Belmonte embarrassed over some lawmakers’ protest

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives Complex in Constitution Hills, Quezon City on Monday (July 27, 2015). Also in photo are House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon.(Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA – House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. was displeased and embarrassed with the demonstration of some lawmakers against President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III done inside the plenary hall.

“I think the mere fact that they saw that everybody were virtually so embarrassed by them I think that’s enough,” Belmonte said. “I was very embarrassed because they are all my people.”

The lawmakers, who belonged to the Makabayan bloc, protested against the President after he delivered his sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA). They held placards with the words ‘palpak’ (inefficient) and ‘manhid’ (insensitive) They also uttered ‘Walang pagbabago sa ilalim ni Aquino’ (There’s no change under Aquino’s [administration]).

“Alam niya naman kung ito eh…galing siya dito. Nakita naman niyang I was so pissed off by it (He understands this… He was from [the House of Representatives himself]. He saw I was so pissed off by it),” Belmonte said.

Seeing the demonstration, others in the venue showed support to Aquino by clapping even lauder for him. Senate President Franklin Drilon even booed at the lawmakers.

The lawmakers who protested were Act Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio, Anakpawis Representative Fernando Hicap, Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate, Gabriela Representative Luz Ilagan and Emmi De Jesus and Kabataan Representative Terry Ridon.