the annual celebration of the anniversary of evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious group Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Movement which coincides with the birthday celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva in time for the pastoral and state visit of the Pope here in the Philippines.

“Nothing political is involved in this celebration at the Luneta,” he said.

Asked if Imelda Marcos, widow of the strongman Ferdinand Marcos, was invited, he said: “Everybody's invited at the Luneta.”

Velarde readily obliged when asked if he had a message for those participating at the pro-democracy rally.

“We are all for the preservation of our freedoms,” he said.

“Let us give all the Filipinos the freedom to think, the freedom to express and the freedom to assemble. That is what democracy is all about.”

He also said a variety of opinions should be upheld, and that people should not be forced to hew to the views of others.

Comparisons

The El Shaddai celebration invites comparisons.

According to the 1998 Guinness Book of World Records, the world's biggest birthday party was attended by an estimated 35,000 people in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sept. 8, 1979.

It was held to celebrate the 89th birthday of Col. Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Would El Shaddai break this standing record?

Consider this: The crowd that attended El Shaddai 29^th anniversary celebration on Aug. 17-18, 2013 and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Movement 35^th Anniversary Celebration on October 27-28, 2013 was estimated at more than three million people.

The affair, at which Mr. Aquino and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. were present, was televised live nationwide via satellite on IBC-13.

El Shaddai is composed of two groups: the covenant (with 209,523 officially registered members) and the non-committed (estimated by the movement itself to number eight million).

With the numbers, how many lechon, etc. will Velarde need to feed the whole flock? More important, how much wills the feast cost him?

The INQUIRER checked prices at Jollibee, KFC, Chowking, McDonalds, Greenwich, Pizza Hut, Lydia's Lechon, Baliwag Lechon Manok and Andok's Lechon Manok.

These are the figures:

• Lechon baboy goes for P3,500 for a 12-kilo pig and P8,500 for a 42-kilo pig at Lydia's.
• Lechon baka costs P18,000 for a 60-kilo calf and P21,000 for a 70-kilo calf, also at Lydia's.
• Lechon manok is sold at P175 per kilo at Baliwag, and P170 per kilo at Andok's.

The size of the whole Rizal Park is about 528,833 square meters. According to planners of the National Parks and Development Committee of the Department of Tourism, a one-square-meter area can hold two persons. If tightly crammed, four persons can be squeezed in.

Assuming that Rizal Park has no structures, it can normally accommodate about 1,057,666 people (if tightly crammed, 2,115,332).

PNoy: My decision will not change (By Juliet Labog-Javellana, Philippine Daily INQUIRER)

Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (INQUIRER) - WHO'S afraid of the pro-democracy rally in Makati City?

Not President Benigno Aquino III, who declared yesterday that the rally and other mass actions nationwide would not make him stop pushing for Charter change, the case on Maguindanao Massacre, the crime rate in Metro Manila and the pork barrel scam and, he said, its resultant benefits for the people.

“Hindi rin po mababago ng ilan ang ating hangarin na mapaganda ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” he said in an interview with Bombo Radyo Philippines.

During the 45-minute interview, which was aired by 43 Bombo Radyo AM and PBS Radyo ng Bayan stations, the President was repeatedly asked whether he would change his mind in the face of nationwide protests against his administration's initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution.

“Hindi magbabago ang aking kapasyahan sapagkat ang aking pananaw ay… isa ito sa tanging solusyon para magkaroon tayo ng sapat na puhunan para mahango natin sa kahirapan ang ating mga kababayan (My decision will not change because in my view, this is one of the ways to secure sufficient funds to solve the problem of poverty),” he said.

Mr. Estrada said he would not be deterred by the rally to be led today by the pork barrel rallysts to protest Charter change, Marcos-style cronyism and threats to press freedom.

He pointed out that the Constitution needed amending in order to allow the Philippines to keep in step with the rest of the world.

