Around 500 members of militant groups in Cebu will hold mass actions during today’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno Aquino 111 to call the attention of the Aquino administration on various issues which were neglected by his predecessor.

Dennis Abarientos, president of Karapatan, said they would hold a mass gathering with multisectoral respresentatives from the farmers, fisherfolks, urban poor and the labor sectors.

But he clarified that today's activity is not a protest against Aquino but of the ongoing political situation on the country.

“We want to hear about what he did not mention in his inagural speech,” Abarientos said. He said that Aquino did not clarify his plan to reduce militarization and address the unresolved killings of activists. He said that there are currently nine political prisoners in Region 7.

They also wanted to see Aquino's firm intention to file graft and corruption case and violation of human rights against former President Macapagal Arroyo.

He said they would also reiterate their demand for the pullout of the 78th infantry batallion from Balamban. He said there was no need for a strong military presence in Cebu since the province has already been declared insurgent free.

They also called for the nationalization of the oil and power industries to sustain affordable supply in the country, and the continuation of peace talks with armed groups in Mindanao.

He said they would also ask for a review of the agrarian reform and for the resolution of the Hacienda Luisita massacre case where Aquino's family are part-owners.

“This is not a personal attack against the President, but part of seeking justice for the victims of the last administration,” Abarientos said.

Kyle Tumbiga, president of the Laegue of the Filipino Students Cebu Chapter, said they would also call for a stop to tuition increases and for the government to provide quality and affordable education.

“We also wanted to remind the new president of his promises on what he will prioritize for his administration. We hope that he will keep his word,” Tumbiga said.

Militant groups will assemble at Fuente Circle from where they would march to downtown Colon up to the Malacanang sa Sugbo. Representatives from the farmers, fisherfolks and urban poor among others will give speeches on their demands for the new administration.

Abarientos said they would monitor Aquino's Sona through the internet.

Abarientos said their march would end at Malacanang sa Sugbo to show that their protest was brought by the injustice on the Arroyo administration.

The Malacanang sa Sugbo was built by Arroyo to show her appreciation for the overwhelming support given to her by Cebuanos in the 2004 elections.

Jaime Paglinawan, regional chairman of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said they would challenge Aquino to address issues which include justice, rights, livelihood and freedom which were all neglected during the Arroyo administration.

Paglinawan said they would also call on the Aquino administration to stop the political and extrajudicial killings, which targeted the militant leaders, and give justice to all the victims.

They will also call for a stop of the Oplan Bantay Laya of the military, which also targeted them.

Bayan is pushing for the P125 legislated wage increase.

Paglinawan said they are hoping this will be granted under the new regime.

Paglinawan said they are also calling for the repeal of the oil deregulation law and all agreements with other countries like the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Paglinawan said their rally will be peaceful and will start at 10 a.m. at the Fuente Osmena going to Colon st., where a short program will be held.

He said they expect the Sona to focus on how the Arroyo administration wasted the government’s coffers and the anomalous deals of the previous administration.

But he said they hope Aquino would make good on his promise to put Arroyo and other corrupt officials in jail.

The Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) and Akbayan will also hold a lightning rally from Sto. Rosario church to Colon St at 9 a.m.

Joe Tomongha, APL chair for the Visayas, said they would ask President Aquino to implement all his promises in the campaign and in his inaugural speech.

They will also call the recall of all the estimated 700 midnight appointees of Arroyo, to create jobs for the unemployed, scrap the contractualization law so workers will have security of tenure, among others.

Officials in Cebu City, however, do not expect too much from the first Sona of Aquino.

“I am not expecting anything as usual in the past Sona (of the previous presidents). It would be a down moment if you have a lot of expectation and you don’t see it happening,” Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said.

As a member of the Liberal Party, Rama only wishes that Aquino would have the discernment to act for what is good for the country especially that it is his first time to hold an executive position. /WITH MARIAN Z. CODILLA AND INQUIRER