Press Release
July 8, 2009

CHIZ: 7,000 COPS, SOLDIERS FOR SONA SHOWS PEOPLE'S
LOSS OF CONFIDENCE

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday said the planned deployment of around 7,000 policemen and soldiers to secure President Arroyo during her State of the Nation Address (SONA) shows the utter loss of people's confidence in her administration.

"This excessive deployment reeks of paranoia. It shows how this administration has lost the people's trust and confidence since it took power nine years ago," he said.

"On its last SONA, this administration will trumpet its accomplishments behind phalanx after phalanx of heavily armed security forces and armored vehicles," Escudero said.

Police and military authorities have revved up preparations for the July 27 event, and announced the deployment of thousands of policemen at the Batasang Pambansa and in traditional rally areas like Don Chino Roces Bridge (formerly Mendiola), EDSA Shrine and the US Embassy.

Escudero said that the administration should not be surprised at all at the thousands of protesters expected to stage demonstrations during the event considering its unpopularity and the dissatisfaction among the people.

"The people still remember Garci, Bolante, Abalos, and a host of other characters who were involved in controversies that have diminished us all," he said.

"Our only hope is for this administration to mend its ways, ensure clean and honest elections, and step down in 2010," Escudero said.

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