“Hindi po ito makakapigil sa akin na pag-aralan ang mga nararapat na pagbabago sa ating Saligang Batas sa ngayon. Ang aking pananaw ay hindi na angkop ang ating Saligang Batas sa nagaganap sa ating mundo,” he said.

But over lunch in Malacañang, the President told foreign correspondents that he planned to meet with Aquino's group ''maybe after this rally,'' and ''especially at this point (when) we have just overcome our economic crisis.''

''So as not to break the momentum of our economic recovery, and for the sake and for the greater good of our people, I have to unite our people and talk to the leaders of the opposition party,'' he said.

Change of tune

The other day, Mr. Aquino urged Tagle to call off their rally, saying it was hurting the economy and the country's image abroad.

But he changed his tune yesterday when asked about his appeal.

''Kailan man, sa simula't simula ay hindi natin pinagbabawalan ang kanilang rally sapagkat nasa demokrasya tayo (Since the start I have never prevented them from holding their rally because we are in a democracy),'' he said.

The President also said he wanted to hear what the protesters would say, including the reasons behind their mass action (''At mabuti nga, tinitingnan natin kung ano ang sasabihin nila at may sarili silang dahilan kung bakit sila nagra-rally'').

He said he was not bothered by the rally, was not stopping anyone from attending it, and was in fact pleased that many people wanted to participate in discussions regarding Charter change.

“Malaya ang lahat na magbigay ng pahayag tungkol ditto (Everyone is free to air views on the issue),” he said.

Mr. Aquino recalled that Aquino and Sin fought against him (“nilabanan”) during the 2010 presidential elections.

“Kung ako po'y natakot sa kanila, hindi na po sana ako naging Pangulo. Pinatutunayan po natin na tama tayo (If I became afraid of them then, I would not have been President. This proves that I'm right),” he said.

He added that the people had nothing to fear about his proposed constitutional amendments as these would go through a lengthy process from the preparatory commission until the plebiscite.

He stressed that it would be the public who would have the last say.

Velarde

The President was asked by Ronil Peñaflor of Bombo Radyo ­Legazpi if he was “using” El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde, Jesus is Lord Church founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva, or vice versa.

In reply, Mr. Aquino said no one was being used by anyone. He pointed out that Velarde was his spiritual adviser and was helping him pray for the improvement of the state of the nation, and that Velarde had many projects for the poor.

He added: “Ang pakiusap ko po lamang ay sana ay tigilan na natin ang mga ganyang intriga. Magtrabaho na lang po tayo para sa ikauunlad ng bayan (My request is that this kind of intrigue be stopped. Let us just work for the good of the country).”

El Shaddai is celebrating Velarde's 75th birthday and El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International’s 30th anniversary at the Rizal Park last August 23-24 while Jesus is Lord Church is celebrating founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s 81^st birthday on October 6 and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide’s 36^th anniversary today at the Rizal Park on October 26-27, as part of the five-day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines.

Peñaflor observed that while the Catholic Church had been split by the Charter change issue, Velarde had been enjoying a close relationship with the President (“Kapansin­pansin na masyado kayong malapit kay Bro. Mike Velarde”).

Peñaflor cited the 45­day reprieve that the President granted a death convict upon Velarde's request.

The President reiterated that his main reason for going to the El Shaddai gathering was to extend belated birthday greetings to Jesus is Lord Church founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva; he is celebrating his birthday on Monday, October 6.

He said that should he be given the opportunity, he would speak before the gathering to discuss his plans for Charter change.

Aquino

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma and an officer of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines confirmed that the President would meet with Aquino and company.

“Yes. I think that's going to be after (the rally). The rally is going to be held tomorrow. I don't think there's time (to set up the meeting earlier),'' Reyes said.

Focap board member Arthur Bariuad said: “(The President) said he is willing to talk to the group of Cory after the rally . . . He also wants to hear the issues they are going to present.''

Velarde and Villanueva himself said he was willing to broker talks between Tagle and Mr. Aquino.

