Protests disrupt life in Philippines

Filipino protesters pull a large effigy of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III looming over a smaller effigy of his predecessor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, during a demonstration in Quezon City, east of Manila, Philippines. Aquino is set to deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 26 July, as activists hold demonstrations calling for the prosecution of Gloria Arroyo for alleged human rights violations and acts of corruption during her nine-year presidency. (EPA)
Newly elected Philippine congressman and world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao yawns during the opening ceremony of the 15th Philippine Congress in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III will outline his political agenda when Congress sits on Monday for the first time since the May election, and analysts hope he uses the platform to move beyond his campaign rhetoric. (REUTERS)
An effigy of Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is paraded by protesters as they march towards the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Aquino will outline his political agenda when Congress sits on Monday for the first time since the May election, and analysts hope he uses the platform to move beyond his campaign rhetoric. (REUTERS)
Filipino workers put up a logo of the House of Representatives in Quezon City, east of Manila, Philippines. President Benigno Aquino III, son of the late president Corazon Aquino, is set to deliver on 26 July his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) to the country at the House of Representatives at the opening of the 15th Congress less than a month since taking his oath of office. (EPA)
Filipino protesters release pigeons in a symbolic call for the freedom of political prisoners during a demonstration in Quezon City, east of Manila, Philippines. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III is set to deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) as activists hold demonstrations calling for the prosecution of his predecessor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for alleged human rights violations and acts of corruption during her nine-year presidency. (EPA)
Former Philippine First Lady and Congresswoman Imelda Marcos talks to colleagues during the opening of the 15th Philippine congress in Quezon city, Metro Manila. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III will outline his political agenda when Congress sits on Monday for the first time since the May election, and analysts hope he uses the platform to move beyond his campaign rhetoric. (REUTERS)
Army troopers march in honor of the new Philippine Army chief Lt.Gen. Arturo Ortiz (unseen) during the turnover of command ceremony at Fort Bonifacio parade grounds, south of Manila in the Philippines. In addressing the troops, President Benigno Aquino III, whose late mother Corazon Aquino survived seven coup attempts during her term as President, expressed confidence no more coup attempts will be carried out during his administration. (AP)
Activists pull an effigy of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III as they march towards the House of Representatives, where Aquino is set to deliver his first State of the Nation Address in suburban Quezon City, north of Manila, Philippines. Protesters are calling on Aquino to prosecute former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and stop political killings. (AP)