ABS-CBN workers, supporters hold short protest ahead of Duterte’s SONA

Several ABS-CBN workers and supporters, led by the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines, on Monday morning held a short protest in front of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s fifth State of the Nation Address.

The individuals gathered on Mother Ignacia Avenue with their banners calling for press freedom, as seen in videos uploaded by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

They then trooped to the University of the Philippines Diliman to join the SONAgkaisa rally.

Earlier, several groups from different sectors also gathered at UP Diliman to stagr a protest action on the day of Duterte’s SONA.

According to a report by Darlene Cay on GMA News’ Unang Balita, the groups from the sectors of labor, transport, and education, among others, decided to participate in SONAgkaisa to highlight issues on health, livelihood, rights, and freedom.

Authorities have prohibited mass gatherings due to the threat of COVID-19 transmission.

However, they have allowed the conduct of SONAgkaisa inside UP Diliman in light of the freedom to peaceful assembly and academic freedom.

Protesters however have to follow health measures such as wearing face masks and social distancing. — BM, GMA News