Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Jessie Cruzat

ABS-CBN News

“Convict Sara now!”This was the repeated chant from various groups that staged protests outside the Senate on Monday, May 18.The first groups to march outside the Senate were the Power for People Coalition and the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates, carrying placards bearing their calls for accountability.Among the issues raised by the protesters was the need for the government to stop political infighting.The groups urged government officials to instead focus on the country’s pressing problems, including rising electricity rates, soaring prices of basic goods, and what they described as meager wages for workers.Some protesters also carried placards featuring the faces of senators with the word “kadiri” [disgusting] written across them. Others wore crocodile masks, which the groups said symbolized corrupt government officials.“Sa halip na unahin ang sikmura ng mamamayan, ang inuuna ay pag-aagawan sa kapangyarihan. ‘Yan ‘yong problema sa ating gobyerno. Palagi na lang ang interes nila at hindi ng interes ng taumbayan ang inuuna,” said Leody De Guzman, Chairman Emeritus of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino.“Dapat panagutin lahat kung kinakailangan. Hindi lang si [VP] Sara, hindi lang si [Senator] Cayetano, kundi ang buong Senado, si Marcos, kampo ni Marcos na magnanakaw, lahat sila ay panaguting lahat,” he added.Later in the afternoon, members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement also arrived outside the Senate.Although the two groups held separate programs near the Senate gate, both called for Vice President Sara Duterte to face trial and be held accountable.The groups also criticized Senator Ronald dela Rosa, calling him a “fugitive.”“Nakakagalit po na ang Senado sanctuary ng mga kurakot. Sanctuary ng mga berdugo. Tayo po andito para ipakita ang ating galit. Ipaalala sa mga senador na tayo ay nagbabantay. At pangatlo, ipanawagan ang pananagutan, kailangan may managot sa ating bayan,” said Mong Palatino, secretary general of BAYAN.“Nakakatawa po ‘yong ginagawa ni Senator Bato na ang laki-laki ng katawan na dapat siya ang role model, dahil siya ay naging PNP [chief]. Hindi gano’n ‘yong inaasahan naming tikas sa kanya. Katawa-tawa dahil tumatakbo, nagmamakaawa, nagmamakaawa na wag daw siyang dalhin sa The Hague. Nakakatawa na ‘yon po ang binoto natin,” said Giselle Albano of the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement.Meanwhile, supporters of Vice President Duterte also gathered outside the Senate, stressing she is innocent and free from corruption allegations.When asked why they opposed Duterte’s impeachment, supporters defended the vice president and her family.“Hindi pa ba ninyo nalalaman kung bakit ngayon, ayaw namin ng impeachment? Ngayon gusto n’yo pa ako tanungin? The same thing! I am tired of answering all those things. Sabi nila, ‘bakit ka andito?’ Hindi ba nila alam up to now? Bingi o bulag pa rin ba sila hanggang ngayon?” said Duterte supporter Marilyn Doctolero.“Ayaw namin ma-impeach si Sara dahil ‘yong tatay niya tinulungan kami. Napakawala naman kami konsensya na tinulungan kami nong nakaupo si President Digong,” another supporter, Elisa Señora, added, referring to former President Rodrigo Duterte.The protesters dispersed shortly after 5 p.m.Authorities reopened the northbound lane of Diokno Boulevard to motorists.

Some protesters also carried placards featuring the faces of senators with the word “kadiri” [disgusting] written across them.

Some protesters also carried placards featuring the faces of senators with the word “kadiri” [disgusting] written across them.

‘Convict Sara now!’ Protesters rally outside Senate, demand accountability

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‘Convict Sara now!’ Protesters rally outside Senate, demand accountability

Jessie Cruzat,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 18, 2026 08:31 PM PHT

Read More:

Sara Duterte

Senate

impeachment

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