Thousands of opposition supporters held their multi-sectoral rally in Makati City Wednesday to protest plans to amend the Constitution through Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass) before 2010 presidential elections.

The opposition leaders told the rally at the intersection of Ayala Ave. and Paseo de Roxas was a prelude to bigger rallies nationwide against the move which they said was designed to extend President Arroyo’s term in office which her supporters denied.

“We are just starting. More protests will follow, that we are sure. Unless the Con-Ass Resolution 1109 is withdrawn and Arroyo’s allies stand down, there will still be series of mass actions,” said Renato Reyes of Bayan, one of the rally leaders.

Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio said Wednesday's “parliament of the street” is a proof of the people’s opposition to Charter change.

Archbishop Oscar Cruz assailed the legislators who approved House Resolution 1109. Joining the Lingayen-Dagupan prelate were Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, and Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iniquez.

''Gloria has to step down. No to Cha-cha (Charter change),'' Sen. Mar Roxas, who is a declared presidentiable, told reporters as he led a column of marchers.

Senators Francis Escudero, Rodolfo Biazon, Benigno Aquino III, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, Richard Gordon and Jamby Madrigal were also at the rally.

But many also shunned the rally. Insurance company clerk Joanne Santos, 28, hurriedly left her office building and headed to the nearest shopping mall to watch a movie after being let out of work early.

''These rallies are tiresome. I know it's for a good reason but the ones behind it are all politicians,'' Santos said.

Bishop Cruz said that several prelates are also heading protests in their respective dioceses in solidarity with the rally staged in Makati City.

Also seen at the rally were former Senate President Franklin Drilon, former House Speaker and Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr., Anakbayan Reps. Risa Hontiveros and Walden Bello, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Liza Maza, Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano, Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

The Southern Police District Tactical Operations Center estimated the crowd at more than 5,000 but rally organizers claimed there were 21,000 participants during the peak of the demonstration.

The protesters started to march to Ayala Avenue as early as at 1 p.m. They were set to stay there until 8 p.m.

Among the organizations represented were the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP) , Makabansang Ekonomiya, Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO), Bangon Pilipinas, United Opposition (UNO), Filipinos for Peace, Justice and Progress Movement (FPJPM), Nationalista Party, Concerned Citizens’ Movement, Black and White Movement, Stop Cha-cha Coalition, Sanlakas, and Liberal Party, among others.

The rallyists carried placards and tarpaulins bearing messages such as “Kiss my Con-Ass”, “No to Con-Ass.”

De Venecia urged the public not to resort to extra-constitutional activities that would justify the declaration of martial law by the Arroyo Administration amidst the growing discontent on the government resulting from their continued attempt to push for charter change.

Detained Army Brig. General Danilo Lim reminded his fellow soldiers to uphold the fundamental law despite attempts from the government to institute changes in the 1987 Constitution that are primarily designed to extend their term in government positions.

“I have one challenge to my brothers in the Armed Forces: Follow the fundamental law, respect the Constitution and strengthen your resolve,’’ Lim said in speech read by his wife Mrs. Aloy Lim.

In the same speech, Lim reminded the officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to uphold the Constitution.

Sen. Pia Cayetano told the rallyists: “Back down and back off!”

Cayetano called on Malacanang to disown and condemn the brazen moves by administration allies in the House of Representatives to force Charter change through a Constituent Assembly or Con-Ass.

“Malacañang’s spokespersons have taken turns in defending the President, insisting that Mrs. Arroyo had no knowledge or blessing of the plot to force Con-Ass in the House. And yet she has not done anything to rein in her allies in Congress from pursuing their political adventurism,” said Cayetano.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan also joined the rally and the public clamor for the junking of the controversial House resolution.