Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said on Friday several militant organizations are planning to hold a protest during the fifth State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte with the theme on COVID-19 and the “veerus” in Malacañang.

Almost 30 other militant groups representing the sectors of labor, transportation, farmers and fisherfolks, youth, environment, and indigenous peoples, among others, have pledged solidarity for the nationwide SONAgkaisa movement.

“Kung last SONA parang dagat ng West Philippine Sea ang tema natin, at noong June 12 naman ay mañanita na may birthday cakes at Voltes 5 ang visual theme, sa SONA naman po ay may kaugnayan sa COVID-19, sa ‘veerus’ sa Malacanang at sa pandemya ng kapabayaan at kawalang malasakit,” Reyes said in a virtual SONAgkaisa press conference.

“Sa mga dadalo, please come in your COVID-inspired attire at ipakita natin ang ating sama-samang paninindigan,” he added.

Reyes did not state where exactly the protest will be held, but Bayan’s protest actions can be expected somewhere in Quezon City.

Reyes said  that the protests would be feisty while still observing minimum health standards to prevent the transmission on COVID-19.

Aside from the COVID-19 issue, they also share united calls against the anti-terror law and the closure of ABS-CBN Corporation.

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, an opposition lawmaker and president of the Liberal Party, also joined the cause.

“Ito ay napakalawak na pagkakaisa. Ang paniwala ko ay huling beses nagkaroon ng ganitong kalawak na pagkakaisa noong 1999 o year 2000,” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan emphasized that it is the right for the people to voice out their grievances so that it could be addressed by the government.

“‘Pag nakita nila ang galit at poot ng mamamayang naninindigan, eh ‘yung mga kakulangan ay mapupwersa silang kumilos. ‘Yun ang pangunahin nating layunin dito,” Pangilinan said.

Human rights lawyers  also committed to be on “full force” and guard against possible arrests during the SONA protests.

Duterte will be delivering this year’s SONA at the Batasang Pambansa, according to Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Thursday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque  said it is still uncertain whether Duterte will be physically present at the venue or not./Stacy Ang