“I am trying my very best… so that everyone will be able to reach an understanding,'' he said when asked if he was willing to arrange a meeting.

Asked if he had initiated anything, he said: “Nothing yet. I will try.” With a report from Martin P. Marfil

It's countrywide, not just in Ayala (By the PDI Bureaus)

Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (INQUIRER) - NATIONWIDE outrage over President Benigno Aquino III’s plan to change the Constitution, Marcos-style cronyism, to scrap the pork barrel and perceived threats to press freedom erupts today in Church-led street rallies in big cities and towns all over the country.

In Cebu, police units have been on red alert since noon yesterday to ensure that the “freedom march” at the Fuente Osmeña oval will be peaceful.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said he was not worried that trouble might erupt today as he expected the gathering to be peaceful.

“I have more faith in the Cebuano people. In Manila, I do not know. But here, I have more faith, after all we are on the same island,” he said in an earlier interview.

A small plane piloted by Capt. Pantaleon del Rosario, a businessman, is expected to “rain” aerofetti and confetti on the rally this afternoon.

“It's symbolic. It would show that the people are ready to oppose any Charter change on land, sea and air,” said Vicente Balbuena, chair of the Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya in Cebu.

Among those expected to join the rally are members of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, Sugbuanong Pagpakabana and the Basic Ecclesial Communities from Cebu City.

In Negros, thousands of people will march today to rally sites in Kabankalan and San Carlos cities in the morning and in Bacolod and Dumaguete cities in the afternoon.

“People's camps” were set up yesterday afternoon on Magsaysay, Araneta, B.S. Aquino and Lacson streets in Bacolod.

Almost a hundred persons lighted torches and candles at the two rally sites “for press freedom.”

Fr. Greg Patino, Bacolod Diocese Social Action Center director, said about 100,000 people was expected to attend the rally in Bacolod.

He urged the participants not to be deterred even by possible rain. If Charter change is not stopped, he said, ''what will hit the country will be worse than a storm and the earthquake in Turkey.''

Protestants

In Iloilo, the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC), an umbrella of 763 Protestant churches in the country, called on Mr. Aquino III to give dignity to his office by upholding press freedom.

In a statement, the CPBC asked the President to be transparent and allow the press to look into all dealings, decisions and transactions of the government.

In Aklan, Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes called on the faithful to attend the rally at Pastrana Park in the capital town of Kalibo this afternoon.

Reyes said he was displeased over the decision of Bro. Mike Velarde, founder and servant-leader of the El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International Roman Catholic Charismatic Religious Renewal Movement, to hold the birthday celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva and the annual founding anniversary celebration of the Evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious group Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide movement simultaneous with the pro-democracy rally being initiated by actvisits in Makati City in time for the five-day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines on October 25 to 27.

Reyes said Velarde and Villanueva, as members of the Roman Catholic Church, should have at least shown some respect to the Manila archbishop.

In Tagbilaran City, Msgr. Leonardo Y. Medroso, bishop of Tagbilaran, said a symposium on Charter change would be held at the St. Joseph Cathedral.

Tumulak, who leads the People Resist Cha-cha Movement, said City Vice-Mayor Toto Veloso, Msgr. Antonieto Cabahug and a still unnamed priest would speak during the forum.

More militant groups are expected to mount a demonstration.

Davao City

In Davao City, the Davao Archdiocese and militant groups rejected calls by Mr. Aquino to call off today's rally as they hit back at the President for blaming anti-Charter change advocates for the recent economic jitters.

Fr. Leonardo Dublan, Davao Archdiocese Social Action Center director, said that for as long as President Benigno Aquino III would insist on amending the Constitution, mass actions would go on.

Today's rally will serve as a “grand opening salvo” for more protest activities if the Aquino III administration refuses to heed the clamor against Charter change, the Maguindanao Massacre case and the pork barrel fund scam, he said.

