11 solons to skip Sona, join protests

Eight militant party list lawmakers also left the chamber simultaneously to listen to the “true Sona” of the people in the streets. They are Satur Ocampo, Teodoro Casiño and Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna; Liza Maza and Luz Ilagan of Gabriela; Rafael Mariano and Joel Maglunsod of Anakppawis; and Raymond Palatino of Kabataan.

The lawmakers are also protesting moves by Arroyo’s allies in the House to push for the convening of the constituent assembly even without the Senate participation to amend the Constitution.

Maza said she would not participate “in weaving Con-Ass (constituent assembly) or listening to her windbags of deception.”

“The real state of the nation, with most Filipinos suffering from poverty, will never be discussed within the red carpet hallways of Batasan nor it will be exemplified by Arroyo’s own list of so-called achievements and legacy,” Maza said in a statement.