A smaller crowd attended the launch of the “VP Sara Coalition” by the Protect VP Sara Movement on Saturday, 22 February 2025, at Roxas Freedom Park in Davao City. The event aimed to support Vice President Sara Duterte and oppose President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “silent martial law.” Organizers, including lead convenor Boy dela Cruz, estimated around 1,000 attendees from 79 groups, representing senior citizens, youth, retired police personnel, indigenous people, and Moros. However, Davao City Police Office spokesperson Capt. Hazel Caballero Tuazon placed the crowd estimate at 200. Invited guests, such as Davao City Third District Rep. Isidro Ungab and lawyer Israelito Torreon, did not attend. The event began with a motorcade from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish to Roxas Freedom Park, followed by prayers, speeches, and chants of “Protect VP Sara Duterte.” Convenor Randy Usman urged Marcos Jr. to exit peacefully rather than face people power, while Tristan Digan emphasized the attendees’ voluntary participation. The rally ended at 7:46 pm after roughly three hours. This follows a previous indignation rally on 9 February, where organizers claimed 2,000 supporters protested the impeachment case against Duterte. A total of 240 House representatives have now endorsed the impeachment complaint, prompting Duterte to seek Supreme Court intervention to block the trial. House Secretary General Reginald Velasco stated the Senate has yet to convene as an impeachment court to address the matter. (Ian Carl Espinosa / MindaNews)