Glen Amoroso, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Davao, said Mr. Aquino’s request to call off the rally was a sign that he was getting “nervous and worried” about the impact of the growing public outcry.

On Thursday night, some 800 students from seven universities and colleges lighted candles at the Freedom Park in Davao City. They later held a “Torch Parade for Freedom” on the main streets.

In Koronadal, a newly formed multisectoral group, called the South Cotabato People's Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy, will lead today's rally.

Alliance chair Peter Jabido said they expected up to 10,000 people from 11 towns to converge downtown.

''Today is just a beginning of the series of protest actions to be spearheaded by the multisectoral alliance to preserve the gains of Edsa and to resist anti-people policies of the Aquino administration,” Jabido said.

A rally will also be held in General Santos City, starting at 9 a.m.

In Mati, Davao Oriental, anti-Charter change groups vowed to intensify their protests.

Bishop Patricio Alo said they would drum up support for their campaign through the Church-run radio station dxBM, the pulpit and the streets.

Resolutions

The provincial board is also planning to adopt a resolution condemning Mr. Aquino’s plan to rewrite the Charter, repression of the critical press and cronyism, according to board member Anaclito Macatabog.

A similar resolution is being studied by the municipal council of Mati, said Councilor Eric Albao.

In Digos, Davao del Sur, the Democratic Initiative for Strengthening the Constitution and Against Resurging Dictatorship said the only way today's rally at 1 p.m. would be called off is for Mr. Aquino III to forget Charter change.

“He may employ all sorts of dirty tactics, including disruptions, but these will not prevent the people from expressing their opposition to the Cha-cha and pork barrel,” Antonio Navidad, Discord chair, said.

Transportation is expected to be paralyzed starting at 5 a.m. as tricycle drivers also promised to join the rally.

Simplicia Delada, spokesperson of Cause-DS, said the federation of tricycle drivers and operators pledged to stop plying their routes in sympathy with the anti-Charter change ralliers.

Bishop Generoso Camiña appealed to the public to attend the rally.

In Iligan City, a torch parade was held last night by the Ranao Tri-people Movement for Genuine Peace and Development, an alliance of government organizations and people's organizations, according to its chairperson Adona Orquillas.

Iligan Bishop Emilio Bataclan said the protest march in the city would start at 2 p.m.

Western Mindanao

In Pagadian City, rally organizers said they expected 20,000 people to converge in the city from various places in Western Mindanao.

Eugene Velez, chair of Alyansang Makabayan for Western Mindanao, said they anticipated some 20,000 people to join.

Rallies will also be held in Ozamiz, Dipolog, Oroquieta and Zamboanga cities and in Ipil, Zamboanga del Sur, Velez said.

In Bicol, church and multisectoral group leaders yesterday firmed up their plans for today's protest rallies.

Fr. Jovic Lobrigo, Social Action Center head, said some 10,000 people from 40 church-based groups, people's and nongovernment organizations would attend the rally at the Freedom Park in Legazpi City.

Called “Marcha-Bicol” (Movement against Revision of the Charter-Bicol), the protest action will also be joined in by groups from Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Camarines Sur, Lobrigo said.

The participants will include bishops, priests, lay leaders, students, and leaders of militant groups in the region.

Church-led groups will be holding a “Solidarity” rally in Daet, Camarines Norte.

The protest march in Legazpi will start at the Ninoy Aquino Park in Daraga town, Redemptorist Compound in Barangay Gogon and the St. Raphael Church.

Pangasinan

In Pangasinan, in lieu of a protest rally, church bells will ring at 3 p.m. on Sunday to call everyone to prayer, said Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said central Pangasinan is “not rally and demonstration-conscious.”

He said that in deference to Pangasinenses, especially those in central Pangasinan, he had issued a pastoral letter calling Catholic faithful to pray as a show of concern over the issues raised during the rally.

In the circular letter to be read on October 27 and 28, Cruz urged everyone “to pray for our country, for its unity and peace, for its progress and prosperity under the rule of democracy.”

