Video by INQUIRER.net’s RYAN LEAGOGO
MANILA, Philippines—Expressing “disgust” toward President Benigno Aquino III, protesters set ablaze a “Noynoy Puppetnoid” effigy in Mendiola Thursday, Labor Day.
Protesters burn an effigy of President Benigno Aquino III on Labor Day for being a “robot of US imperialism”. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
The 11-foot tall giant paper maché of the President was torched by militant leaders, who include transportation group leader George San Mateo and women’s group leader Liza Maza.
Designed by UgatLahi Artist Collective, the effigy was dubbed the “Noynoy Puppetnoid, robot of United States Imperialism.”
Crisanto de Leon, UgatLahi chairman, told INQUIRER.net that the concept and message of the effigy was “simple”– the President was a mere puppet of the US.
Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
“We are disgusted. The effigy is a physical representation of what Noynoy [President Benigno Aquino III’s monicker] has been doing to cause the sufferings of the people,” De Leon said.
The group of artists, according to De Leon, through the effigy, would like to show their support for the laborers.
“Bilang artist, nararamdaman din namin na tumataas yung kuryente at pamasahe [Even as artists, we also feel the increase in the cost of electricity and transportation],” he said.
As of posting time, several groups are still gathered in front of the historic Mendiola Peace Arch.
Police said the rallyists in total were estimated to be around 3,500.
RELATED STORIES
How much has minimum wage increased under Aquino’s gov’t?
More groups join Labor Day rally to demand higher pay
Why this worker can’t give up the fight