Indignant Nation Rallyists flood the streets to protest Senate Ruling
by Kathryn J. Ycasiano
MANILA, Philippines, Jan. 17, 2001 — Candles illuminated the night. "Bayan Ko"
the national anthem of the opposition reverberated. Chants of "Erap Resign" rung
through the air as people from all walks of life congregated last night at the EDSA Shrine,
prodded on by text messages, calls and announcements on T.V. to stage a "People Power II."
This was in protest against the vote for the non-opening of the envelope that contained documents
on the P3.3 billion bank account of the President. Eleven senators at yesterday's impeachment trial voted
not to open the envelope. It was a very bleak scenario, a foresight on the Presidents acquittal by the same
senator-judges who voted to quash the motion to view the contents of the second envelope.
The prevalent sentiment of the people at the rally was one of indignation and disgust at the out come of
yesterdays trial. And hope that a concerted effort would sweep the nation into an awakening. Somehow all
these people, relics of 1986 People Power, and staunch believers of change have reawakened to the call for
the unobstruction of truth and for the prevalence of justice.
