Thousands of Protesters Rally to Demand Philippine Leader’s Exit
Police used water cannons and tear gas Wednesday to disperse thousands of protesters calling for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and other government leaders over corruption allegations.
Carrying red and white streamers, about 7,000 to 10,000 protesters from groups identified with disgraced former President Joseph Estrada snarled traffic and forced shops to close along Ayala Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Makati, Manila’s financial district.
Antiriot police used water hoses and tear gas on the demonstrators as darkness fell. The protesters had permits that allowed them to rally until 5 p.m.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
“Prevalent corruption in the regime has destroyed our democracy, has damaged our institution and has brought further sufferings to the masses,” one protest group said in a statement. It called for the ouster of Arroyo, Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide and other justices, as well as House Speaker Jose de Venecia.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
