TOMORROW’S interfaith rally in Makati called in response to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ appeal for "communal action" is expected to ring with calls for regime change despite the CBCP decision the other day not to call for the resignation of President Aquino.

Fr. Joe Dizon of the Church-based Solidarity Philippines said while the rally is an ecumenical religious activity, organizers will not stand in the way of groups calling for Arroyo’s resignation.

"Allow me to say that 99.09 percent of this group is already calling for the resignation of Arroyo," Dizon said in a press conference. "We are just leaving some allowance for those who are not yet supporting the resign call."

Among the religious groups which expressed support for the rally are the Philippine Independent Church, the United Churches of Christ in the Philippines and Jesus Is Lord Movement of Eddie Villanueva.

Militants, the United Opposition, the Makati Business Club and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines are also joining the three-hour rally starting at 5 p.m. at Ayala avenue and Paseo de Roxas.

The National Capital Region Police Office said its 17,000-strong force will be on full alert starting at 6 a.m. today.

Metro Manila police chief Geary L. Barias said "we have not monitored any threat on that day but the move is just a preventive measure."

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said officials will see how many participants the organizers can muster for today’s rally.

Former CBCP president Archbishop Oscar Cruz said calls for Arroyo’s resignation are expected because the protesters cannot possibly be expected to demand that Arroyo stay in office.

"Sa Diyos na tayo humingi ng tulong laban sa mga patuloy na nagpapahirap, umaabuso at nangaapi sa atin. Kailangan natin ng kanyang tulong para sa katotohanan, katarungan at pagbabago," Cruz said. "Sama sama tayo sa pagdadasal para makamtan natin ang mga ito".

"There will be no restrictions in this gathering," Cruz said.

Independent Church Supreme Bishop Godofredo David said Arroyo should be made accountable.

"In the midst of this malady, we believe that the Filipino people must know the truth and assert justice. We believe that a presidency that compromises moral integrity and values of public service must be brought into accountability. It is immoral to tolerate a presidency that repeatedly betrays the Filipino people’s longing for good governance," said David in a statement.

The UCCP said only justice can root out the extensive culture of corruption.

"This brings to question Ms. Arroyo’s integrity and legitimacy as president. The people can no longer ignore the shameless greed, systemic corruption and blatant misuse of power by those whom the people have entrusted the governance of the country," said UCCP general secretary Bishop Eliezer Pascua.

Among the groups which have announced participation in the rally are the former Cabinet members of Arroyo collectively known as the Hyatt 10, the Black and White Movement and Bayan.

Supporters of Fernando Poe Jr. said they would also be joining the rally.

Makati Business Club executive director Alberto Lim urged businessmen to allow their employees to join the mass action in order to achieve genuine economic growth.

"We cannot build a strong economy based on lies and corruption. It is time for us to take a stand," Lim said.

IBP’s Feliciano Bautista said the lawyers are also one with the clerics in calling for truth and accountability.

"Para sa mga abogado, hindi natin dapat angkinin ang hindi atin. We encourage lawyers to stand to act versus corruption in this government," he said.

Villanueva said Malacañang should opt for a peaceful solution in the form of a snap election.

He also appealed to the military to "heed the Constitution and serve and protect the Filipino people and not only one family."

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez said "more and more are starting to become restless" because of the administration’s refusal to own responsibility to rampant corruption. – Gerard Naval, Raymond Africa and Job Realubit