In Isabela, Catholic priests and devotees described the Charter change as an “outright oppression, morally wrong and should be rejected.”

The Roman Catholic Territorial Diocese of Ilagan said changing the Constitution at this time would affect Filipinos adversely.

Its pastoral letter, which will be read during Masses on Sunday, said Mr. Aquino’s plans would make the rich richer and the poor poorer.

Members of the Catholic clergy and laity from Olongapo City and Zambales will join the rally in Makati City.

Fr. Alberto Avenido, social action director of the diocese of Iba, said Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez has issued a circular urging the Catholic clergy and lay people in the province to be ''patriotic in these trying times'' and oppose Charter change.

Baguio City

In Baguio City, officials of the Cordillera police assigned about 200 police officers to secure the parade grounds of the Burnham Park in Baguio City, where close to 2,000 persons are expected to rally today.

“I have been monitoring a signature campaign being conducted by students and this appeared to be the figure they are expecting to march today (Aug. 20). But we are certain the rally will not be too disruptive,” Chief Supt. Renato Paredes, Cordillera police director, said.

Members of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines and the League of Filipino Students in the city had gathered 1,200 signatures of people who are against Mr. Aquino’s plan to change the Constitution.

A member of the Baguio Colleges Foundation's Paralegal Volunteers Organization said students from seven colleges and universities in the city will be represented in today's march.

A CEGP candlelight ceremony to protest threats to press freedom was held last night on Session Road. Tonton Antocop, Froilan Gallardo, Carla P. Gomez, Nereo C. Lujan, Odon S. Bandiola and Chito A. Fuentes, PDI Visayas Bureau; Jowel F. Canuday, Aquiles Z. Zonio, Ferdinand O. Zuasola, Allan A. Nawal and Bobby Timonera, PDI Mindanao Bureau; Rey Nasol, PDI Southern Luzon Bureau; Catherine Aquino, Villamor Visaya Jr. and Vincent Cabreza, PDI Northern Luzon Bureau; and Henry Empeño, PDI Central Luzon Desk

International Broadcasters of the Papal Visit 2014

The Catholic Bishops Conference of The Philippines has appointed GMA-7 as the official television carrier for the event. The coverage will be live. (No commercials. Can you imagine asking the Pope to pause for commercial breaks! Other television networks may apply for limited rights such as hook-ups. There will be a Broadcast Center to facilitate all other media organization and their requirements.)
When GMA won the bid they also carry the responsibility of providing full coverage of the events. This will mean huge investments in equipment, man-hours and other resources. Also, a substantial portion of the revenues that they will be able to raise from sponsors of their coverage, will help pay for the many expenses expected by CBCP as hosts of the two significant events. GMA will put into effect the most comprehensive live coverage of the Papal Visit and Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Festival 2014 activities with more than 40 hours of live broadcast and specials.
GMA has assembled an army of over 450 production and news specialists together with over 10 remote broadcast teams to simultaneously cover all the sites of the Pope's appearance.
GMA broadcasts live coverages pre-empting regular programming beginning October 23 with the Pontiff's arrival at 2:00 p.m.
On October 24, the live coverage of his courtesy visit to Malacanang airs at 9:00 A.M. and the Pope's special message airs at 5 p.m.
On day three of the Papal visit (October 25), the live coverage of the Quadrennial Mass airs at 8:00 A.M. and the Sapphire Jubilee Annual Founding Anniversary Celebration of Radio Veritas Asia and the 36th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) at 4:00 P.M. Televiewers will see the Pope and the residents together at the Youth Vigil.
On October 26, the live coverage of the Founding Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide airs at 8:00 a.m. A statement, prepared by the leaders of the International Youth Forum, will be presented during the Holy Mass.
Finally, on October 27, televiewers will see Pope Francis' departure for Papua New Guinea at 8:00 A.M. The Marathon Papal coverages will be anchored by broadcast journalists Malou Mangahas and Cheche Lazaro, plus the pool of GMA Radio and Television reporters stationed at various points all over Manila
International broadcasters are:

