Cebu militants hold anti-Duterte rallies

CEBU CITY - At least 200 rallyists gathered in two key places here yesterday to express their dismay with the administration of President Duterte.

Members of Sanlakas first held a protest rally at Osmeña Boulevard and expressed their opposition to the planned construction of coal-fired plants in the country.

Members of Bayan and other militant groups, on the other hand, marched from the Cebu Provincial Capitol to Police Regional Office-Central Visayas Headquarters before holding a rally in downtown Colon Street.

Jaime Paglinawan, chairman of Bayan - Central Visayas, said the group is giving the Duterte administration a “two thumbs down” grade.

Paglinawan said the President has several promises that remain unfulfilled such as ending illegal contractualization.

Bayan also criticized Duterte for implementing the TRAIN law.

Paglinawan said the law caused prices of basic commodities to soar.

The militant groups also expressed their sentiments against the proposed shift to federalism.

Similar protests were also held in Toledo City, southern Cebu and in the northern town of Bantayan.

The series of protests were part of the country-wide United People’s SONA rally, Paglinawan said.