1. Albania: RTV21
2. Australia: Seven Network
3.  Austria: TW1
4.  Argentina: América 2
5.  Bahamas: ZNS-TV
6.  Bermuda: ZBM-TV
7.  Belgium: Star!
8.  Bolivia: Unitel
9.  Brazil: Rede Globo
10.  Brunei: RTB1
11.  Bulgaria: BNT 1
12.  Canada: CBC Television
13.  Chile: TVN
14.  China: CCTV-1
15.  Colombia: Canal A
16.  Costa Rica: Teletica
17.  Cyprus: Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation
18.  Denmark: Star! Scandinavia and Showtime Scandinavia
19.  Dominican Republic: Color Vision
20.  Ecuador: Ecuavisa
21.  Egypt: MBC3
22.  El Salvador: TCS
23.  Estonia: Star! and Viasat Baltics
24.  Finland: MTV3, Star! Scandinavia and Showtime Scandinavia
25.  France: Paris Première
26.  Germany: Das Vierte (German)
27.  Greece: ANT1
28.  Honduras: Canal 11
29.  Hong Kong: TVB Pearl
30.  Hungary: m1
31.  Iceland: Star! Scandinavia and Showtime Scandinavia
32.  India: DD National
33.  Indonesia: Indosiar (Indonesian)
34.  Ireland: RTE One
35.  Israel: Arutz 2
36.  Italy: Rai Uno
37.  Jamaica: Ination TV
38.  Japan: NHK
39.  South Korea: KBS1
40.  Latvia: Star! and Viasat Baltics
41.  Lebanon: LBC and MBC3
42.  Malaysia: TV1, TV2
43.  Republic of Malta: TVM
44.  Mexico: Canal de las Estrellas (XEW-TV)
45.  Myanmar: TV Myanmar
46.  Namibia: NBC
47.  Netherlands: Star!
48.  Nicaragua: Televicentro
49.  Norway: TV2
50.  Pakistan: PTV Home
51.  Panama: Telemetro
52.  Peru: ATV
53.  Philippines: GMA Network
54.  Poland: TVP2
55.  Portugal: RTP1
56.  Puerto Rico: WAPA-TV
57.  Romania: TVR1
58.  Russia: C1R (Russian)
59.  Singapore: MediaCorp Channel 5
60.  Spain: TVE1
61.  Serbia: RTS
62.  Sweden: Star! Scandinavia and Showtime Scandinavia
63.   Switzerland: SF 1
64.  Taiwan R.O.C.: CTS
65.  Thailand: Channel 7 (Thailand) (Thai)
66.  Trinidad and Tobago: CCN TV6
67.  Turkey: NTV
68.  Ukraine: UT1
69.  United Arab Emirates: MBC3
70.  United Kingdom: BBC One
71. United States: NBC
72.  Venezuela: Venevisión
73.  Vietnam: VTV1 (Vietnamese)

“Tough job ahead for GMA-7” (Scenes by Norma Japitana)

As the war of the two channels heats up even the coverage of the Pope’s visit becomes a contention. “Mel and Jay”, a popular radio and television show on Channel 2 practically lambasted the people behind the granting of the exclusive coverage of the Papal Visit to Channel 7 at a recent program.

Some excerpts from that show:

Jay Sonza - Can you now franchise a coverage? A News coverage?

Mel Tiangco - Ang aming prinsipyo ay simple lang. We are a diversified multi-media company at tungkulin namin sa bayan na ihatid ang mga pangyayari at mga balita. 'yan lamang naman ko ang prinsipyo ng aming kumpanya.
Jay Sonza - Nakalimutan siguro ang Simbahang Katoliko na Protesante at ang PLDT ang may-ari ng GMA.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19950110&printsec=frontpage&hl=en